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WASHINGTON (June 23, 2006)—Applications are now being accepted for the Bernard L. Marthaler Scholarship for Educational and Catechetical Leadership that will cover tuition, lodging and meals for an individual to attend the Diocesan Educational & Catechetical Leadership Institute, December 2-6, at St. Mary's Center for Continuing Formation in Baltimore.
The five-day training program, now in its tenth year, is offered for new, nearly new, and potential Vicars/ Secretaries or Directors of Education, Superintendents of Schools, Diocesan Directors of Religious Education, Diocesan Directors of Youth Ministry, and other diocesan staff members involved in education or catechesis. Workshops are designed to develop knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to be an effective diocesan educational or catechetical leader. Participants will have the opportunity to network with new and veteran diocesan leaders, increase their understanding of various leadership styles, and develop concrete approaches for team building. Total cost of the program is $900, which includes tuition, room and meals. Spouses are welcome to attend for an additional $240.
The institute is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Education, the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, and the National Catholic Educational Association. Among other topics, sessions will include: The Church in the United States and Culture—Whom Are We Serving; Providing Catechetical Leadership Rooted in Church Documents; A Primer on Strategic Planning and Change Management; and Hispanic Presence in the Church Today.
"For new or nearly new administrators it is important to switch gears from a parish to a diocesan perspective, and this institute helps to re-envision how you work in a larger setting," said Michael E. Steier, the Assistant Secretary for Catechesis and Leadership Formation in the Office for Catechesis at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "It also provides a national vision in regards to education, catechesis and youth ministry that is helpful even for veteran administrators."
Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply early. Preference will be given to qualified applicants from "home mission" dioceses or those claiming economic hardship. Anthony Allen, the Director of Youth and Catechesis for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana, won the scholarship last year.
"My diocese is a mission diocese, and we have limited resources for workshops and conferences," Mr. Allen said. "The scholarship made it possible for me to attend. I found it really worthwhile because it covered a variety of topics and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other people around the country who are also new to diocesan ministry. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is new to diocesan ministry."
Please visit http://www.usccb.org/education/leadershipinstituei.pdf for scholarship applications.