February
2003
http://www.dioceseoflascruces.org/agua/html/agua.html
As
most of you know, our diocese has initiated an excellent
program to train and prepare lay leaders for service in
the Church. This is a process which is now being followed
by many dioceses around the country as the emphasis on the
increasing role of the laity is being honored. This changing
face of ministry is the result of many factors. The shortage
of priests is, of course, paramount. Yet, beyond that, is
a growing understanding that taking responsibility for the
Church is a duty passed on to us at baptism. In order to
take on that duty, we need to be prepared and educated about
the Church, its history, its beliefs and values, and its
place in the world. In addition, the Church is recognizing
it must accept responsibility for preparing the laity just
as it does for the priests, religious, and deacons. Our
diocese is in the forefront of those providing the training,
and we now have two people who are finishing the first three
year schedule of courses.
The
training is structured in a 3 year program which culminates
in a practicum style class which involves a written contract
with a mentor who oversees the student in his/her chosen
field of ministry. Besides the two people who are finishing
the process, another group began training last year and
are now half way through the preparation period. Next year,
as they complete their studies, it is planned that a new
group will begin, thus continuing a cycle which we hope
will thrive in the years ahead.
Now,
a new tool has been added to our resources. It is the STEP
program offered by the University of Notre Dame. STEP is
an acronym for Satellite Theological Education Program and,
as the name implies, makes use of the internet to provide
classes and training for those who might otherwise be unable
to avail themselves of such an opportunity in a traditional
classroom setting. If you are interested in learning more,
their web address is: http://step.nd.edu.
The costs are reasonable and there are three styles of training.
For those with more time to spare, the limited enrollment
classes are offered once a year and involve at least 10
hours outside reading and writing each week. Open enrollment
classes are offered several times a year and require less
preparation time. In addition, they have lectures on cd-rom
which can be purchased for a nominal amount and do not require
any time other than watching and learning from the lectures.
They also can be used in small group work such as prayer
groups, small Christian communities, etc.
The
exciting thing about STEP is that the University of Notre
Dame has set up this program with the expectation that it
can be used and incorporated into already existing training
programs for the laity, such as that which we are providing.
Sr. Lucy Meissen, David McNamara, and myself have been in
touch with the director of STEP and are quite excited about
the possibilities that it offers to us in an area of the
country where educational resources such as teachers and
supplies are stretched thin. In addition, STEP is preparing
a Spanish version of the program for Spanish speaking laity.
This is an area of great need with, as yet, few good resources
to fill it. Even for people without access to computers,
the lessons can be presented to a classroom with parish
or diocesan equipment. Most of the reading to be done can
be downloaded from the net and printed out for distribution
at a very reasonable amount. If you would like more information
about STEP, you can call Sr. Lucy Meissen, David McNamara,
or myself here at the Pastoral Center to ask questions.
Oh, and by the way, I have completed one of the Open Enrollment
courses over the net, thanks to the generosity of the STEP
program. (A special thanks to Tom Cummings, the director).
I had a wonderful experience, so if you would like to hear
more, give me a call!
