Our Units

1. IMD: Institute Mater Dei

IMD Website

 

Institute Mater Dei, a program under the auspices of the Conference of Religious India (CRWI), serves as a theological formation institute dedicated to empowering women religious in India. Through tailored educational programs and resources, Mater Dei aims to deepen the understanding of faith and enhance the ministry of women religious, addressing their unique needs and challenges.

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Educational and Training Programs: Mater Dei offers theological education and training programs customized to the needs and interests of women religious. These programs equip women with the knowledge and skills to emerge as leaders within their communities and beyond.

2. Spiritual Formation: The institute provides spiritual formation programs that empower women to explore and deepen their faith, fostering a strong sense of identity and purpose in their religious vocation.

3. Support Networks: Mater Dei facilitates the formation of support networks among women religious, creating spaces for connection, shared experiences, and mutual support in various aspects of personal, community, and ministerial life.

4. Advocacy and Awareness: Engaging in advocacy efforts, Mater Dei raises awareness about issues affecting women within the Church and broader society. By promoting gender equality and social justice, Mater Dei advocates for the rights and dignity of women.

5. Role Modelling: Mater Dei highlights the achievements and contributions of women leaders in theology and ministry, inspiring other women to pursue their own goals and aspirations, thus breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions.

Overall Impact:

Institute Mater Dei serves as a catalyst for women’s empowerment by providing resources, support, and opportunities for women religious to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Addressing various challenges faced by women in today’s world, including gender-based discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, Mater Dei continues to equip and empower women religious in India through systematic learning, leadership development, and a commitment to social justice. By nurturing women religious with conviction, courage, and leadership qualities, Mater Dei enables them to effectively address challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.

2. CIIRI: (Centre for Innovations and Initiatives for Religious India)

The Centre for Innovations and Initiatives for Religious India (CIIRI) is a vital department under the Conference of Religious India (CRWI) dedicated to supporting and promoting Women Religious within the Indian Catholic Church.

CIIRI operates with the vision of fostering unity and empowerment among the diverse backgrounds of religious sisters and communities, enabling comprehensive growth in every aspect of their existence. Through regular meetings, workshops, and bonding programs, CIIRI cultivates a spirit of solidarity among sisters, providing them with a platform to connect, share experiences, and feel heard.

Key Initiatives:

1.Skill-building Programs: CIIRI organizes skill-building programs focusing on leadership, art therapy, and more, equipping sisters with practical skills to adapt to the changing landscape of religious life.

2. Innovation and Creativity: CIIRI serves as a hub for innovation, fostering unconventional ideas to support religious sisters effectively. It employs fresh perspectives to address the evolving needs of the religious community.

3. Research and Findings: With a dedicated research department, CIIRI identifies current needs and trends among religious women, developing innovative solutions to support them nationwide.

4. Elderly Care for Sisters: CIIRI focuses on Elderly care for elderly and vulnerable sisters, ensuring essential facilities are accessible to them and enhancing their quality of life.

5. Financial Excellence: CIIRI's finance department sets a standard for financial services within the non-profit sector, serving as a central support hub for all CRWI units.

6. Inclusive Leadership and Social Justice: CIIRI advocates for inclusive leadership, breaking gender barriers and training sisters for leadership roles. It also promotes social justice initiatives within the religious community.

7. Wellbeing Initiatives: CIIRI offers wellness retreats and counselling services to support sisters in their mentally and physically demanding work, promoting resilience and coping skills.

8. Education Programs: CIIRI provides tailored theology and leadership programs, enabling sisters to navigate church roles and grow personally, thereby empowering them for impact within and beyond the church.

9. Outreach Programs: Collaborating with NGOs, CIIRI enables sisters to engage with local communities and be catalysts of social change, making meaningful contributions beyond the church.

Through solidarity, skill development, education, health, advocacy, and social service, CIIRI and CRWI together strive to nurture Women Religious holistically, enabling them to become compassionate leaders and contributors in both religious and secular spaces for the wellbeing of all.

3. GRC (Grievance Redressal Cell)

The Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) is a vital initiative established by the Women’s Executive of the Conference of Religious India (CRI) in response to the expressed need for a dedicated space for addressing grievances within the religious community.

Key Offerings:

1. Secure and Confidential Space: GRC provides a secure and confidential space outside the immediate community of the complainant, within the domain of CRI, where grievances can be heard and acknowledged.

2. Supportive Dialogue: GRC supports individuals by addressing grievances through constructive dialogue and by guiding and accompanying them to appropriate resources for resolution.

3. Transparency and Accountability: GRC operates with transparency, ensuring clarity in its structure and procedures. It is committed to just actions, accessibility, and accountability in its functioning.

4. Policy Documentation: The GRC Policy Document outlines the process and procedures, details on grievance resolution, guiding principles, and scope of work. This document is widely shared across groups and platforms.

5. Confidentiality and Respect: GRC ensures the confidentiality of all cases and treats complainants with respect at all times. Complainants receive necessary information promptly and are empowered with supportive advice.

6.Continuous Improvement: GRC regularly reviews its processes, learns from experiences, and strives to evolve to better serve the purpose of justice and inclusion.

7. Connecting to Resources: In cases beyond its purview, GRC connects complainants to appropriate resources such as crisis support and legal counselling. However, it does not engage in judicial processes or provide monetary support.

8. Scope of Intervention: GRC addresses complaints from any person who is a member of CRI, affiliate organizations, Consecrated Women, or congregations/communities represented by their leaders. This includes professed members, novices, candidates, and in some cases, friends or well-wishers of the aggrieved.

The Grievance Redressal Cell stands as a pillar of support for CRI members, ensuring a fair and compassionate approach to addressing grievances and promoting a culture of justice and inclusion within the religious community.

4. CRRI (Centre for Research on Religious Life India)

The Centre for Research on Religious Life India (CRRI), an initiative under the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI), addresses the need for a dedicated system for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research within the religious community. CRRI aims to transform data into actionable insights to enhance the capacities of religious individuals and institutions, thereby improving services and fostering growth.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas:

1. Institutionalizing Information Management: CRRI establishes an Information Management System to streamline data collection, storage, and analysis across different levels and institutions. It aims to provide insights for targeted interventions and growth.

2. Quality Enhancement and Planning Support: CRRI supports institutions in enhancing the quality of their programs and services through data-driven decision-making. It assists in formulating modifications and planning for desired results.

3. Knowledge Hub and Dissemination: CRRI aims to become a vibrant knowledge hub within CRWI, disseminating valuable insights and research findings for wider outreach and dissemination.

4. Appreciative Approach to Monitoring and Evaluation: CRRI promotes an appreciative outlook, focusing on growth, improvement, and mutual trust. It aims to foster dialogue and collaboration for effective planning and implementation.

5. IT-Friendly and People-Centric: CRRI leverages technology to digitize the information system for easy access and interpretation. It fosters a culture of openness, trust, and learning among individuals and institutions.

6. Holistic and Inclusive: CRRI takes a holistic view of data management and research, aiming to strengthen the religious community's functioning. It operates within the framework of CRWI, providing additional effectiveness and support.

The CRRI stands as a cornerstone for research and knowledge management within CRWI, fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement to enhance religious life and apostolate.