Lay Pastoral Ministry Program
Welcome to the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program of the Ballarat Diocese
“The VLCFF is a pioneer in the e-learning field, delivering 24/7 remote classes to dioceses worldwide long before the Covid 19 pandemic prompted schools to go online and offer hybrid learning.”
Eric F. Spina
University of Dayton President
The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is an initiative that provides adult religious education and faith formation opportunities anytime and anywhere through online learning. Its mission is to support the Church’s ministry of religious education and formation in the digital space. The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton.
Explore the subjects available in each cycle!
Cycle 7 begins on October 26, with registrations open from September 9 – October 22. This cycle offers 30 subjects, including Youth Ministry, Bible Basics, Faith and Human Development, Leadership Roles and Skills for Adult Learning and Faith Formation, Sacraments and more, studied over a 5-week period—there’s sure to be something that fits your interests. The first cycle for 2027 begins on January 11. Click the link below to explore subjects options.
The entire faith formation schedule for next year has been published! Click here to view the 2027 English e-course schedule. While it’s not required, it is recommended that each prospective learner take just one VLCFF course per cycle to ensure a fully-focused experience amidst your busy lives. Choose a course that’s a familiar area of interest, or explore something you’ve always wanted to learn, but never have before. There is sure to be an e-course for you. No matter what, it’s always worth looking ahead to find the right fit for your current ministry or to spark a brand-new curiosity.
See below for further details …
The Lay Pastoral Ministry Program provides opportunities for formation, support, study, and certification for lay pastoral employees and volunteers within the Diocese of Ballarat. The program is delivered in partnership with the Virtual Learning Community at the University of Dayton.
Information about the Ballarat Diocese Lay Pastoral Ministry Program is available in the documents attached below.
We encourage you to contact us to discuss your current ministry involvement or your aspirations for future ministry, so we can support you in discerning the most appropriate formation pathway.
Information for participants in the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program:
New participants wishing to register to study in the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program should complete the Application Form
If you’d like to sample a course before you commit, you can do so here.
Documents for download:
Dates for 2026:
- Cycle 6: Sep 07 – Oct 11 closed
- Cycle 7: Oct 26 – Nov 29 Registrations open Sep 9 – Oct 22
Dates for 2027:
- Cycle 1: Jan 11 – Feb 14 Registrations open Oct 28 – Jan 6
- Cycle 2: Mar 1 – Mar 31 Registrations open Jan 13 – Feb 25 (3 week e-seminars only)
- Cycle 3: Apr 5 – May 9 Registrations open Mar 3 – Apr 1
- Cycle 4: May 24 – Jun 27 Registrations open Apr 7 – May 20
- Cycle 5: July 12 – Aug 15 Registrations open May 26 – Jul 8
- Cycle 6: Aug 30 – Oct 3 Registrations open Jul 14 – Aug 26
- Cycle 7: Oct 18 – Nov 21 Registrations open Sep 1 – Oct 14
Click the links above to view subjects available in each Cycle.
Participant reviews:
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For more information please contact:
Lay Pastoral Ministry Program Facilitator
Fran Peterkin
Ph: 5337 7154
email: fran.peterkin@ballarat.catholic.org.au