Susanne Chawszczewski, Vision
March
2006
As
our members continue to seek out new sources for continuing education
hours for their renewal, the University of Notre Dame has set
up an economical way to attain personal, professional, and theological
education.
In 1999,
the Satellite Theological Education Program (STEP) was established
at the university as a mission of outreach to the Church. This
program offers theological education for both spiritual rejuvenation
and personal growth.
Through STEP,
an individual may pursue online theological education in a variety
of ways.
Continuing
education e-courses are offered online and taught by either a
Notre Dame professor or a facilitator with an advanced degree
in theology. The courses are concentrated in Catholic Doctrine,
Christian Life, Church History, Liturgy, and Scripture, and range
from four-week book review sessions to seven-week professor-led
courses. E-courses include video lectures, readings, weekly assignments,
class discussion utilizing an online discussion area, and a course
evaluation. The cost ranges from $29 to $149 per course.
One of our
own NACC-certified chaplains is an instructor in the STEP program.
Michelle Lemiesz, M.Div., is currently teaching "Biblical
Literary Forms" and "On Prayer."
Students who
register for these courses can earn continuing education hours
for their renewal of certification with the National Association
of Catholic Chaplains. For example, a current five-week course,
"Women and Catholicism in the United States," requires
3-5 hours per week to be devoted to the course. Once you have
completed the course and satisfied all requirements, you are awarded
a certificate for 20 contact hours. These contact hours would
then translate into 20 continuing education hours for your renewal
of certification.
In addition,
students who are enrolled in the University of Notre Dame Graduate
School may take for-credit courses in theology that also employ
online teaching methods. Application information is available
through the University's Department of Theology, (574) 631-4254.
Another option
for chaplains looking for ongoing education is the Catholic Lecture
Series. This set of twelve individual lectures on core theological
topics is available on CD-ROM. Information about continuing education
hours for these individual lectures wilt be posted on the NACC
website.
Utilizing
STEP as a tool for continuing education provides chaplains in
any geographic location with a great opportunity to interact with
highly regarded teachers in a truly technological environment.
In addition, dialogue with engaged Catholics from across the country
will edify and enrich your faith. Further information about STEP
can be found at:
http://step.nd.edu;
1-866-425-7837 (STEP); or stepnd@nd.edu.
Susanne
Chawszczewski, Ph.D., is the NACC's Director of Education and
Professional Practice.
