In an effort to help Catholics in the Central Vicariate use their lives to improve our society and the country, a Leadership Training and Development course began on Saturday, February 3 at the Holy Faith Convent in Couva.

The course under the guidance of Vicar Fr Kenneth Assing includes the following topics:

• Prayer & Leadership
• Defining Leadership
• Inward Grace, Outward Sign
• Image of God
• Catholic Morality
• Public Speaking & Debating
• Respect for Self and Others
• Problem-solving & Decision making
• Empowerment
• Social Aspects of Leadership
• Types of Leadership

Thirty-nine persons attended the opening session, which started with a welcome by Dr Ruby Alleyne of the Chaguanas parish, who told the participants whatever position they have in society they have the ability to positively or negatively influence others.

Each participant was provided with a personal journal which they will use during the course to chronicle what they learn, what they would like to learn more about and how their lives would change.

Fr Assing, in a foreword in the journal said as disciples of Jesus Christ “it is you who will be able to provide the much needed guidance and encouragement in the fostering of missionary life of the Church, the missionary life of Christ, in the everyday ordinariness of your life and living in our Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”

In the opening module on Prayer and Leadership delivered by Sr Mary Anthony, participants were taken on a journey of choosing a quality of God and composing a prayer using this quality.

Sr Anthony also asked persons to define prayer and write a short prayer dedicated to someone who had an influence on their life.

Participants who complete the programme, attend all sessions and actively participate in learning activities will be awarded a Certificate of Completion equal to five Continuing Education Units (CEUs).