The School of Ministry provides high standards, effective methods and comprehensive goals to form lay ministers to work together with the ordained to further the mission of the church. We celebrate, reflect and respond to the rich history and great diversity of the Catholic Church. The school challenges the baptized to answer their call to discipleship and to bring the Good News of Jesus to all through the ministries in the Church.
School of Ministry Overarching Goals and Objectives
Goals:
To develop professional, pastoral and ministerial skills rooted and grounded in Catholic theology;
To promote personal and spiritual maturity in ministry;
To raise awareness of Catholic social teachings as an aspect of all ministry;
To develop cultural sensitivity in light of the reality of the Church in the Diocese of Stockton;
To lead program participants to recognize that the call to formal and public ministry is rooted in their baptism;
To assist program participants to integrate knowledge of Catholic faith within ministry;
To facilitate practicums which promote evangelization, faith formation, community and pastoral care in the light of intellectual and pastoral skills acquired in the program.
Objectives:
To offer specific theological sessions in both the basic and advanced levels that reflect the standards set by the USCCB/CCA and the guidelines of Bishops of the California Catholic Conference;
To provide parishes with assistance and training for implementation of the Diocesan Synod goals;
To incorporate Vatican II and post-conciliar documents in every course offering;
To connect the subjects presented to the daily life of the participants;
To provide opportunities for theological and personal reflection, retreats, and personal and communal prayer offerings;
