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.
