Dear Friends,

I am happy to present this topic on the “formation of the SVD Lay partners.” Indeed, joy overwhelms me by seeing the various lay partners groups which have emerged in the last few years and their active involvement in missionary activities – dynamic and animated groups all over the world.

Just being a Catholic is not sufficient; one needs to have some preparation to be a lay partner. Being aware of the richness of lay partners is helpful but being a member is upright. A desire to be an SVD lay partner is good but not sufficient; being part of a lay group in your province/region/mission is wonderful but it is not cherishing the fullness; joining with others in prayer is great but more could be done. What is it? That is formation. Formation of the lay partners helps me to understand why I am an SVD lay partner and why I get involved with the charism of the Arnoldus Family. Formation gives a basic foundation of being a lay partner.

Formation is the process of reflecting on experiences which invite and challenge one to continue the journey towards becoming members of the Arnoldus Family. The Spirit allows one to see this formative journey as a dialogue with God and with St. Arnold Janssen. Sensitivity to the ongoing experiences of one’s pilgrim journey contributes to the understanding of the current human context and to recognize the action of the Spirit in the world.

Formation is for mission, it is transformative, it is for an individual and also to strengthen a group or community; it deepens our faith, knowledge of the Bible, and importantly to cherish the spirituality and charisms of the Arnoldus Family. Formation helps to be united with Christ, the Society of the Divine Word and the Church, and to respond to local and global needs.

Formation is integrative. Thus, it contains spiritual, doctrinal and human formation; social conscience, Christian values, and the skills necessary for the lay faithful’s apostolic activities.

Therefore, first promote lay partners and take the necessary steps to have formation programs systematically arranged with the above characteristics. Membership in a group gives strength, vitality and energy. Other than having formal classes, seminars and workshops, immersion experiences in missionary activities and reflection and sharing on these experiences are helpful.

Bible sharing or faith sharing with the group members, having prayer sessions and Eucharistic celebrations are important. The significant aspects of formation include: prepare a formation manual, fix a period for initial formation, set rules for membership, arrange apostolic activities, and continue with ongoing formation.

Create a synergy among the members and the SVD confreres. Build relationships with lay partners and confreres. Certainly, one will appreciate the amazing work of the Spirit in this effort. A few groups have already initiated the formation programs, let all of us promote the formation of lay partners.