Diocese, Saint Vincent Seminary’s IMF partner for formation program

GREENSBURG  – The Diocese of Greensburg has partnered with the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF) at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, to offer a robust catechetical formation program for adults interested in growing in their faith, deepening their knowledge of the faith and developing skills for ministry in faith formation.

The partnership will offer high quality education through courses taught by highly experienced, acclaimed professors in a two-year program of in-person and online offerings.

“Through online education the IMF has been able to offer formation for men and women across the United States and even throughout the world, but it has always been my heart’s desire to offer our services to our own home Diocese,” said Benedictine Father Boniface Hicks, IMF Director. “Grounded in a liturgical, contemplative, scriptural and kerygmatic key, the IMF’s approach is also fundamentally accompaniment-based. The Gospel spreads through closeness as the fire of the Holy Spirit moves from one heart to another. Our goal is to ignite hearts with the fire of the Holy Spirit, form minds in truth and foster the skills of transformational conversation and kerygmatic proclamation so that that divine fire can spread.”

Bishop Larry J. Kulick noted, “I am grateful for the past support of the Lay Ecclesial Ministry program at Seton Hill University and for their education of so many over the past years. However, this new partnership with Saint Vincent Seminary more closely aligns with the holistic education our seminarians are already receiving and with the pastoral and educational elements of the catechetical formation which the laity who are participating in the program will receive.”

 Vincent Reilly, Managing Director of the Office of Faith, Family and Discipleship for the Diocese of Greensburg, said the partnership allows students to gain a certificate in catechesis, with additional advantages. Students who have a bachelor’s degree may apply the completion of the program towards a master’s degree through the IMF. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will be able to gain advanced certification from the Diocese. 

Most aspirants for the permanent diaconate can complete their studies in the same institution, allowing for more practical application of their formation. All of the students in the program will work as a cohort and will experience practical applications of their studies through seminars with the Office of Faith, Family and Formation. The program is designed for both those who have college experience and those who have been away from school for a while.

“Along with formation workshops and mutual support among the cohort of our local participants, Diocesan staff will support the program to help integrate what they are learning into the pastoral priorities and the mission for catechesis set forth by Bishop Kulick,” Reilly said. “There will also be many opportunities for retreats and spiritual direction and, importantly, financial support.”

Reilly said successful completion of the Diocese of Greensburg program yields a certificate of completion in addition to the IMF’s catechetics certificate. Graduates will be well positioned for official and unofficial participation in the evangelization and catechetical ministry of the Diocese of Greensburg and other dioceses around the United States.
For details about the program and how to register, visit imf.saintvincentseminary.edu/Greensburg or contact Reilly at 724-837-0901 or [email protected]  or Elizabeth Haberstroh at 724-837-0901 or [email protected].