By Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy
Special to the Herald
Bishop Larry Silva has approved an outstanding new resource for lay ecclesial ministry formation and certification in the Diocese of Honolulu. On Sept. 1 and 4, Mark Ginter of the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute will provide online introductory sessions for pastors, parish catechetical leadership teams, and school administrators. I will host his presentations along with Lisa Gomes, diocesan director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. (See session details in the box right)
To receive a link to the meeting, register atcatholichawaii.org/LEM2021Resource. Real-time participation is highly recommended. However, sessions will be recorded and posted at catholichawaii.org/LEM.
On Oct. 1, the Institute workshops will be made available to all catechists, defined as those entrusted by their pastor and/or principal with the formation of others including, but not limited to, those involved in ministries serving children, youth and young adults, families, the catechumenate (RCIA), and Hawaii Catholic schools.
Catechists will be able to access the workshops free of charge and work toward certification under a trained mentor assigned by the parish/school.
The Institute will support the diocesan lay ecclesial ministry formation and certification process by providing:
- A platform to thoroughly train and spiritually nurture any person involved in teaching the faith, especially those in formal catechetical ministries.
- A means for parishes and schools to engage, accompany and form catechists/teachers as a community of faith.
- Increased capacity for catechists/teachers to complete the basic certification requirements quickly and inexpensively.
- Unlimited access to online workshops to complete advanced certifications in a variety of ministry areas.
- Unlimited access to online workshops for ongoing formation and professional development.
- Administrative access to the Institute’s learning management and record-keeping system.
A unique aspect of the Institute is the presence of mentors, persons typically identified by the parish or school, trained to accompany learners through each workshop.
Launched in 2016, the Franciscan University Catechetical Institute seeks to serve Christ and his church by forming those Catholics entrusted with the formation of others. Through the Institute and other catechetical resources, they make the riches of the Catholic faith more available and accessible to clergy and lay catechists alike.
Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy is the diocesan director of the Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation.
