There’s still time to register
for Pastoral Ministries Workshop
JACKSON — It’s not too late to register for the diocesan Pastoral Ministries Workshop set for Monday-Thursday, June 8-11, at Lake Tiak-O’Khata according to Alice Hughes, director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.
Presenters will include Hughes, Leo Trahan, director of religious education of the Diocese of Biloxi; Cathy Cook, diocesan assistant superintendent for Catholic schools in the Jackson diocese; and Father John Bohn, pastor of Starkville St. Joseph Parish.
The Pastoral Ministries Series is a certification process for leaders in parish ministries to help lay ecclesial ministers and pastoral ministers, i.e. DRE/CREs, directors of liturgy, music directors, to acquire the basic competencies required to be an effective leader in ministry.
The sessions are designed for small group facilitation to discuss practical advice, proven methods and procedures for tasks related to directing parish programs.
Theological and practical issues will be discussed.
— Year I (designed for those beginning the program) will cover the following topics: Understanding Catechesis and Ministry; Communicating Effectively; Forming Ministerial Relationships; and Building Community
Year II will cover: Developing Parish Programs; Recruiting and Training Volunteers; Keeping Records and Budgets; and Maintaining Professional Balance.
— Year III (designed for those not enrolled in one of the theology programs in the diocese) will address: Connecting Faith and Life: Theological Reflection; Church History: Faith Handed On; Means of Grace, Ways of Life: Sacramental Theological; Nourished by the Word: Scripture; and True God, True Man: Christology.
— Year IV will cover: Catechizing for a Just World; Companions on the Journey: Mary and the Saints; Connecting Faith and Life: Theological Reflection; In the Breath of God: Christian Morality; and Nourished by the Word: Scripture.
Years III and IV are strictly the theological component to the Effective Ministries series Hughes said. “Those who have a bachelor’s of arts or master’s degree in theology, or are working towards their degree, do not need to participate in these sessions,” she said.
Hughes said it is preferred that applicants for this institute have at least one year of leadership experience in parish ministry. Those with no experience may be accepted if they have an appointment for the coming 2009-2010 year.
The workshops are designed to be an introduction for the professional parish leader. Participants must also file an application to the Lay Ministry Program in order to participate in this series.
The cost of the session is $430 which covers room, meals, books, and supplies. Partial funding is available through the Lay Ministry program. Registration deadline is Monday, May 4.
For information call Karen Brown 601-960-8470, karen.brown@jacksondiocese.org or Alice Hughes, 601-960-8473, alice.hughes@jacksondiocese.org.
