The Formation for Mission Team exists to equip, accompany, and inspire the laity across Portsmouth Diocese to become joyful missionary disciples, bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.

Rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, we seek to nurture lifelong formation that deepens faith, strengthens communion, and empowers every person to participate confidently in the mission of evangelisation.

Through collaboration, discipleship, leadership development, and pastoral support, we endeavour to help parishes become vibrant centres of encounter with Christ, where all are welcomed, formed, and sent out in mission.

Current Areas of work

Alpha

We support parishes in running Alpha as a welcoming space for people to explore life, faith, and meaning through conversation, hospitality, and encounter. We provide training, encouragement, resources, and diocesan events to help parish teams confidently invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Catechesis

We help parishes and parishioners grow in understanding and living the Catholic faith through formation, teaching, and accompaniment. Through training, resources, and events, we support catechists and parish leaders in forming disciples who are rooted in Scripture, prayer, sacramental life, and the teachings of the Church.

Parish Evangelisation

We support parishes in developing a culture of evangelisation and missionary discipleship through Parish Evangelisation Cell Systems. By offering training, mentoring, and practical support, we help parish communities grow through prayer, outreach, small groups, and personal witness, enabling parishioners to share the Gospel confidently in everyday life.

Upcoming events

  • Monday 7th September, 7:30 – 8:30pm Alpha Forum (online)

An opportunity for anyone in parishes that are running Alpha (or have just finished running or about to beginning running Alpha) to share experience, find encouragement and ask any questions you may have. To register your interest, please click on

  • Saturday 10th October, 9:30am – 1:30pm Catechist Day, St Bede’s Basingstoke

A day for all Catechists in Portsmouth Diocese that will include teaching, testimonies and an opportunity to learn from each other and finishing with a shared lunch. To register your interest and to find out more information, please click on the link https://forms.office.com/e/RFGR0zEzDh

  • Saturday 31st October, 9:30am – 1:30pm Parish Evangelisation Day, Venue to be confirmed

We will be joined by Fr Paul Fenech, the international president of the International Service of the Parish Cells of Evangelisation (IOSPCE), Fr Victor Vella, Promotor for English of Parish Cells of Evangelisation, and Fr Michael Dennehy, whose parish has 4 Parish Cells of Evangelisation, as they share on this international Catholic movement dedicated to parish renewal and evangelisation. The “Parish Cell System” (often called PECs) focuses on transforming parishes into active, missionary communities through small, home-based groups (cells) focused on relationship-building and scripture. This day is for those parishes already running PECS as well as anyone who is interested in brining PECS to their own parish. To register and to get more information please click on the link https://forms.office.com/e/JGgE7zeuun

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