Funds can help develop leaders

By RENEE WEBB Globe editor
Posted April 3, 2003

Town hall meetings recently held in the Diocese of Sioux City stressed the need of parishioners to take on leadership roles within parishes.

"As we have gone out to town hall meetings, each night I have encouraged people to look around for people presently volunteering in ministry or they have qualities for leadership development so they might encourage those people to take theology courses to prepare them for leadership roles," noted Kay Morrissey, director of adult and family ministries. "We have to start growing more leadership from within the diocese. We can't count on them coming from anywhere else but in our parishes and communities."

At the meetings, Morrissey informed people that applications were now being accepted for funds available through Partners in Empowering Leadership. This fund is monies set aside by the diocese to assist people in obtaining further theological formation - courses or skills - for leadership positions.

"As the deadline nears for funds for summer courses, we hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity to obtain financial assistance," she explained.

Funds from Partners in Empowering Leadership are distributed three times a year. Persons serving as liturgists, DREs, youth ministers or pastoral ministers are the primary benefactors of the fund. Morrissey stressed that persons need not be full-time parish staff in order to apply - parish volunteers will also be considered.

"We would like people to know that the diocese is grateful for their involvement and would like to help support them financially in their endeavors to better prepare themselves," said Morrissey.

Many recipients of the funds use it for the Church Ministries courses. This summer the course offerings are Faith and Meaning along with Morality.

Offered June 9-13 at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Faith and Meaning will be taught by Sister Michaela Galles. It will address several fundamental areas of Christian reflection such as the meaning of human life, God, Jesus Christ, the church and sacraments.

Morality will be taught by Dr. Stephan Davis from June 16-20 at Central Catholic Offices in Sioux City.

The registration fee is $60 and books are about $50. Persons are asked to sign up about one month prior to the start of the course.

While persons in parish leadership may apply for assistance through the Partners in Empowering Leadership fund, teachers in Catholic schools are eligible to apply for a grant from the Catholic Schools Foundation in order to cover a portion of their expenses.

Morrissey pointed out that in addition to the Church Ministries Program, money from Partners in Empowering Leadership has been used for the Clinical Pastoral Education program in Cherokee. Individuals can use funds to attend such events as the BeFriender Ministry Coordinator Training in St. Paul or Youth Ministry Certificate Weekend in Des Moines or Omaha.

"It's designed for educational opportunities that will enhance their understanding of ministry and their ability to serve," she said.

People should apply by April 15 for funds from Partners in Empowering Leadership to be used for summer programming. Brochures containing an application form were recently sent to all parishes. Applicants should know within three weeks if they will receive funds.

Recipients of the funding will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of Morrissey, Father Mark Stoll, pastor at St. Joseph Church in Neptune and vice chancellor; Linda Anderson, director of catechesis for the diocese; Dr. Stephan Davis, director of youth and intergenerational ministry and Julie Luft of the Office of Finance.