Pastoral Formation Institute

Level III courses are for Catholic school teachers, directors of
religious education, catechists and for those individuals seeking
personal enrichment.
   
101 Introduction to Sacred Scripture
St. Joseph Oblate Seminary, Pittston
June 18-22; June 25-29
9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
Mr. Benjamin Tolerico 

301 Sacraments in General
Holy Cross High School, Dunmore
June 13-15; June 18-22; June 25-26
9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
Mrs. Kathy Yaklic 

301 The Sacraments in General
Notre Dame High School, E. Stroudsburg
 June 7-8; June 11-15; June 18-20
 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
 Mrs. Helen Findlay
 
 301 The Sacraments in General
 St. John Neumann High School, Williamsport
 June 11-15; June 18-22 
 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
 Rev. David W. Bechtel
 
To register: Call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107 or
e-mail sister-leonita-duhoski@dioceseofscranton.org
Fee: $150.00.  Audit $65.00
Please Note:  If a class falls on a holyday or holiday, the instructor

Continuing Education sessions are designed to offer an educational experience that  will provide for the participant a deeper involvement in the apostolic works of parish  ministry.  These sessions also offer opportunities for individuals to deepen their faith and to learn about current Church issues as well as Diocesan programs.

Discovering Parish Ministry for Maturing Adults
Diocesan Center, Scranton
June, 11, 18   (Mondays)   6-8 p.m.
David Clarke and Brendan Murphy
Parishes today need to become more active and more focused on ministering to adults in their maturing years.  This workshop, designed for parishes who seek to include opportunities for maturing adults within their parish ministries, will explore the three groups of maturing adults common to each parish community.  Participants will also learn the 12 key principles that will lead to forming a successful maturing adult ministry in the parish.  An essential component of these presentations will center on the essence of spirituality.  This new vision for parish ministry moves beyond social activities to a new model of spiritual growth and for the  personal development for maturing adults.
Fee: $15.00 per person or $12.00 each for four or more persons from one parish.
Cost of book is included in the fee.  To register:  Call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107.

The Liturgical Year:  Celebrating the Mystery of Christ
Diocesan Center, Scranton
July 12  (Thursday)   6-8:30 p.m.
Monsignor Dale R. Rupert
Each day of the liturgical year is sanctified primarily by Christ’s presence in it, but also by the prayer and liturgical celebration of the People of God, especially by the Mass and the Divine Office.  The liturgical year exerts “a special sacramental power and influence which strengthens the Christian life.”  (National Directory for Catechesis, p. 146)
The fourth part of this series, Ordinary Time and the Celebrations in Honor of the Saints, deals with the thirty-three or thirty-four weeks of the yearly liturgical cycle in which no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated.  Rather, in this time the mystery of Christ itself in its fullness is honored, especially on Sundays.  Even as the Church celebrates the mystery of Christ throughout the year, She also venerates with a particular love Mary and many martyrs and other saints.  This session will also explore the yearly liturgical calendar of their solemnities, feasts and memorials.
Fee: $10.00.  To register:  Call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107.

Adventures in Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come (Ascension Press)
Diocesan Center, Scranton
June 12, 19,  July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,  August 7, 14, 21   (Tuesdays)    2-4 p.m.
Brendan Murphy
No book in the Bible fascinates us more than the Book of Revelation.  Though scholars have produced countless interpretations of this volume, The Great Adventure Series provides a sound study of this book in response to the growing number of thousands of Catholics who desire to learn and appreciate its rich symbolism, especially that of Christ, the Divine Bridegroom and his Church.  Three themes will be studied:  Revelation as a Book of Liturgy, Revelation as a Handbook of Discipleship, and Revelation as the Final Exodus of the People of God.  Through  this study, participants will see clearly how the symbolism and imagery of the Book of Revelation can be relevant in daily life.
Fee: $30.00, includes cost of workbook.  To register: Call 570.207.2213,  ext. 1107.

Hospitality and Welcoming Ministry
Diocesan Center, Scranton
June 19   (Tuesday)   6-8 p.m.
Sister Mary Beth Makuch, SS.CM and Mary Anne Malone
Ministry of Hospitality is an integral part of parish life.  Mindful of the newcomer or of the person who attends church rarely, we can be especially welcoming on holy days such as Christmas and Easter, or when people gather in grief at a funeral or in celebration of a wedding.  In this workshop we will also examine ways in which we welcome and accommodate persons with disabilities.  We will provide opportunities to share experiences and practices which will enhance the welcoming attitude of our parishes.
Fee: $15.00 or $35.00 for three or more persons from one parish.
To register:  Call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107.

“Let the Little Children Come to Me”
Diocesan Center, Scranton
June 5  (Tuesday)   6-8 p.m.
Gayle Castellani
During the course of a child’s participation in a Faith Formation program, he/she will be prepared to receive the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation. 
This evening session will offer practical and easy ways to make each sacrament come alive in an age appropriate manner.  Topics for discussion will include parental involvement, curriculum, retreat format, and additional activities that will enhance a child’s understanding of each sacrament.  Ideas will be relevant to individual, linked or partnership parish religious education programs.
Fee: $15.00 or $35.00 for three or more persons from one parish.
To register: Call 570. 207.2213, ext. 1107. 

“I Am the Living Bread”: The Eucharist in Scripture
Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton
July 28  (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, V.G.
This Reflection Day will help participants to understand the foundation of Eucharistic worship through Sacred Scripture.  From Old Testament realities that anticipate the Eucharist as well as Gospel accounts of Jesus’ bread of life discourse, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the breaking of bread with the two disciples to Emmaus, participants will reflect, pray and grow in their appreciation of  Scripture and  the Eucharist.  The day is recommended for those who seek to enhance their own personal relationship with the Lord, for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Eucharist, and for catechists involved in the sacramental training of the young.  Fee:  $30.00, includes lunch.  To register: Call 570. 563.8500

Lectio Divina: A Way to Pray with the Scriptures
Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton
June 30  (Saturday)          9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rev. James Price, C.P.
Don’t let the beauty of these Latin words distract you!  Lectio divina literally means “divine reading” and as such, is a contemplative way of praying with the Scriptures, enabling God’s Word to transform our hearts to that of Christ. Through the four steps of listening, reflecting, praying, and resting in God’s  presence, the participant will learn how his/her experience of God is deepened and enriched.  Through explanation and an actual example of this form of prayer, participants will clearly understand what it means to be and to rest in God’s loving presence.
Fee: $30.00, includes lunch.  To register: Call 570.563.8500

A Scriptural Journey with Mary
Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton
September 8  (Saturday)         9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Monsignor John A. Esseff
Follow in the footsteps of Mary, the first disciple of Jesus!  This Reflection Day will focus on the life of Mary, from her first “yes” at the Annunciation to her presence in the upper room at Pentecost.  Monsignor Esseff will lead participants in the practice of virtue as exemplified in Mary.  As we imitate Mary in true discipleship, we are drawn closer to the Lord and become true models of Christian service to others.
Fee: $30.00, includes lunch.  To register: Call 570.563.8500
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated and the Sacrament of
Reconciliation will be available during the Reflection Days.

God draws every human being toward himself, and every human
being desires communion with God.  Prayer is the basis and
expression of the vital and personal relationship of a human
person with the living and true God …
                                          –National Directory for Catechesis, p. 111

MS034 Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Training
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion clearly serves the Church by assisting the priest in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the worshipers in the assembly, to those confined to their homes, and to those in hospitals  Those enrolling in the seven hour training sessions are required to attend all three evenings listed below. 

Diocesan Office, Scranton
July 9, 16, 23   (Mondays)   6-8:30 p.m.                                                
Monsignor Dale R. Rupert

Good Shepherd Academy, Kingston
August 6, 13, 20  (Mondays)  6:30-9:00 p.m.
Deacon Thomas Cesarini

To enroll in the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion  training sessions, it is necessary to receive a recommendation by the pastor in writing or through a phone call (570.207.2213,  ext. 1107. The participant must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and must have attained his/her 21st  birthday.
Fee: $30.00    
To register:  Call 570.207. 2213, ext. 1107.
Note: Parishes who wish to schedule training sessions, please call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107

MS011 Basic Skills
This course is recommended for those who are beginning their ministry as catechists, and it is highly recommended for those who wish to strengthen their teaching skills.  Based on the model of Jesus as the Master Teacher, the course will explain: using a teacher’s manual, lesson planning, classroom management, methods of prayer, among others.  It will offer ways in which the family unit can be incorporated into the religious education program.  The course will also explain the importance of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, The National Directory for Catechesis, and The Directives for Religious Education in Parishes and Schools in the Diocese of Scranton.
Wyoming Area Catholic, Exeter
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30   (Thursdays)   6-9 p.m.
Mary Anne Malone

St. John Bosco Church Hall,  Conyingham
Summer  – Dates and times to be announced
Reverend Andrew Kurovsky
Fee: $30.00 per person or $100. 00 for four (4) or more persons
from one parish.  To register: Call 570.207.2213, ext. 1107   

Parish Pastoral Council as Servant Leadership
presented by Reverend Paul M. Mullen, Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Milford and a team of experienced Pastoral Council members at Diocesan Center, Scranton
June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2012 — Wednesdays
6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Pastoral Councils Have a Purpose.
1. A great opportunity to consider and implement Bishop Bambera’s
Pastoral Letter, Wounded and Loved, Regathering the Scattered
2. Not decision-making bodies, but communities that reach decisions
prayerfully
3. A creative way of communicating and energizing congregation
participation
4. The whole community setting priorities and gaining ownership for
the implementation of parish development
5. A tremendous opportunity for everyone to truly appreciate the real
meaning and purpose of CHURCH

Who Should Come?
1. Ideally, your whole Council, an assembly of clergy and lay people
who want to reflect upon their experience of Council; concrete
suggestions as to how to improve and enjoy the mission of visioning
and planning
2. A group of clergy and lay people who need assistance in forming a
Pastoral Council in their parish; clear direction for the first steps will
be given
3.  Parish leaders who want to experience a hands-on engaging process
to discover practical ways for collaborative leadership; individual
members of Councils are most welcome; you can join with other
parishes to form a model for these evenings

What Will the Four Sessions Include?
Week 1: A Council Fashioning the Mission for a Parish.
Experienced lay leaders will speak of how parishioners grow and mature
as they share an evolving experience of Pastoral Council.  During this first
evening, participants will work together to fashion a parish mission statement. 
Come this first evening, even if you have a mission statement!  Periodically,
every Council needs to re-examine its mission statement to keep parish life
fresh and alive!  Experienced Council members can enrich the group! 

Week 2:  We Have Gifts from God: Discover Your Strengths.
Each participant will have an opportunity to use a tool from the Gallup
organization, helping persons identify their gifts from God for leadership. 
The Living Your Strengths process enables Church leaders to discover
their unique set of strengths in their lives at home, work, and in community. 
The evening will include a prayerful reflection upon how persons share 
these gifts in all the relationships of their lives, as well as in parish ministries.
This kind of personal awareness creates an energy and a confidence that
engages parishioners for genuine service.

Week 3: Discernment: The Spirituality of the Council!
We will present and review the key concept of the book, Shared Wisdom,
by Sr. Mary Benet McKinney, OSB.  Each person is filled with generous
gifts of the Spirit for the good of the whole Church.  Working together and
sharing gifts, we can discern a living Wisdom in a Council that allows us to
reach consensus.  We will engage in a practical detailed method of prayerful
selection of Council members.

Week 4: Planning: Ministry Moving from Vision to Action.
The frustrating work of Council development has been the challenge to
translate the vision of parish life into real pastoral action.  Therefore, on
this final evening, each group will undertake the work of planning for
one of the ministry areas named as commissions in the Bishop’s Pastoral:
Word, Worship, Community and Service.  Using a planning process
entitled  “appreciative inquiry,” we will identify the strengths of a particular
ministry area and determine the ways in which a parish might improve
this area.  We will then prioritize a series of proposed ventures developing
goals and objectives for implementation with actual strategies.  We will
discuss how the church ministry of evangelization happens in this process
of planning.
Fee: $35.00 per person which includes the $25.00 cost of the book,
Living Your Strengths.
To register:  Call 570.3312, ext. 1107.
Please Note:  Parishes outside of Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties who desire to have this program in their areas, please call the above number.