| | “The Gospel image of the vine and the branches reveals to us another fundamental aspect of the lay faithful’s life and mission: The call to growth and a continual process of maturation, of always bearing much fruit.” (Christifideles Laici, no. 57) | |
The Adult and Family Ministries Office offers several opportunities for adults to come together to "seek understanding" including theology courses, liturgical courses, and an annual retreat. Scholarships are available for academic courses and continuing education opportunities (including workshops and conferences.) Parishes are offered faith sharing resources for small group use during the season of Lent. If individuals prefer "at home" resources to use on their own, numerous books and videos/DVDs are available to borrow. For information about area retreat centers and spiritual directors, please contact our office.
Church Ministries Program
Click here for latest program. Includes dates/times and more. (Adobe Acrobat required)
In 1988 the Diocese of Sioux City and Briar Cliff University began a partnership that developed the Church Ministries Program. Since then over 500 people have grown in their understanding of the fundamentals in scripture and theology. These courses are an opportunity for adult Catholics to foster a deeper faith commitment and to learn how to reflect deeply about their faith as it relates to today’s world.
These courses are especially recommended for persons in parish leadership positions, Catholic school teachers, and deacon aspirants. Grants are available for a portion of the expenses.
Typically, each course meets five times on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Sacred Heart Parish Center in Early, Iowa.
Theology courses:
The six core theology courses are offered over a two-year period:
| 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
| New Testament | Old Testament |
| Morality* | Introduction to Ministry |
| Ecclesiology* (Introduction to Church) | Sacraments* |
Additionally, two classes are offered occasionally:
• Christology* (will be offered during 2007-08)
• Theology of Peace (will be offered during 2008-09)
Students may earn 3 college credits for each course at a reduced tuition rate. Classes with an * have a prerequisite of either the Old Testament or New Testament class above or another college-level scripture course.
Liturgical courses:
Three liturgical courses are offered over a two-year period:
- Liturgical Theology 2008-09
- Initiation and Eucharist 2008-09
- Occasional Rites 2007-08
College credit is not available for liturgical courses.
Scholarships - Partners in Empowering Leadership
Quality leadership is a vital component for any human institution; it is imperative that the Church in every age effectively supports the formation of ministerial leadership.
In light of present and future need, the Diocese of Sioux City offers Partners in Empowering Leadership. Funds are available to assist in the financing of the education, formation, and spiritual development of men and women in ministerial service in the parishes/clusters of the Diocese of Sioux City. Parishes/clusters as well as the individual are also expected to contribute toward the cost of further education.
Academic grants do not exceed one-half the cost of tuition. Continuing education grants (for conferences, workshops and certification programs) are available for up to one-half of the registration fees. Funds are limited.
Application deadlines:
- April 15 for summer course
- August 15 for Autumn courses
- December 1 for Spring courses
Click here for an application form and an informational brochure for Partners in Empowering Leadership funds.
Adult Retreat
A retreat is held for men and women annually. The retreat has two goals: 1) to provide a time of personal growth and spiritual reflection for participants, and 2) to model a retreat for teams who want to offer it as a parish/cluster retreat during Lent. A packet provides the materials the parish/cluster team needs to present the retreat locally.
Watch this site for further information on the next retreat to be held in the winter or contact us to add your name and address to the mailing list.
Faith Sharing Resource For Lent
One avenue of drawing adults toward a deeper relationship with God is through small faith sharing groups. To encourage this form of faith formation during Lent, our office uses centennial campaign funds to provide parish-sponsored faith sharing groups a NEW resource at NO COST.
Sample copies will be available in January. Contact us to receive a sample copy at seanm@scdiocese.org.
At-Home Resources
Looking for a book or video/DVD to use at home for spiritual enrichment? Resources may be borrowed from the Adult and Family Ministries Office and the Diocesan Media Center. Your only cost is the return postage.
Contact us for a resource list from the Adult and Family Ministries Office
or
Contact the Diocesan Media Center.
Referrals
Looking for a personal spiritual director or an area retreat center? You are invited to e-mail your question to our office at seanm@scdiocese.org.