Seminary leadership strategise for the future

Second year seminarian Jameke Brown reports on a strategic planning meeting for the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs and its Theological Institute

The leadership of the Seminary formation team met July 2-4 at Mayaro for an important strategic planning session under the guidance of organisational psychologist Shian Ottley-Reid.

Present were Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, Fr Martin Sirju (Vicar General), Fr Dr Jason Boatswain (Rector/Principal), Msgr Cuthbert Alexander (outgoing Vice Rector), Fr Kizito Ameloko VC (incoming Vice Rector), Fr Kenwyn Sylvester (Director of Vocations), Dr Adanna James (Dean), Alicia Hoyte (seminary psychologist), Fr Matthew Ragbir (General Manager, Catholic Religious Education Development Institute—CREDI), Dr Peter Timothy (lecturer), Dr Rose-Ann Walker (lecturer), Sr Katrina Charles O Carm (formator), Marilyn Lezama (seminary accountant), Anne Mary Joseph (Operations Manager), Jameke Brown (seminarian), and Stephanie Baldeosingh (former lay student).

The initiative brought together a cross section of key stakeholders to reflect, pray, discern, and strategise the future for both the Seminary and Theological Institute.

The first task presented by Ottley-Reid was to evaluate whether the current vision statement represented the reality of operations at both institutions. A divergence of opinions emerged indicating the need for greater collaboration and clarity from all parties.

Since the Seminary is the space within the Archdiocese for the formation of men towards the priesthood and the Theological Institute supports the Seminary in this regard, as well as welcomes lay and religious persons to engage in tertiary level study, finding the right strategy to maximise both initiatives without compromising quality of either was key.

In this vein, Ottley-Reid separated the entire group into four smaller working groups each tasked with developing mission statements for both institutions, ensuring alignment with the overall vision of the Archdiocese of forming missionary disciples.

Another important component which emerged during a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was clarifying the role that CREDI played in the theological education of the public.

After contributions from various members and direction from Archbishop Gordon, there was agreement on a harmonious way forward. The Seminary and Theological Institute would offer Philosophy and Theology programmes at a diploma/degree level or higher, while CREDI would focus on offering short courses for those interested in a less academically rigorous pursuit.

This provided clarity and eliminated any confusion or duplication surrounding course offerings and overlapping target markets.

As both a student of the Theological Institute and a full-time resident seminarian, the experience was thoroughly enriching for me. I absorbed from the wealth of knowledge and experience around me, as well as shared valuable lived experiences to help guide the strategic planning process. I also came to appreciate more deeply the longevity and robust nature of the institution and the efforts of all those who strove to ensure its continuity.

The Archbishop shared one such example with the negotiation efforts he made to keep the Theological Institute open even after the Seminary had temporarily closed in 2010 for a period of six years. It was a decision that made the resumption of the academic programme seamless when the Seminary was reopened in 2016.

One final important observation was the definitive presence of the Holy Spirit. Archbishop Gordon started each day with the celebration of Holy Mass before entering the sessions. I noted the importance of this.

Coming from a business background, I have been a part of strategic meetings which quickly degenerate into chaos when there are differences of opinions but the fact that, despite differences, there was fruitful dialogue and subsequent agreement was a living example of being part of a synodal Church.

It was indeed a pleasure to be a part of such a meaningful experience intended to steer these sacred institutions of the Archdiocese for the next three to five years.