LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTER CONTINUING FORMATION

PARISH CHRISTOCENTRIC CUSTOMER SERVICE - As parish ministers we are expected to live out the Good News of our Lord.  We serve the parishioners and strive to provide exceptional liturgies, outstanding catechetical experiences, fulfilling service opportunities, ministry to the sick and dying; all with the intent to bring the faithful closer to God. We will explore the ways the staff members interact with each other and with the parishioners to ensure that an encounter with a staff member is an encounter with Christ.

LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTER CONTINUING FORMATION

PASTORAL ADMINISTRATION  - Uncovering what it means to be a Pastoral Associate, Youth/Young Adult Minister, Director/Coordinator/Administrator of Religious Education; living our ministerial call to educate and inspire.  This program provides information on time management, working with volunteers, effective communication, the importance of prayer time, developing an engaged parish staff, caring conversations, and caring for ourselves.  Ministers will come away refreshed and invigorated ready to return to their parishes and bring Christ into every encounter!

TRAINING FOR LITURGICAL MINISTERS

The basic program includes the following components:

• What is liturgy?

• Liturgical evolution from The Last Supper to the Third Edition of the Roman Missal

• Understanding of rubrics and bringing "actio" into the tasks of ministers

• Proper disposition of the liturgical minister based on role - Hospitality, Greeter, Usher, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

• Prayer and the liturgical minister - always mindful that proper preparation prevents poor performance!

Specific programs are also available for each liturgical role. Please contact us for information how we can tailor a program specifically for your needs.

Deacon Continuing Education Opportunities

Fraternal Entities

National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education (NDICE) www.ndice.net  

Annual conference held in mid July on the campus of Xavier University,  Cincinnati,  Ohio  

Colleges and Universities

Josephinum Diaconate Institute, Pontifical College Josephinum   https://deacons.pcj.edu/

University of Notre Dame STEP      http://step.nd.edu/i-am-deacon

University of Dallas, Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff School of Ministry  http://udallas.edu/ministry/index.php   Also hosts the Dallas Ministry Conference

Holy Apostles College - Massive Open Online Courses    http://www.holyapostles.edu/mooc/

National Organizations

NCEA - National Catholic Educational Association   The NCEA Convention & Expo is the largest private-education association gathering in the nation. Those participating represent all aspects of Catholic school and faith-based education. The Convention is a time to celebrate, to acquire new knowledge, and to renew your spirit.  Event is held annually the week after Easter.

NFCYM - National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry  Supports and strengthens those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. Annual Membership meeting is is usually in the first quarter of the year.