Institute offers summer sessions
NEW ORLEANS — Preregistration is under way for the 2009 summer sessions of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.
The institute was founded in 1980 to prepare lay men and women, religious and clergy from all racial-cultural backgrounds to engage in a more meaningful and effective Catholic ministry within the black community.
Continuing education and enrichment programs include: Catechist Formation in the Black Community, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Leadership in Faith Community.
The master’s degree program summer sessions begin June 21, while the one-week, Certificate and Enrichment (C&E) programs will be held June 6-10, June 13-17 and June 29-July 3.
The degree program offers students an intensive three week summer session focusing on assisting participants to engage in a highly effective ministry in black Catholic or multicultural and multi racial parishes.
“Given the fact most black Catholic and multicultural parishes are staffed by European American or other cross cultural priests from African and Asian cultures, our one-week seminar Pastoral Leadership in Black Catholic and Multi-Cultural Parishes, led by Father Freddy Washington, CSSP, is offered to assist these priests in their understanding of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States as it finds expression in the black Catholic community,” said Sister Jamie Phelps, OP, director of the institute.
“Our students have opportunities for intellectual, cultural and spiritual growth that integrate the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church and the black religious experience,” said Phelps.
“In addition we have a dynamic, outstanding faculty from across the country who come to New Orleans for the institute to share their knowledge and passion for ministry in the African American community.”
Non-degree continuing education programs offer assistance in the areas of religious education, youth ministry, and leadership.
Two new seminars will enrich the C&E curriculum this summer. The Seminar for Pastoral Musicians will be led by Rawn Harbor, a pianist and composer.
It focuses on helping liturgical musicians understand more profoundly the theological foundations and guidelines for Catholic liturgy and the appropriate role of music in liturgical celebrations.
The Seminar for Campus Ministers, “Black Perspectives on the Gospel on Campus,” will be led by Father/Dr. Edward Branch, who is the director of Catholic Campus Ministry for the Atlanta University Complex (Morehouse, Spellman, etc.). It will focus on those desiring or currently engaged in Catholic campus ministry at both Catholic and state universities.
“There is a definite need for more black Catholic campus ministers and cross-cultural campus ministers who are knowledgeable about and supportive of black Catholic students’ particular cultural world view and experiences,” said Phelps.
For more information visit http//www.xula.edu/ibcs/index.php or call 504-520-7691.
