de mazenod family australia
formation program
A journey deeper into the charism of St Eugene
The De Mazenod Family Formation Program is an invitation to grow more deeply in the spirit, mission, and charism of St Eugene de Mazenod. Designed for members of the De Mazenod Family who are seeking a more intentional path of formation, the program helps participants deepen their relationship with Christ, strengthen their connection to the Oblate family, and discern whether they may be called to a deeper commitment as an Associate or Lay Oblate.
why this program?
This program exists to provide a space for deeper relationship, spiritual growth, and mission within the De Mazenod Family. Rooted in the charism given to St Eugene, it supports lay people who feel drawn to share in that charism according to their state of life, in communion with one another and with the Oblates.
To live the charism is to know Eugene, and to walk courageously in the footsteps of the Apostles.
who is it for?
The De Mazenod Family Lay Association Guidelines offer various opportunities for connection and participation:
Member
Participates in the prayer, liturgy, and life of the De Mazenod Family through connection with Oblate ministries.Associate
Makes an intentional commitment to the charism and undertakes 6 to 12 months of formation before a first commitment.Lay Oblate
Enters a deeper spiritual bond with the charism and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, with at least one year of formation.
This program is for De Mazenod Family members who want to move from connection to intentional formation. It is especially suited to those discerning a deeper commitment as an Associate or, over time, as a Lay Oblate. The program recognises that people participate in the De Mazenod Family in different ways, while offering a clearer path for those who feel called to go further.
how the program works
The Formation Program is made up of three levels, each containing seven units. Each level explores the life and charism of
St Eugene from a different angle, using Living in the Spirit’s Fire by Alfred Hubenig as a key source text.
The program is designed to be both practical and prayerful:
1. Pre-reading
Each unit includes reading from Living in the Spirit’s Fire and other supporting texts.
2. Reflection & discussion
Sessions are built around personal reflection and shared conversation.
3. Community journey
The program is completed in pairs or groups, with a strong emphasis on companionship and shared faith.
4. Support & accountability
The De Mazenod Family Office remains in contact, offering support and helping track progress throughout the journey.
what commitment does it involve?
Each session is designed to take about one hour, though some may extend across two sessions. Each level generally takes around
6 to 12 months, with groups setting their own pace and rhythm.
Participants register in pairs or groups, nominate a coordinator, and receive units progressively as each one is completed. If you do not have a group or partner willing or able to join you on this journey, the De Mazenod Office will accompany you through the formation.
At the end of Level One, participants are invited to prayerfully discern whether they feel called to make a commitment as an Associate of the De Mazenod Family. For those who choose to continue, the journey of formation continues through the remaining levels.
Upcoming intake & intro session
As part of this journey, we invite you to take a simple first step.
Our next intake for the De Mazenod Family Formation Program will begin with an online Introduction Session on Monday 20 April at 8:00pm (AEST).
This session offers a space to gently explore the program, hear more about the journey of formation, and prayerfully consider whether you may be called to participate more intentionally in the life of the De Mazenod Family.
There is no expectation, only an invitation.
Come and see where this journey might lead.