Emmaus Institute ministry formation program to host four virtual open houses

The Emmaus Institute for Ministry Formation is offering four informational open houses — two in English, two in Spanish — this spring for anyone interested in the program. All open houses will be held virtually via Zoom. The links to register are below.

The Emmaus Institute is a cohort-based ministry formation program whose purpose is to create well-formed laity who will serve the mission of the Gospel in their families, parishes and wider communities throughout the Diocese of St. Cloud. In partnership with the St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, the program consists of four years of intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human formation for lay ministers and potential Latino/Hispanic deacon candidates from the diocese and surrounding areas.

Students from the Emmaus Institute meet at St. John’s University April 10. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)

The coursework includes theology classes, ministerial competencies, theological reflection, spiritual companioning groups, retreats and a parish project. The courses are offered in English and Spanish one weekend a month, September to May.

In only its second year, the Emmaus Institute is already having an impact on parishes and Area Catholic Communities across the diocese, said Kristi Bivens, Emmaus Institute director.

“I have been hearing many positive comments from students and pastors,” Bivens said.  “The students feel well-formed to take on more leadership in their parishes, whether it is leading small faith communities, bringing Communion to the sick, or taking on new roles in their parishes.”

Bivens extends an invitation to anyone, lay or clergy, who would like to know more about the Emmaus Institute to join her at one of the virtual open houses.

“Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been gently nudging you to explore your faith more deeply, but you are unsure how to respond,” she said. “Emmaus Institute may be the answer. Please come and walk the road to Emmaus with us.”

The open house schedule is as follows. Please register in advance by clicking on the link for a specific date.

• April 13 at 6:30 p.m. (Español)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIudO-qqD0vGN2doYUzsiVWCf2usYsTXBVQ

• April 20 at 6:30 p.m. (English)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIud-mvrzwrGdE1lONlw-Szn2-UoBOR3Ty6

• May 6 at 2 p.m. (English)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocOusqTgtHNVDWmlsnmJ8_r3SvwyAdh0V

• June 8 at 2 p.m. (Español)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucOytqTwtE91-p69cPqhCFD5VnsDW2fhw

More information about the Emmaus Institute can be found at www.stcdio.org/Emmaus-Institute. Questions can be directed to Kristi Bivens at 320-258-7642 or kbivens@gw.stcdio.org.

Author: The Central Minnesota Catholic

The Central Minnesota Catholic is the magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Leave a Reply

*