SVD students from overseas who arrive in Australia for formation and theological studies are joining other priests, religious and students for specialised English language studies offered in a theological context.
The English Language School for Pastoral Ministry (ELSPM), located on the Yarra Theological Union campus in Melbourne, aims to develop skills in English in Christian and theological environment and to improve communication to a level which will enable them to participate effectively in a pastoral ministry of the contemporary Church.
ELSPM Academic Manager, Sr Margaret Bentley FMA, says that in the 18 months of its existence in Melbourne, the school has taught and nurtured students from all over the world.
“At the moment we have students from nine different countries,” she says. “We aim to provide a facility that enables them to learn English either for pastoral ministry or for their theological studies.”
The pre-formation students who arrive in Australia learn English that will prepare them for their academic studies in Theology.
Other ELSPM students have come to Australia to work in ministry and so will learn English in a context more geared to the work they will be doing.
“So in the group at the moment, we have three deacons, four priests and four religious sisters, as well as many students for theology, and they are seeking English language skills so that they can work in an environment where they will speak English, but also for communication in their own religious community,” says Sr Margaret.
The ELSPM teaches all levels of English, from complete beginners to more advanced levels and the teaching is done within a religious context.
“For instance, we use theological or scriptural texts or religious or spiritual reflections for our texts and some of the critical thinking required in the course will be about theological reflections,” says Sr Margaret.
“And on a practical level, some of the course is about preparing, reading and practising homilies or readings for Mass.”
The Divine Word Missionaries have two students who have recently arrived from Madagascar and two from Indonesia joining the Vietnamese students who were already enrolled with ELSPM.
The Rector of the SVD formation house, Dorish Maru College, Fr Michael Hardie SVD is also on staff at the school.
“I enjoy it very much,” says Fr Michael. “I’ve been teaching English as a Second Language at academic level for many years. I also taught IELTS (the English language test required for overseas study, migration or work) when I was in Vietnam (as an SVD missionary).
“I see teaching as a way that I can help students with their personal and professional development as well.
“And the work of the ELSPM is a service for the Church because students and new arrivals to Australia have to be able to express themselves well in homilies and presentations as well as in their pastoral work.”
Sr Margaret says the ELSPM community is a warm and close one.
“It is the most amazing place,” she says. “These students are the most dedicated, focused individuals because it really matters to them to be here.
“They like coming to us because when they have breaks and go to the common room they have things in common with each other and it’s comfortable for them to be able to talk about different aspects of their religious community life.
“The staff are also very dedicated and we see it as a holistic learning experience where we are not here just to teach English but also to be concerned about the welfare and well-being of our students.”
Photos
Top Right: Fr Hai Ha Tran (SVD priest studying English) and Hong Duc Le (SVD student) are pictured with fellow ELSPM students.
Middle Left: SVD student Marius Razafimandimby in class at the ELSPM.
Bottom Right: The ELSPM students enjoy a day out at the zoo.