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Diocese of Victoria
Pastoral Institute
Continuing Adult Faith Enrichment Program
The Pastoral Institute
The Pastoral Institute is committed to making adult education a high priority in the diocese of Victoria by providing a solid curriculum of basic courses pertaining to our Catholic faith.
Understanding and living the Catholic faith is a lifelong commitment. Each person is called to grow continually and to respond openly to Christ in his/her life.
The Pastoral Institute offers three different programs:
Extended Program, Short-term Program, and Continuing Education Program
1. The Extended Program is a three-year program of 12 six-week courses (144 clock hours) offered in different centers in the diocese.
The two courses offered in the fall 2007 include:
Liturgy - This course will focus on the worship and prayer of the Church and its importance in the life of the Christian today. Principles of liturgy will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the celebration of the Mass and the worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass. Time will be devoted to historical and current ecclesial liturgical documents and time will be allotted for participant questions and feedback.
Trinity - Participants will examine the three persons of the Holy trinity, their relationship to each other and to the human race.
Six-week courses
| Introduction to the Bible and Pentateuch |
The Historical and Prophetic Books of the Old Testament |
| Psalms and Wisdom |
Introduction to the New Testament, Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles |
|
The Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation |
Pauline Writings and New Testament Letters |
| Sacraments of Initiation | Sacraments of Healing and Vocation |
| Liturgy | Morality |
| Church | Trinity |
2. Short-term Program consists of twelve courses in basic doctrine and catechetical training. There is a nominal fee for the companion booklet required for all Echoes of Faith courses.
Echoes of Faith (video-assisted program)
Theological
Liturgical
Basic Formation in Youth Ministry
(Non-Echoes course - Offered through the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry)
A Continuing Education Program consists of on-going Scripture and theological courses for those who have completed the Extended Program or for other interested persons.
Fees: There is a $15.00 fee for the Extended and Continuing Education classes. Books fees are extra.
Pastoral Institute Records
& Certificates
A Class Record is created for each person who attends the Pastoral Institute. Certificates are issued for completed courses and noted on the individual's record.
General
A Short-term Program Certificate is issued for completing seven theological short-term classes.
An Extended Program Certificate is issued for completing the twelve six-week extended
program courses (144 clock hours).
Catechetical
A Basic Certificate for Catechist Formation is issued for attending all the catechetical and theological Short-term classes.
An Advanced Catechist Formation Certificate is issued for successfully completing the twelve extended program courses as well as the Short-term program catechetical classes.
Liturgical Ministers
Lectors are expected to take Liturgy, Scripture, and Proclaiming the Word Short-term Program courses.
Ministers of Communion are expected to take Liturgy, Sacraments, and Ministers of Communion Short-term Program courses.
Music Ministers are expected to take Liturgy, Scripture, Liturgy Preparation, and/or Music Showcase Short-term Program courses.
For information, call 361-573-0828 or visit www.victoriadiocese.org