CHURCH MINISTRIES: Theology courses and more

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 16, 2007

EARLY - Parishioners in the Diocese of Sioux City have a chance to increase their knowledge about the Catholic faith.

David Lopez, Ph.D., chancellor of the diocese and diocesan director of deacon formation, said the diocese sponsors the two-year Church Ministries Program. It consists of six theology courses with three courses offered each year on a rotating basis. Participants may opt to take just one course, however.

"The Church Ministries courses are intended for anyone who is involved with or preparing for ministry in the church," he explained. "They are primarily intellectual formation."

The courses, Lopez said, provide base theological preparation for persons involved in any form of ministry from those who are lectors to those involved in music ministry.

New Testament kicks off this year's offering on Sept. 8 with four remaining sessions on Sept. 22, Oct. 13, 20 and Nov. 10. Each class runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and plans are for the course to be team-taught by several instructors. As in past years, the venue will be Sacred Heart Parish Center in Early.

"By scheduling it on Saturdays, we try to make it available to the largest possible number," said Lopez.

The winter class, Morality, is slated for Dec. 1, Jan. 5, 19, 26 and Feb. 2. This course is designed to provide the student with foundational concepts and principles for moral decision making.

Theology of Church is the spring Church Ministry's course Scheduled Feb. 23, March 15, 29, April 12 and 26, it is designed to introduce the student to the history of the Christian church through readings from each era of Christian history.

Liturigical courses

In addition to the Church Ministries theology courses, Lopez said the diocese also offers liturgical courses, which generally attract a more focused group. Those involved in liturgical preparation or who are engaged in deacon formation are more likely to take these courses.

Occasional Rites, to be taught by Father Bruce Lawler, interim director of worship for the diocese, is also offered in Early. Dates of that course are Sept. 15, 22, Oct. 13, 20 and Nov. 10. Four of these dates coincide with the Church Ministries course so that carpooling may be an option.

A second offering, Theology of Christ, will be presented on Dec. 1, Jan. 5, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 23, March 15, 29, April 12 and 26. Because the majority of students who take this class are deacon aspirants, the class is specifically tailored for those in deacon formation.

"It's part of the essential mission of the diocesan church to build up the faith of all those in the diocese. We do that directly for those who take the class and indirectly for those who benefit from the fact the people in the diocese take the class," said Lopez.

He stressed the importance of offering faith formation to adults.

"We certainly need ministers of all kinds in the church who are well-trained to do what it is they are called to do for the church," said Lopez. "This is part of our effort to make sure people in the diocese have access to the training that they need to exercise their gifts well."

The registration fee each theology and liturgical course is $85. For a fee of $125, college credit through Briar Cliff is available for the Church Ministries and the Theology of Christ course.

To enroll in either the theology or liturgical courses, contact Sandi Whitehill at (712) 233-7530. Pre-registration is desired so that individuals may secure reading assignments in advance of the first class, however last minute registrations will be accepted.