• A vibrant, lifelong process
• A holistic process incorporating spiritual, intellectual, psycho-social and ministerial dimensions
• Within the Catholic tradition

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta has established the Board of the IFM to assist in the development and articulation of the Mission, Vision and Statement of Principles of the IFM. In accordance with the constitution of the IFM, the Bishop appoints the members of the Board. The Board is accountable to the Bishop.

The functions of the Board are to:

• Assist the Bishop by establishing the Mission, Vision and Statement of Principles of the Institute in relationship to the Diocesan Pastoral Council
• Assist the directors in developing and reviewing the strategic plan of the Institute
• Assist the Directors to manage and operate the IFM in a manner consistent with its Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan
• Assist the directors in the compilation of the Directors’ Annual Report to the Bishop
• Ensure financial viability
• Establish operational policies setting the standards to be adhered to in the routine operations of the IFM

The Directors of the Institute for Mission are appointed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta and accountable to him and to the Board of the IFM.

Specific Responsibilities

The Directors of the IFM will:

• In co-operation with the Board, develop strategic plans for the approval of the Bishop
  
  
• Implement strategic plans, operate the IFM within the approved budget resources and achieve nominated outcomes
  
  
• Be responsible for the day-to-day operating, staffing and resourcing of the IFM
  
  
• Ensure that all those engaged in the formation process through the IFM, (lecturers, presenters, spiritual directors and spiritual companions), understand and reflect the mission of the IFM
  
  
• Provide a special focus on the formation of young Catholic men and women of the Diocese
  
  
• Facilitate the accessibility of the IFM programs for all in the Diocese
  
  
• Network with the other Catholic/Christian Centres of learning so that a sharing and co-ordination of expertise can be realised
  
  
• In co-operation with the Board, formulate an annual report for the Bishop on the operation of the IFM

• The creation, implementation and evaluation of the Diocesan Certificate in Pastoral Formation (one year), and the Diocesan Diploma in Pastoral Formation (three years)
  
  
• The development of specific programs to support requests from parishes and Deaneries
   
• Co-operation with other Diocesan Education and Formation Agencies, (Liturgical Commission, Sacraments of Initiation, CCD, and CEO), in formulating and teaching courses
  
  
• Engagement with members of the Diocese in the Brisbane Institute of Faith Open Learning programs: Beginning Theology and Foundations I
  
  
• The provision of support and supervision for the Pastoral Associates and the Spiritual Companions working in the Diocese
   
• Participation in the Committee for the on-going Formation of the Clergy, and the implementation and organisation of the three-year program offered to the Priests
   
• Using a range of media to promote all courses offered at the IFM

Certificate in Pastoral Formation

Assessment is based upon one’s growth of understanding and personal formation. A two-page Reflection paper is submitted at the end of each unit, under the direction of the presenter.

During each course unit you will be required to undertake a variety of tasks, some written, some involving group work.

Evaluation and quality assurance

The Directors of the IFM will conduct an evaluation of the courses, in conjunction with the participants.Ongoing evaluation of the Formation students will occur through their engagement with all elements of the program.

Follow up in parishes will be conducted.

Assessment requirements are provided at the beginning of every course unit, based on the material presented.

During each course unit you will be required to undertake a variety of tasks, some written, some involving group work.

• Diocesan Diploma in Pastoral Formation: Invitation to participate in the Diploma is given to graduates of the Diocesan Certificate in Pastoral Formation and the PPI FORMation in Pastoral Ministry two-year course
   
• Other one-off courses in the area of The Gospel of the Year, Ministry of Care, Sacraments, Ministers of Word and Communion, Journey of Faith and Pastoral Planning are offered during the year
  
  
• Courses are offered in Deaneries including an opportunity to participate in the Brisbane Institute of Faith Education’s correspondence Courses Beginning Theology, Foundations I and Foundations II

• Providing a safe and healthy workplace and working conditions that prevent injury and illness
  
  
• Eliminating or controlling hazards that cause injury and illness
  
  
• Providing for the welfare of the staff and participants
  
  
• Consulting with staff and other stakeholders to achieve these objectives
  
  
• To support the above policy the Board and the Directors will develop and maintain appropriate occupational health and safety practices for the workplace under their control

• Report to the Directors any hazards in the environment that could cause injury to themselves or others
  
  
• Take care to ensure their own health, safety and welfare and that of others while attending the IFM
  
  
• Notify Directors of any illness or injury they sustain related to the environment of the IFM
  
  
• Comply with any reasonable directives given by Directors or their delegates

Many participants in courses conducted by the IFM will not have engaged in any type of formal study since attending school and may be unfamiliar with the normal requirements for submitting written work. Teaching staff will explain requirements about setting out and submitting assignments and students are encouraged to consult them if they have any queries or concerns about the proper acknowledgement of sources or setting out of written work.

Plagiarism can be defined as when a person falsely represents another’s work as his or her own.

It may take a number of forms including copying and not formally acknowledging that the material originated elsewhere.

Plagiarism is a serious matter. If a participant plagiarises the work of others, then that person runs the risk of being awarded no marks for that assignment. There is nothing wrong with making use of other people’s ideas and research findings, providing the sources are acknowledged and what others have written is not merely repeated. Quotations may be used but they should be brief and advance an argument or illustrate a point.

Most cases of plagiarism will be inadvertent. The test is whether there was an intention to deceive. If the plagiarism is inadvertent, then the participant will receive appropriate advice about the correct way to acknowledge sources. Other cases will be discussed with a Director before any penalty is applied or re-submission is required.

The Institute for Mission (IFM) is part of the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta. The IFM is bound by the 2001 amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Act) which include the National Privacy Principles. In its operation, the IFM will be guided by these Principles and by the Privacy Policy Statement developed by the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta in 2004. Copies of these documents are available through the Library and the Office. The IFM collects personal information, including sensitive information, for the primary purpose of allowing the IFM to meet some of its legal obligations, provide care for the students and discharge its duty of care. If you enroll in the IFM, or otherwise continue to use its services, the information may also be used to solicit donations and/or request your services as a volunteer from time to time.The IFM discloses personal and sensitive information to others for administrative purposes. This includes other agencies, the Diocese, and people providing services to the IFM, including volunteers.

If we do not obtain the information requested, you may not be able to attend the IFM.

Students may seek access to personal information collected about them by contacting the IFM Directors, Sister Maria Bongiorno IBVM and Sister Linda Ferrington RSC.

The IFM has a quality assurance and improvement system which includes clearly documented procedures for managing and monitoring all training.

The IFM is committed to developing a culture that “enables the people of God to contribute fully to the life of the faith community”.

The IFM Board considers all discrimination, harassment and bullying to be unacceptable because it undermines the intrinsic dignity of the individual person.

In addition, discrimination, harassment and bullying diminish the work performance of individuals and undermines the effectiveness of the vibrant, lifelong formation process at the heart of the IFM.

The IFM will uphold discrimination and harassment laws and has in place procedures to address all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

It is the responsibility of the Board through the Directors to ensure that instances of such conduct are dealt with promptly, fairly and seriously.

It is the responsibility of all staff and students to respect the rights of others, never to encourage discrimination, harassment or bullying and to contribute positively to the formation of harmonious relationships.

The grievance procedures of the IFM will be used when those concerned in any situation wish to address the matter formally.

The IFM is committed to a fair and equitable process for dealing with students’ grievances and concerns.

All disputes or grievances will be handled professionally in order to achieve a satisfactory resolution.

All parties will have a clear understanding of the steps involved in the grievance procedure.

Each complaint, grievance, appeal and its outcome will be recorded in writing.

Each appeal will be heard by an independent person or panel.

The IFM will resolve any grievances fairly, equitably and in a timely manner. Students may raise any matters of concern relating to training delivery and assessment, the quality of the teaching, student amenities, discrimination, sexual harassment and other issues which may arise.

Students will have the opportunity to present their case formally either verbally or in writing as they so choose.

Students will be provided with a written statement of the appeal outcomes, including reasons for any decisions reached.

The policy provides an avenue for most grievances to be addressed. However in some cases alternative measures may need to be explored.

The IFM will encourage the parties to approach a grievance with an open view and to attempt to resolve problems through discussion and conciliation.

Concerns about teaching and learning

If students have concerns in relation to the delivery of training and/or the assessment they are encouraged to discuss these with the relevant teacher/trainer.

If the concern cannot be resolved at this level, it can then be referred to the Directors.

If the grievance cannot be resolved internally, the IFM will advise the student of the appropriate body where he/she can seek further assistance. 

Students may withdraw or defer from courses offered by the IFM at any time.

On notifying the IFM of their intention to withdraw or defer, the students will be sent the appropriate form to complete and return.

On return of this form, the student will be issued with a listing all completed units.

Students may resume their studies with the IFM at any time, subject to consultation with the Directors and to the availability of courses and other relevant factors.

Course Directors will place re-enrolling students with an appropriate group so they can resume their studies.