Intercultural Competencies Training of Trainers Program

Goal

The goal of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church is that ministry leaders who attend these trainings increase their capacity to welcome, receive, and encourage all emerging cultural groups to assume their role of leadership in the Church and, in turn, to train other ministry leaders to do the same.

 This formation program aims to prepare ministry leaders to:

• Articulate the general outlines of a theology and spirituality of ministry in intercultural settings, including the manner in which the Magisterium understands the concepts of evangelization, the New Evangelization, and inculturation.

• Increase awareness regarding how to communicate appropriately with persons and groups in cultures other than one's own.

• Increase awareness regarding how to communicate effectively with persons and groups in cultures other than one's own.

• Gain the ability to identify and articulate patterns of prejudice that impede intergroup interaction.

• Provide a rationale for the inclusion and integration of diverse cultural groups into the life and mission of the parish and diocese.

• Teach the content of the five modules with confidence.

The Training of Trainers Workshop provides an opportunity for ministers to attain a foundational first level of competence in intercultural relations and communications. It is also designed to orient trainers to methodology, strategies, and activities suited to teach the content of the program.

Content

 The Training of Trainers workshop will cover the five learning modules of the Guidelines on Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers:

1.  Frame issues of diversity in terms of the Church's identity and mission to evangelize

2.  Seek an understanding of culture and how it works

3.  Develop intercultural communication skills in pastoral settings

4.  Expand one's knowledge of the obstacles which impede effective intercultural relations

5.  Foster Ecclesial integration rather than assimilation in Church settings, with a spirituality of reconciliation and mission.

Methodology

The structure of this training of trainer's workshop assures a "multiplier effect." The trainers will complete the program and, upon return to their diocese, will train others in the material. Adult and experiential learning principles and techniques are the basic methodologies, because these are suited for effective behavioral training goals. They encourage participants to practice and refine skills and processes. The program also uses participatory learning strategies like group discussion, role-playing, games, simulations, and case studies.

Outcomes

Short Term Benefits

Participants who attend this training program will be able to network with other ministry leaders in order to form an intercultural competence training team in their diocese, entity, or organization.

Access to educational resources about intercultural competency.

Long Term Benefits

Growth in one's own capacity to help parishes, schools, local ministries, and national organizations tap into the vitality of emerging new groups.

The ability to form/train others serving in leadership roles for dioceses, parishes, and national organizations to incorporate the gifts of other cultures and advance the process of giving and receiving among all God's people.

Establish a foundation for mutual acceptance and trust among diverse communities present in the diocese.