In 2012, I graduated from the Ministry Formation Program (MFP). During the four years, I attended MFP classes. They helped me think about God more often. After finishing all the classes I realized that I have matured so much. I will be very happy to share all what I learned with others. I hope and pray that others will see how we may help, learn, and grow together all we do. We all need to love and embrace God with all our hearts. I want to help and spread the Good News to others!!!
MFP is a good place to learn to become an active lay minister. All teachers (nuns, priests, deacons and lay ministers) are professional and use total communication. This kind of communication includes signing and talking. Students are not from Illinois only but also from other states. To get a certificate of completion of MFP requires four years. All classes are held on the weekends - Friday night to Sunday noon - one weekend in September, October, November, March, April and May. The classes are listed below:
1st Year of MFP
· Personality Awareness · My Life’s Story · Where is God in My Life? · Where is God in Other’s Live? · My Stories and Bible Stories · Praying Stories
2nd Year of MFP
· Introduction to the Bible · The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) · The New Testament · Church History · Spirituality/Prayer · Church Issues and Issues
3rd Year of MFP
· Sacraments · Liturgy · The Competent Minister · Pastoral Skills · Introduction to Pastoral Counseling · Evangelization
4th Year of MFP
· Planning the Project · Morality · Social Justice · Death · Turn in the Project
MFP is held at the Marytown Retreat Center in Libertyville, Illinois. It is a beautiful place to stay. They have a beautiful Chapel, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. It is open 24 hours. The building attached to this Chapel is the place where we stay. We also learn there, too. They have a book store and cafeteria (the food is always good). Their website is www.marytown.com.
If you are interested in joining the MFP or need more information, please contact Sr. Rita Wigginton, OSU, [email protected] .