Since the beginning of 2025 Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre introduced a hybrid learning system for the three phased pastoral courses. Options for both physical and virtual learning were availed to prospective candidates. The first intake had twelve students enrolled for the physical classes while fifteen enrolled to attend the course virtually.
I am happy to report that I am one of the first beneficiaries of the online Pastoral and Catechetical Courses which are offered at Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre in conjunction with the Catholic University of Zimbabwe, I am grateful that my ardent desire to participate has finally become a reality. Due to work commitments I could not join in the physical classes. So I attended the course virtually. Thanks to the Director and administrator of Emthonjeni Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, the Very Rev. Fr. Limukani Ndlovu for the bold and necessary decision. The experience has been a unique and grace-filled one as one of my fellow students shared, “I am humbled and feel challenged especially after realizing that there is a lot I still have to know about my faith and the Church”. One of the modules in ecclesiology made her realize that “the church is not merely an architectural physical structure of cement and bricks, but the people of God who gather anywhere including under the baobab tree”.
As one of the pioneer students, I feel greatly honoured to be among the first students tasked to chart foundational footing for the digital learning at the Pastoral Centre. Further excitement arose from the fact that we have also been the first group to successfully register with Catholic University of Zimbabwe. We embarked on this year’s course deeply inspired by the broader Jubilee 2025 spiritual context of the Church and in particular, the Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence during the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025. The course offers both spiritual depth, human and pastoral formation.
So far, I have encountered the richness of the Church’s teachings, especially the call of the laity to be active participants in the life and mission of the Church. Our modules are not merely academic but they are also transformative. They have helped me and fellow learners to discover our talents which had been lying dormant especially with regards to pastoral creativity, art and poetry.
Online learning through WhatsApp Call Group and Google Meet platforms initially created in us a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. We wondered if we would really get connected amongst ourselves as trainees as well as with our trainers. We were curious if we would keep motivated in the absence of physical contact between classmates and facilitators. However, as weeks unfolded, I realized that the virtual platforms became sacred spaces where personal reflections, testimonies could be shared and we became a family. We shared our newly composed personal prayers, recited and offered empathy and emotional support to each other.
I strongly believe that the course is helping us fulfill the spiritual conditions for the Jubilee indulgence. As the idiomatic expression goes, “Better late than never”, I feel the desire in my class mates to undertake the apostolic work as trained parish catechists and also to help promote the same opportunity for others in the future. This course is not just an academic program, it is a pilgrimage of faith made possible by embracing the digital revolution.
To anyone considering to embark on this journey, I say, “this is the time!” Respond to God’s invitation and register yourself and be at the service of the Church. Thanks to the dedicated service of our trainers who are engaging, welcoming, and passionate about their work.