22 leaders complete catechetical course
Posted on by Admin
Attending the final session of the catechetical leadership course at the Hotel Arizona last month are, first row from left, Christina Jeter, St. Cyril, Tucson; Sister Kathy Cook, C.S.A., St. Michael Mission, Naco; Gloria Ramirez-Kunz, St. Pius X, Tucson; Laurie Lewis, St. Patrick, Bisbee; Lucy Quiroz, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Tucson; Cathy Roach, St. Mark, Tucson; second row, Rebecca Jenkins, St. Cyril, Tucson; Laura Stehle, Our Mother of Sorrows, Tucson; Mike Berger, Office of Catechesis; Sister Vianney Bilgrien, SSND, instructor; Carol Padilla, Santa Catalina,Tucson; third row, Sister Carla Riach, O.S.F., San Xavier, Tucson; Maredith Clack, Most Holy Trinity, Tucson; Sister Marilyn Winkle, C.S.A. St. Patrick, Bisbee; Lydia Lopez, St. John, Tucson; top row, Felicia Klein, Our Lady of the Mountains, Sierra Vista; Randy Munsen, Most Holy Trinity, Tucson; Amber St. John, St. Pius X, Tucson; Norma Cable, St. Pius X, Tucson; Jim Carroll, St. Philip, Payson; Judy Carroll, St. Philip, Payson; Maria Telles, St. Helen, Oracle; Adriana Loustaunau, St. Cyril, Tucson.
A year and a half ago, 30 catechetical leaders from parishes throughout the Diocese of Tucson began a Specialized Certificate Program in Catechetical Leadership taught by Loyola University New Orleans.
In May, 22 of those leaders will graduate the program and receive certificates for completing 90 contact hours over six weekends. The other eight attended at least one or more of the weekends for continuing education, but were not seeking the certificate.
This extension program was a first-of-its-kind from Loyola University’s Pastoral Life Center, hosted by the diocese’s Office of Catechesis.
In addition to attending six weekend courses comprising 15 hours each, students were required to read selected books and complete two reflection papers for each course based on the readings and their experience in catechetical ministry.
Having finished their course work, they will receive a “Professional Credential for Christian Ministry” with their certificates.
This extension program was made possible by funding from “Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future,” the diocesan capital campaign, said Mike Berger, director of the Office of Catechesis, who participated in the course.
“Because of the positive response from students and the ongoing need to support and equip our catechetical leaders with quality formation, we hope to offer this or related programs again in the future,” Berger said.