October 9, 2006VOL. 44, NO. 17Oakland, CA

Diocese offers formation programs
for catechists and lay ministers

By Voice staff

The Oakland Diocese is offering two programs for adults wanting to learn more about their faith in order to be more effective catechists and lay ministers. Both programs offer classes in theology, spirituality, Scripture and catechesis, but each has distinct features geared to their specific mission. Each program offers classes in English and in Spanish.

The newly-established Serra Catechetical Institute focuses on the requirements needed to become certified as a Basic Catechist and offers monthly instruction in spiritual development, doctrine, cathechetical process and methodology. While geared to catechists, Catholic school teachers, and parents, it is open to any adult and no prerequisites are required. The two-year program is coordinated by the diocesan Department for Evangelization and Catechesis.

Keith Borchers, DEC director, quoting from the National Directory for Catechesis, said the program is designed to help catechists “acquire the knowledge and skills they need to hand on the faith to those entrusted to their care and assist them in living as disciples in Christ.”

Classes will be held one Saturday per month (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. including lunch). Participants can select either of two locations – St. John Vianney Parish in Walnut Creek and Holy Spirit/Newman Parish in Berkeley. Classes begin Oct. 14 in Walnut Creek and Oct. 21 at St. Bernard Parish in Oakland because the Berkeley parish is not available until November.

Both English and Spanish participants will meet at the same location and they will join together for the opening prayer and lunch. Instruction, however, will take place separately.

During the first year, one session will focus on spirituality and prayer, four sessions on the Creed, and one session on sacraments. The second year will include classes on spirituality and prayer, sacraments and morality.

Diocesan staff and master catechists will be the primary instructors, Borchers said. Required texts include the Catholic Catechism for Adults and Vatican II documents.

Cost for the Serra Institute is $75 per year. Registration for this year has already closed, though some spaces may still be available, Borchers said. Persons interested in more information can visit the website at: www.oakdiocese.org/pastoral/SCI or call Melissa Hyatt (English) at (510) 267-8370 or Jessy Lira (Spanish) at 510-267-8352.

The School for Pastoral Ministry, coordinated by the Department of Faith and Ministry Formation, focuses on forming lay ministers and assisting those already in ministry to increase their knowledge of Catholic faith and build their practical ministerial skills. Participants can earn a Master Catechist certificate. Men who are discerning a vocation to the permanent diaconate are required to complete the program before being considered for deacon formation.

The School meets one Saturday each month for three years at Holy Names University in Oakland. The day begins with liturgy at 8 a.m. and continues with instruction and discussion until 3:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch.

In addition to the monthly sessions, students meet in small geographically based groups once a month for spiritual formation. Cost is $550 per year which includes all textbooks. Tuition assistance is available. Classes begin in January. Information nights about the program are currently being held. (See story at right.)
To enroll, applicants must submit a letter of intent and three letters of recommendation, including one from their pastor.

Tonya Richardson, associate director, said that during the first year students explore their ministerial identity, learn how to engage in theological reflection and begin a study of Scripture, prayer and spirituality. The second year focuses on the New Testament, Catholic beliefs and practices, and sacramental theology. The third year focuses on evangelization, catechesis, and Catholic social doctrine and helps participants build their ministerial skills.

Instructors include priests, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers.
Escuela de Ministerios Pastorales, the Spanish component of the School for Pastoral Ministry, meets one night each week (except during the summer) for three years. The classes, which include lectures, discussions, reading and theological reflection, are tailored to meet the needs of working people, said Juan Carlos Gaviria, associate director.

During the first year, the focus is on the theology of the lay minister, Catholic spirituality, introduction to Scripture, and sacraments. The second year focuses on the Old and New Testament, popular religiosity and Christology. The third year explores Catholic social teaching, ecclesiology, morality, and pastoral and leadership skills.

Students can attend classes at one of three parishes – St. Peter Martyr in Pittsburg, St. Elizabeth in Oakland, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Fremont.
Classes, which cost $300 per year, begin in February and September. To enroll, applicants must be involved in some form of ministry and have a recommendation of their pastor.

More than 300 people have graduated from the School and Escuela since the programs began in 1995.

For more information on the School for Pastoral Ministry, contact Peggy Maurer at (510) 273-498 or visit www.oakdiocese.org
For information on Escuela, contact Juan Carlos Gaviria at (510) 628-2186.

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