Empowerment fund helps finance adult theological education

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff writer
July 31, 2003

Partners in Empowering Leadership for the Diocese of Sioux City will offer financial assistance to adults for theological education.

"It began a few years ago," said Kay Morrissey, director of faith formation for the diocese. "It's a fund from the diocese to assist leadership persons in obtaining theological formation paying up to 50 percent of their fees."

A brochure describing this fund was sent to parishes in the diocese recently and can be obtained from the pastor of the parish. Those interested can also visit the diocesan Web site at www.scdiocese.org under the faith formation link to find more information.

"This program is an asset to the persons as well as to the parishes or clusters that support them because if we are asking people to serve in these capacities, then there is a responsibility on the part of all concerned - the person, the parish, the diocese - to help ensure that the person has the background they need to be able to serve effectively," said Morrissey. "So this is one way that the diocese believes that we are doing our part to be of assistance."

Funds are available to assist in the financing of the education, formation and spiritual development of men and women in ministerial service in the parishes/clusters of the Diocese of Sioux City. Parishes/clusters as well as the individual are also expected to contribute toward the cost of further education.

"People serving as DREs, youth ministers, pastoral ministers or liturgists who could benefit from the church ministries courses or other courses, are welcome to apply," said Morrissey. "The preference goes to those who are already serving in those capacities. Anyone who has an interest in preparing to serve in one of those areas and are thinking about getting more theology before they apply for a position can also apply for financial assistance."

Part of the application is to provide a reason why the person is applying, how they have been involved in the past and how they plan to be involved in the future.

"We want to hear from people, why is this of interest to you?" commented Morrissey.

The distribution of the funds and evaluation of recipients will rest with the diocesan committee for review.

"What we do when we get the applications is look at the resources that we have for this year and what we might anticipate for the coming year and make awards accordingly," said Morrissey. "It does say in the registration that it is up to 50 percent of fees."

The deadline for the application for fall and winter courses is Aug. 15.

"We hope people will avail themselves of this opportunity because it's there," said Morrissey. "One thing we always hear later is 'we didn't know such a thing existed.' So we really try when we have meetings with people or whenever we see them to say 'this is there for you.' I hope people will read their Globe or have seen it in their parish and will take advantage of this opportunity."