ATLANTA--A Pastoral Ministry Formation class is forming this September to prepare men and women with leadership potential with the foundations, principles and skills necessary for effective pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church.

Candidates for the archdiocesan program must complete an application form including a section filled out by the pastor which attests to the applicant's involvement in parish ministry.

Once accepted for the program, the candidate makes a two-year commitment to attend classes which are held on 11 Saturdays over nine months each year, to read assigned material and complete reflection papers. A course fee of $200 per year does not include the cost of books. Parishes are encouraged to pay the tuition for the candidates they sponsor. Those who complete the program receive a certificate from the Archdiocese of Atlanta signed by the archbishop showing they have fulfilled the program requirements.

Classes begin Sept. 21 and continue on 10 more Saturdays October through April. Both first and second-year classes are held at All Saints Catholic Church Parish Center, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, from 9 a.m.. to 3:30 p.m. on the same dates.

First-year topics include introduction to systematic theology and theological reflection; theological foundations of church and ministry; contemporary approaches to ministry; the Catechism of the Catholic Church; spirituality of ministry; sacramental theology and Order of Christian Initiation; foundations of Christian moral theology; and leadership skills.

Second-year topics include Scripture: The Old Testament; Scripture: The New Testament; canon law; evangelization and catechesis; faith development and religious education; pastoral counseling; foundations of liturgy; spirituality for ministry; multicultural ministry; and social justice.

The program is coordinated by Melanie Gravinese, director of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults at All Saints Parish and one of the master catechists assisting the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Education this year in the area of religious education.

For information or to receive an application for admission contact Kate McManus, Archdiocese of Atlanta, Department of Catholic Education, 680 West Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta 30308. Applications should be completed as soon as possible. Questions about the program may be directed to (404) 885-7436 and calls will be returned by Melanie Gravinese.