The Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn has embarked on a bold plan to strengthen evangelisation and formation.

After more than a year of planning and preparation, the Archdiocesan Institute for Synodal Evangelisation was officially launched in March.

“The Institute is a space for adult faith formation, with a focus on the foundations of the Catholic faith,” Institute coordinator Crystal Lavien said.

“Its vision is to call, inform and send a new generation of missionary disciples. We want it to be a place where people from all backgrounds can deepen their understanding of evangelisation, discern their gifts, and find their role in the Church.

“Our hope is that the Institute becomes a hub that supports parishes and brings their discernment into action as well… that it’s the bridge to more mission-oriented activities.”

The idea of establishing a centre for faith formation was a fruit of the Archdiocesan Assembly in October 2024, Crystal said.

“We've been hearing strong feedback from parishioners, in Canberra and also in regional areas, that they are seeking formation for mission,” she explained. “There was a clear desire for catechesis and a sense that the Holy Spirit is calling the parishioners in our Archdiocese to be more mission-oriented, to be missionary disciples.”

The Institute’s initial offerings are called ‘formation forums’ – monthly, in-person and livestreamed events in the Archdiocese, with the first one held on May 22.

“Formation forums are our free, accessible sessions that explore key questions about faith; naturally including conversations in the spirit,” Crystal said.

“These forums will be the entry point to the courses and to other pathways that are offered under the Institute.”

The primary offering of the Institute will be a 12-part foundational course exploring topics such as discernment, synodality and evangelisation, Crystal explained. There will also be six additional courses designed especially for laypeople interested in various ministries – either for their own formation or discernment, such as a lector, acolyte or catechist.

“People will ordinarily take the foundational course before they choose their own streams,” Crystal said.

The short courses will be completed via an online, self-paced, learning management system, with content presented by local experts from among the laity, clergy and religious.

The Institute also plans to offer a ‘parish intensive’, where Archdiocesan staff will work with parishes to develop their own evangelisation team and strategy.

“We’re hoping that the courses will be a pathway into something deeper, for those taking them,” Crystal said. “The courses may be a bridge between not having a formal qualification and stepping into higher education learning or simply personal faith formation.”

Another goal of the Institute is to encourage local Catholics to become leaders in their parish and in the Archdiocese, aware that they have a role to play in the Church.

“The Institute aims to deepen Catholic literacy… to help parishioners unlock their potential and for the Archdiocese as a whole to form leaders,” Crystal said.

“We want to give basic formation about the Catholic faith, but we also want to cater to those who want to seek deeper learning.”

With growing interest in the Catholic faith reported locally, Crystal said it was an ideal time to offer the community a range of formation options.

“Even the people who are already in our pews are seeking for something more,” she said.

Born and raised in the Catholic faith, Crystal’s own journey has highlighted to her the importance of good, practical formation that goes beyond information only.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, a mix of my brother's reconversion experience and meeting a friend who was journeying with me in faith really helped spark a deeper relationship with God,” she explained.

“I've seen it firsthand that there’s so much need for formation. Especially for our younger people and also people who don't have access to formation.”

Inquiries about the Archdiocesan Institute for Synodal Evangelisation can be sent to institute@cg.org.au.

Image: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Words: Matthew Biddle