Need assistance for theology formation?
Apply now for grant through Partners in Empowering Leadership

July 28, 2005

In light of the present and future need for informed lay leaders in the Diocese of Sioux City, the diocese offers financial assistance for Christian leadership formation through Partners in Empowering Leadership.

Persons seeking this assistance must apply for grants by Aug. 15 for the fall/winter courses and educational opportunities. The grants can help fund up to one-half of the cost of a course or program.

Through Partners in Empowering Leadership, funds are available to help pay for theological formation, education and spiritual development of people presently serving or those interested in serving in ministry in the diocese. Parishes/clusters as well as the individual are also expected to contribute toward the cost of this education.

"We would hope that all adults realize the ongoing need for faith formation and that faith formation is a lifelong process," said Linda Anderson, director of catechesis, who chairs Partners in Empowering Leadership review committee. "Specifically for those people involved in an ongoing ministry - whether it be a paid or volunteer position - you would hope they would want to increase their knowledge of theology so that they can share it with others in their parishes."

Grants are available for academic (degree) programs as well as continuing education opportunities.

Recipients of the academic grants have used it to take classes as part of the Church Ministries Program as well as other courses as they work toward a bachelor's or master's in theology or another ministries-related field. Funding is renewable, but must be requested for each course. Again, these grants can assist with up to one-half of the course costs.

The continuing education grants are available for other continuing education opportunities such as conferences, workshops and certification programs. Some examples of programs this grant could be used for are the Youth Ministry Certificate Program and Clinical Pastoral Education. Up to one-half of the registration fees will be considered.

"Funds can also be used for a conference or workshop - a one time thing - because some people will not do the ongoing classes but that doesn't mean that there aren't other learning opportunities," noted Anderson.

Because funds are limited, the diocese requests that if someone has been awarded a grant and then later decides not to participate in the educational opportunity then that person should contact the diocese so the money could possibly be redistributed.

Anyone who receives funds through this grant program will be asked to make a written commitment to serve in the Diocese of Sioux City for a specified period of time. For the degree program, it is three years of service after completion of the degree work. For continuing education, it is one year of service or for a time to be determined.

For more information about Partners in Empowering Leadership, contact Judy at (712) 233-7520 or Sandi at (712) 233-7530.

Persons making an application for a grant will receive written notification following committee review.