“We are convinced that the energy and resources we devote to adult faith formation will strengthen and invigorate all the charisms that adults receive and the activities they undertake, in the Church and in society, to serve the Gospel of Christ and the people of today. Every Church ministry will be energized through a dynamic ministry of adult catechesis.”
Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,
The Priority of Adult Faith formation -Section 3
A Pastoral Plan For Adult Faith Formation in the United States
By the U.S. Catholic Bishops
“…in everything we do commending ourselves as ministers of God…”
2 Corinthians 6:4
Adult Enrichment and Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office
St. Patrick School Building
625 Park Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15902
Phone: (814) 361-2000
Deacon Michael Russo
Ministerial Coordinator
E-Mail: mrusso@dioceseaj.org
Mrs. Marybeth Heinze
Administrative Assistant
E-mail: mheinze@dioceseaj.org
THE OFFICE OF ADULT ENRICHMENT AND LAY ECCLESIAL MINISTRY
ANNOUNCES THE 2017-2018 CLASS SCHEDULE
To view class information, please click on the link below:
2017-2018 Schedule of Classes
- Heart of Faith
- Old Testament
- Living Your Strengths Workshop
- Christian Prayer and Spirituality
- New Testament
- Sacraments
- Church History
- “Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life” Retreat
Tony DeGol interviews Deacon Michael Russo and Marybeth Heinze from the Adult Enrichment/Lay Ecclesial Ministry Offices about upcoming classes. Watch Now
~CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES~
WISDOM LITERATURE AND PSALMS
Deacon Michael Russo
Family Life Office
5379 Portage Street
Lilly, PA 15938
Thursdays: 6:30-9:00 PM
August 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5 (15 credit hours)
Registration Fee: $35
Book Fee: $20 (2 books)
Wisdom Literature and Psalms is a study of biblical Wisdom Literature and selected Psalms with a focus on their underlying message and the literary contribution of ancient Israel to world literature. The course will also present a careful study of the literary character and theological themes in the Book of Psalms.
THE WRITINGS OF JOHN
Father Bob Hilz, TOR
Blessed Mother Meeting Room
Faith Education Center
St. Aloysius Church
7911 Admiral Peary Hwy.
Cresson, PA 16630
Thursdays: 6:30-9:00 PM
August 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5
Registration Fee – $35, Book Fee – $14
This course considers the theology and spirituality of the Church as expressed in the fourth gospel. Attention is given to the theological and cultural setting of John’s Gospel as well as the principle images and themes concerning Jesus and the Church found in the Gospel. The special vocabulary and spiritual program of John will be considered. Literary structural, and theological topics will also be examined as will the position of the Johannine Church in the early Christian community.
ECCLESIOLOGY
Father Brain Saylor
St. Rose of Lima Church
5514 Roselawn Avenue, Altoona
Time: 6:30-9:00 PM
Registration Fee – $35
Class Schedule: Tuesday – August 22, Wednesday – August 23, Tuesday – August 29; September 5, No Class September 12, Tuesday – September 19,Wednesday – September 20
This course addresses the biblical, magisterial, and historical foundations of Church identity and leadership. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the mission of the Church as evidenced at universal and local levels of Church life. The Course also addresses the role of the deacon in the hierarchical structure of the Church.
R.C.I.A. – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The 2017-2018 RCIA Catechumenate Team Ministry Course will be held at the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Family Life Office, Lilly, PA.
Course Description: The course is an overview and exploration of the application of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA is the official rite of the Catholic Church for Adults desiring to be baptized and for the already baptized candidates who are asking to become full members of the Catholic Church. The comprehensive course content is presented in an adult environment and is a combination of experiential and traditional learning styles.
The course is presented within the format of the four-part phase and period process of the Rite itself which can seem daunting to implement as it is over 320 pages in its entirety. Each of the four parts consists of four sessions for each RCIA phase. The sessions are 2 ½ hours long and are not scheduled during Advent, Christmas or Lent.
The fee for this course is $75.00 per person which covers all material for the 16 week course.
2017 Fall Workshop Registration Form
For more information please contact: Mrs Jeanne Thompson, (814)-317-2672 or jthompson@dioceseaj.org
Registration forms must be completed and returned with the fee no later than August 20, 2017. Mail to: Lay Ecclesial Ministry/Adult Enrichment Office: St. Patrick School, 625 Park Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15902, Attn: Marybeth Heinze.
The Invitation to Attend is for:
- Adults who have completed the first 2 years of Lay Ecclesial Ministry coursework and need a Third Year Track course, and asked by their pastor or administrator, to become new directors and coordinators of a
parish Christian Initiation process. - Directors/Coordinators (who have been designated by their pastor/administrator) and Team Members who have been approved by the pastor/administrator, and have been active in ministry for at least on year. They must have knowledge of the foundation and development of the Christian Scriptures.
- Men and women who have expressed a desire to become active in Christian Initiation Ministry after serving in parish for at least two years in a Catechetical Ministry, and have completed Basic Catechist Formation.
- Clergy who did not have a concentrated preparation for implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, i.e., the celebration of the required minor ritual.
We are hoping to reach the goal for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to have at least 2 people from every parish prepared to assist the pastor/administrator to lead and facilitate the RCIA process when men, women, and youth, after God has led them to recognition of faith, seek to become members of the Catholic Church.
