Joanna Harmon, Agua Viva (A publication
of the Diocese of Las Cruces)
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!
