Letters to a Bishop: The Journey to Confirmation

The Office of Faith Formation invites Catechetical Leaders to participate in bi-annual (Fall and Spring) gatherings held throughout the diocese. Leaders share prayer, resources, and ideas with one another. They are a great opportunity for networking with one another.

The Office also supervises the religion curriculum and materials being used in catechetical programs both in parishes and Catholic schools. Sacrament catechetical guidelines, religion curriculum guideline, and textbooks/materials approved for use in our diocese click here.

The Office of Faith Formation is responsible for the on-going formation and certification of the catechists in our diocesan parishes and Catholic schools. A catechist is a person who coordinates or teaches in a parish religious education program, a Catholic school religion teacher, parish youth ministers, RCIA leaders and parish Adult Faith Formation Leaders. This is accomplished by providing courses both online and in various locations throughout the diocese.

• Online Catechist Certification Classes
• Parish Catechist Certification Brochure
• School Catechist Certification Brochure

1. Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX)

Loyola University New Orleans, through its Institute for Ministry, offers master’s degrees and certificates in pastoral studies and religious education through a partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Jackson. The graduate program provides:

• Onsite classes in your diocese
• Academic, theological and ministerial competencies
• A process of theological reflection so academic study is integrated into the student’s life and ministry.
• Grounding in Ignatian Spirituality through reflection on the graces of the Spiritual Exercises

More Info:

• For admissions requirements and application, go to: lim.loyno.edu/onsite/admissions.
• For information about sites and groups in our diocese, or information about possible scholarships for tuition assistance from the diocese, contact Fran Lavelle [email protected]; 601-960-8473

2. Spring Hill College Extension Program

Jackson was the first site where Spring Hill offered graduate-level theology programs, beginning in 1982. Bishop Brunini invited Spring Hill to Jackson to provide programs in support of lay leadership in the diocese, and we are proud to continue that relationship today. Spring Hill will offers a blended-format programs in Theology and Ministry designed to be accessible for all in the Southeast.

Spring Hill College grants three graduate degrees in theology: the M.T.S. (Master of Theological Studies), the M.P.S. (Master of Pastoral Studies), and the M.A. (Master of Arts). Students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree may enroll on the undergraduate level. They may pursue either the C.T.S. (Certificate of Theological Studies) or the B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in theology.

For registration information, please call: 251-380-4665 or 877-857-6742.

More Info:

• For more information, visit: Spring Hill College’s Graduate Programs in Theology & Ministry
• For local information, including possible scholarships for tuition assistance from the diocese, contact: Fran Lavelle at [email protected] or 601-960-8473.

Lay ministry development is also a part of the Office of Faith Formation. Laity who are called forth by their parish to use the gifts God has given them in a leadership capacity have theology and skills training offered to them through this office. Lay Ecclesial Ministers, Pastoral Ministers, DREs, CREs, Catechists, Youth Ministers, Adult Faith Formation leaders, RCIA directors and others who serve as lay leaders have the opportunity for an annual weekend retreat, week long training every June at Lake Tiak O’Khata, participation in LIMEX or Spring Hill College courses, as well as theology courses provided through the Diocesan Catechist Certification process. Scholarships are available for persons who have completed the Diocesan Lay Ministry application and who wish to be actively involved in these training opportunities.

For application and/or scholarship information, contact:

Fran Lavelle at [email protected] or 601-960-8473.

Catechist certification courses are open to all adults who wish to deepen in their faith. Spring Hill College courses are available as “easy listening.” In addition to these opportunities, the Office of Faith Formation also hosts several events open to all.

The RCIA is a formation process with steps and a succession of liturgical rites that brings the unbaptized adult or older child into a more intimate relationship with Christ and union with the church community. This process is catechetical and liturgical. The Office of Faith Formation provides catechist training and suggested catechetical resources for catechetical and dismissal sessions with the RCIA participants. The Office also hosts an annual workshop for RCIA coordinators and catechists. For possible catechetical materials for adults and young people, go to Downloads at the bottom of this page.