Adult Formation

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst: the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14

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The Human Library The Second Vatican Council: How Does the Church View Its Relationship with the Modern World?

November 3, 6:00- 8:00 p.m.- Synodality - The Human Library
Presenters: Debbie Snapp & Doug Keller
The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers. A place where difficult questions are experienced, appreciated, and answered. Debbie Snapp will share her story of a severe allergic reaction that became what she describes as her near-death experience.
Doug Keller will share a powerful witness of faith and second chances through the life-changing journey of a heart transplant.

February 23, 2027 6:00-8:00 p.m. - The Second Vatican Council: How Does the Church View Its Relationship with the Modern World?Presenter: Fr. Frank Coady

The Council produced two separate documents on the Church: one, a dogmatic constitution on the theology of the Church; and another, a pastoral constitution on the Church’s relationship with the modern world. This pastoral document was a departure from the defensive posture of previous Councils, opening a road to meaningful dialogue between the Church and the broader culture. What fruit has this dialogue produced over the last 60 years, and what are the implications for the future?

March 9, 2027 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Demystifying Vocational Discernment Presenter: Fr. John Stang

God is calling everyone, yet we can often overcomplicate praying and listening for that call. Furthermore, many misconceptions can arise about the words “vocation” and “discernment.” This session will introduce the kinds of vocations defined by the Church and offer some spiritual tools to discern those vocations and make other life decisions well.

Adult faith formation...must be "the central task in the catechetical enterprise," becoming "the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age."

We are convinced that the energy and resources we devote to adult faith formation will strengthen and invigorate...every Church ministry....

...the witness of adults actively continuing their own formation shows children and youth that growth in faith is lifelong...

...adult faith formation should serve as the point of reference for catechesis for other age groups. It ought to be "the organizing principle, which gives coherence to the various catechetical programs...

...the Church wisely and repeatedly insists that adult faith formation is "essential to who we are and what we do as Church" and must be "situated not at the periphery of the Church's educational mission but at its center."

Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States by the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

In-depth Theological Study and Training

Master of Arts degree program in Theology in collaboration with Newman University

Pastoral Ministry Formation [English Sector] is for persons who want to live more fully their baptismal call by deepening their understanding of the faith and by assuming more responsibility for ministry within the Diocese and their parish community.
- BA in Pastoral Ministry in collaboration with Newman University
- Diocesan Diploma in Pastoral Ministry
- Personal enrichment
- Offered via ITV locations throughout the Dodge City and Salina Dioceses

Discernment of Gifts and Personal Vocation

The Called and Gifted Workshop™ is a tool for helping Catholics discern their spiritual gifts. Called and Gifted helps participants sort through their life experiences to identify patterns that may indicate a charism. Discerning our gifts can be a major clue in determining God’s plan for our life, as well as our role in God’s plan for humanity. Called and Gifted is a major initiative in creating a “culture of vocation” as called for by Bishop Gilmore in the Diocese of Dodge City. Workshops presented by the Catherine of Siena Institute are offered each year in English and Spanish.

Heartland Center for Spirituality

The Heartland Center for Spirituality is a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace offering a variety of educational experiences including on-line courses, a summer Theology Institute and a formative spirituality program. Heartland includes Heartland Farm and Heartland Center for Wholistic Health.

Protection of Children & Youth

Protecting God’s Children™ makes adults of the Church aware of how they can protect children and youth and make our church settings safe places for children and youth. Protecting God’s Children™ begins with a three-hour awareness session that helps adults understand the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse and five empowerment steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse. Ongoing follow-up training bulletins are made available in an attempt to keep adults aware and vigilant. [Available in English and Spanish]

The Second Vatican Council: Why Lay Ministry

Presenter: Fr. Frank Coady