Church Ministries offering classes in Early

July 29, 2004

Have you always desired for a greater understanding of Scripture? If so, then you may be interested in the Church Ministries Program.

The Church Ministries Program provides the foundation basics of Scripture and theology and fosters a deepened faith commitment for any adult Catholic. The program provides an opportunity for adults to learn how to reflect carefully about their faith as it relates to today's world.

"These courses are open to any adult in the diocese. They are foundational, good, enrichment for anyone who wants more knowledge about their faith," noted Kay Morrissey, director of the Office of Faith Formation. "The program is certainly an excellent opportunity for those serving in parish or cluster leadership positions if they haven't had the course."

The Church Ministries courses will begin on Sept. 11 with the first in the cycle begin Old Testament. The course will take students on a guided tour through Hebrew Scriptures - the Torah, the writings and the prophets. It will explore how it came to be, the basic themes and topics, and the principle men and women and their messages. The unique revelation of the Old Testament will be applied to today's Christian challenges.

Father Patrick Walsh, president of the Catholic Schools of Sioux City, will teach this class at the Sacred Heart Parish Center in Early from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 11, 25, Oct. 9, 23 and Nov. 6.

The winter course in this year's cycle include Introduction to Ministry, which is slated to begin on Dec. 4. This year's spring course is Sacraments and it will begin on March 5. The New Testament and Christian Morality are the other two courses that make up the Church Ministries Program.

Participants are required to take the Old Testament course or have some Scripture course background before taking the other classes in the program.

The light-blue colored brochures were recently sent out to pastors.

Cost of each course is $75 and books run about $60. If people opt to take this for college credit through Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, there is a $125 fee.

People are asked to register for the classes about one month prior to the start of the course. For more information, contact the Office of Faith Formation at (712) 233-7530.