St. Edward Parish at 216 S, Nichols St., Lowell, IN 46356 US - Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program
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Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program |
The following is copied from May 27, 2007 Northwest Indiana Catholic newspaper...... William R. Hathaway attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, earning a degree in chemistry. The holder of a master's degree from Indiana University Northwest, he is manager of technology for Refractory Service. Corp. Bill is a parishioner at St. Edward, Lowell, where he is director of religious education. He also serves on a number of commissions at St. Edward and is involved in nursing home ministry. He and his wife, Laura, have three children: Gina, Victoria, and James. Hathaway, age 55, said he hopes to serve as a deacon "wherever I can of greatest service." The candidate draws inspiration from the beginning of the Book of Jeremiah, "Where God reminds Jeremiah (and us) that from the beginning of time we each have been called in service to the Lord." He also cites 1 Kings 19:9-13, "Where Elijah finds God's word, not in monumental occasion but in a tiny whisper - reminds us that to pray is to listen intently in all things, at all times." Roberto Mendoza A parishioner at St. Edward, Lowell, Roberto Mendoza has been active in the Hispanic community. This includes Hispanic/migrant ministry, Rite of Christian initiation of Adults, sacramental preparation, English classes, and La Casa Food Pantry. He has also been involved in bereavement sessions, and as a deacon he would like to maintain that parish involvement. Mendoza, 49, and his wife, Cindy, have four children: Megan, Nina, Amy, and Robby. The couple also have one grandchild. A pipefitter, Mendoza studied at Oak Lawn Community High School and Morraine Valley College. Turning to scripture, Mendoza cites Matthew 25:35-36, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." The Diocesan Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program The Diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program is a four year program that prepares lay men and women as Ecclesial Ministers. Ecclesial Ministers are defined as lay men and women who have been prepared professionally for specific roles of service and leadership in and for the Church. The Church needs lay leaders with a solid sense of ministry, a clear theology of Church and the skills to carry out their ministry. The eight semester program includes: Theology Classes, Pastoral Development, Spiritual Formation, Ministry Practicum. The lay Ministry Formation Program is a prerequisite for the Deacon Program. A new class will begin in September of 2007. Information nights will be held on Tue., January 16th, and Wed., January 17th, 2007. The sessions, which will begin at 6:30 pm each evening, will be held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center located at 93rd and Broadway in Merrillville. If you are interested in the program please attend one of the two information nights. If you have any questions about the program please contact Anne Verbeke, Program Director, at 219-769-9292, Ext. 280.