Prison ministry is a ministry of caring modeled after the example of Christ.This workshop helps the prospective minister to develop an appropriate mindset to become comfortable in a correctional setting. Content includes developing a good sense of self in a ministering situation, which avoids the need to be needed or the compulsion to rescue, and provides a perspective on the offender’s problem that is both loving and pastoral. Participants also learn what is needed to comply with the vast number of rules and how to place themselves under the authority of those responsible for running the jail or prison. (2 hours)
This workshop is mandatory for those wishing to serve as a volunteer in correctional ministry in the diocese.

Monday, March 12, 2012 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Our Lady of the Assumption, Beaumont (Quinlan Hall)

Click here to select the W-13

Coquese L. Williams
Parish Social Ministry Coordinator
Catholic Charities

A program of learning and action designed to help ministry leaders and individuals explore what poverty means in America, and how we – as individuals, communities of faith, a nation based on free-market principles,and a democratic society – can create meaningful change. This course is designed to encourage reflection that leads to action and is based on the Catholic Charities USA “Think and Act Anew” Study Guide, using the principles of Catholic social teaching to generate vigorous discussion and surface ideas for how we can rebuild an America that includes everyone.(5 hours - 2 sessions)

The course will also feature a follow up service activity opportunity chosen by class participants.

Saturdays, April 14 and 28, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas
2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont

Click here to select the W-111

Click here to select the NFP

This course explores the scriptural and traditional foundations of the Church’s Moral Teaching, it's development through the ages, moral decision-making and conscience formation, and the relationship between individual conscience and Church Teaching. (8 hours - 2 sessions)

Dr. Lorraine S. DeLuca
Director, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education
Saturdays, February 18, 25, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Assembly Hall)

Click here to select the C2

This course looks at the scriptural basis of our Catholic Social Justice Teaching, as well as the important writings of the Popes and Church Councils. The course will also address the issue of how we, as individuals and a community are called to live Jesus’ message in the social and economic arena. (8 hours - 4 sessions)

Paul J. Thomas
Associate Director, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education
Wednesdays, January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saint Mark, Silsbee
(Parish Hall)

Click here to select the C3

How does our Catholic Faith differ from that of our Protestant neighbors in Southeast Texas? What is the reason for differences in practice? This course presents a survey of Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Mormon, Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of Christ, and other religions.
(6 hours - 3 sessions)

Paul J. Thomas
Associate Director, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education
Mondays, March 12, 19, 26, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saint Mary, Fannett (Parish Hall)

Click here to select the C7

This course examines the development of the Church through the ages, models of and beliefs about the Church, the impact of Vatican Council II upon the Church, and the Catholic Church in America, past, present, and future.
(8 hours - 4 sessions)

Paul J. Thomas
Associate Director, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education
Wednesdays, February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Conference Room 1)

Click here to select the C8

This course explores the traditional basis of Christian Spirituality as it developed through the ages, the present forms of spirituality in the Church today, and the different styles of prayer that can help us become more open to God’s presence in our lives.
(8 hours - 2 sessions)

Dr. Lorraine S. DeLuca
Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education
Saturdays, March 3, 10, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saint Henry, Bridge City
(Education Building)

Click here to select the C11

In this introductory course we will look at the definition and history of liturgy from the Jewish tradition, our roots, to the present; examine in depth the origins and development and meaning of the Gloria, the Creed and the Eucharistic Prayer, become familiar with the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Redemptionis Sacramentum, and various liturgical books. We will study in detail the history, structure and elements of all parts of the Mass, discuss the role of the Assembly in the Eucharistic liturgy and take a look at some of the special liturgies as envisioned by the Church, such as the Funeral Liturgy and the Wedding Liturgy. (7½ hours - 3 sessions)

Rosalind Sanchez Director, Office of Worship Wednesday, Februray 1, 8, 15, 2012
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Assembly Hall A)

Click here to select the C9a

What is the meaning and history of the Liturgical Year? How does it impact our liturgy? This course takes an in depth look at the document, General Norms for the Liturgical Year, the Synod document on the Liturgy, and the Lectionary. We will discuss how the Liturgical Year can be celebrated in families, in schools, in parish organizations. Participants will examine the Liturgical Ministries that are called from theAssembly and the sacraments celebrated within the parish community. The celebration of Mass as one The celebration of Mass as one continuous prayer will be examined. (7½ hours - 3 sessions)

Rosalind Sanchez Director, Office of Worship Wednesday, January 4, 11, 18, 2012
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Assembly Hall A)

Click here to select the C9b

The Eucharist is central to our faith and relationship with God, and how we are meant to live as Catholics. This course will examine the Eucharist in detail through the lens of scripture and the ancient and recent writings of our Church to give us a deeper understanding of this wonderful mystery. (12 hours - 3 sessions)

Part 1 - The Holy Eucharist in the Scripture: We will reflect on various passages in the Old and New Testament that refer to the Holy Eucharist.

Part 2 - The Early Christians Believed in the Real Presence: We will examine the teaching of the early Christian writings about the Holy Eucharist.
The participants will read the teachings of the early Fathers of the Church to gain insight on their belief in the Eucharist.

Part 3 - The Eucharist and Vatican II: We will study the documents of the
Vatican II on the Eucharist to open us up to how the Eucharist can be lived today.

Reverend Neil A. Arce
Pastor, Saint Louis, Winnie
Saturdays, February 18, 25, March 3, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Conference Room 1)

Click here to select the C14

En nuestra vida de la fe, los sacramentos son muy importantes para el desarrollo de nuestra relación con Dios y la comunidad de la iglesia. Estudiáremos los sacramentos que todas las personas reciben: bautismo, confirmación, eucaristía y reconciliación y como ellos afectan nuestra vida en el mundo y los sacramentos y enfocáremos en la unción de las personas enfermas y los sacramentos al servicio de la comunidad, el sacramento del matrimonio y del orden. (10½ horas - 3 sesiones)

Dra. Lorraine S. DeLuca
Directora, Oficina Católica de la Formación y Educación por la Vida
Sábado, 17, 24, 31 de marzo, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Cleveland (Salón)

Click here to select the CPBH5

The Pentateuch is the name given to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This course will focus on the literary tools necessary for reading these books, and the themes they contain of creation, election, salvation, and covenant. (10 hours - 4 sessions)

Becky Santos
PCL, Infant Jesus, Lumberton
Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 2012
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Infant Jesus, Lumberton (Religious Education Building)

Click here to select the CSL1

The Gospel of Mark was the first written account of the “Good News” of Jesus and the basis of the other Synoptic Gospels. This course will examine the themes of Mark and the theology of the author as he sought to help his community come to know Jesus as the Suffering Messiah. (8 hours - 4 sessions)

Dr. Lorraine S. DeLuca, Director Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education Wednesdays, March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont (Assembly Hall A)

Click here to select the CSL6

Father Sinclair Oubre, Saint John the Evangelist, PA Paul J. Thomas, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education

Our Catholic tradition is rich in social teachings that emphasize a just treatment of workers. Human labor is considered a continuation of God’s creation and is therefore sacred. Join us as The Catholic Labor School presents this introduction and overview of the essential elements contained in Catholic thought regarding economics, labor, and workers. (2 hours)

“The economy needs ethics in order to function correctly — not any ethics whatsoever, but an ethics which is people-centered.” From Charity in Truth , Pope Benedict XVI.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont
(Conference Room 1)

Click here to select the CLS1

Presenters: Father Sinclair Oubre, Saint John the Evangelist
Paul J. Thomas, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education

“The great challenge and the great opportunity posed by today’s worrisome economic crisis is to find a new synthesis between the common good and the market, between capital and labor. And in this regard, union organizations can make a significant contribution,” Pope Benedict XVI to directors of the Confederation of Italian Labor Unions (January 31, 2009).

The third module of Labor School will explore the history and Catholic perspective of worker’s associations and unions. Catholic Social Teaching encourages dialogue and collective bargaining between employer and worker in order to protect human dignity, and promote the common good. Unions and worker associations are important vehicles in this process. We will study the theology of work, and the responsibilities and rights of Christian workers and employees as put forth in our Catholic Social Teachings. (2 hours - 1 session)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Catholic Pastoral Center, Beaumont
(Conference Room 1)

Click here to select the CLS3

Instructors: Letty Lanza, Director
Stewardship and Communications Staff

Are you looking for a way to make your parish more vibrant, a way to re-energize those already involved in ministries, and a way to attract new participation? This workshop will help you develop a creative Stewardship Committee, energize a Stewardship movement, reach goals, and evaluate efforts. You will discover methods for discerning the special gifts of your parish and ways to develop a parish Dream Team. (2½ hours - 1 session)

CSM-03a Tuesday, March 6, 2012 ~ 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Saint Louis, Winnie (Pastoral Center)
OR
CSM-03b Thursday, March 8, 2012 ~ 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Saint Michael, Jasper (Parish Hall)

Click here to select the CSM3

Instructors: Grant Hare, Technology Director
Msgr. Kelly Catholic High School
Kim Dobie, Diocesan Financial Analyst
Josh Parrish, Diocesan Mgr. Information Technology
Laura Williams, Chief Financial Officer

This course will cover the following topics:
• Maintaining computer systems including information on antivirus software
• An overview of parish/school management software
• Informational reports and tools for parish census data
• Informational reports and tools for parish/school financial data

(8 hours - 1 session)

Thursday, February 16, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Msgr. Kelly Catholic High School
(Computer Lab)

Click here to select the CPAS4

Rev. Neil Arce
Pastor, Saint Louis, Winnie

Nuestras vidas Cristianas son la continuación de Cristo aquí en el mundo. Reflejemos como podemos ‹‹sostener, elevar y beber›› el cáliz de vida que Dios ha regalado. Ya cuando nuestras vidas reflejen la vida de Jesús Cristo, podemos compartirlas con las demás para que ellos también gocen de una vida llena.

Sábado, el 21 de enero del 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Centro Católica Pastoral, Beaumont

Click here to select the CRS

Our Christian lives are the continuation of the life of Christ here on earth. Let us reflect together how we can “hold, lift and drink” the cup of life that God has gifted us. Once we live a reflective life like Jesus, we cannot but share it with others so that they too may live an abundant life.

Saturday, January 28, 2012
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Fannett

Click here to select the CRE

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is an initiative to offer adult religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the internet. The goal is to support the Church’s professional ministry of religious education and faith formation in cyberspace. The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton, a Catholic Marianist Institution.

The Diocese of Beaumont has been a partner with the VLCFF since 2007, thus enabling you to take courses at a discounted rate.

Go online to http://campus.udayton.edu/~vlc/ to register and begin learning more about the Catholic faith. Below are the registration dates for the next several cycles with some of the courses available (additional courses and information about each one are listed online).

Cycle 1: January 8 - February 11, 2012
(Registration: Opens September 27, 2011; Closes January 4, 2012)

• Catholic Beliefs
• Church History 1
• Communication and Community
• Conscience
• Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan
• Designing and Implementing Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Digital Catechesis: Web Literacy
• Ecclesiology: Beginnings of the Church
• Ecclesiology: Reframing Church
• Ecumenism
• Facilitating Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Faith and Human Development
• Foundations and Vision for Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Images of Jesus
• Introduction to Catechesis
• Introduction to Liturgy
• Introduction to Paul’s Life and Letters
• Introduction to Practical Morality
• Introduction to Prayer
• Introduction to Scripture
• Islam
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• On Bended Knee (Seminar)
• Our Hearts Were Burning (Seminar)
• Roman Missal
• Sacraments
• Spirituality and Inclusive Faith Communities
• Survey of Catholic Doctrine
• Survey of Catholic Social Teaching
• Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life
• Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry
• Vocation, Spirituality, and Discipleship of Catechists

Ciclo 1: 8 enero - 11 febrero
(Las inscripciones comienzan el 27 de septiembre 2011;
terminan el 4 de enero 2012)

• Introducción a la Biblia
• Pastoral Hispana

Cycle 2: February 26 - March 31, 2012
(Registration: Opens Jan 10; Closes February 22)

• Catholic Beliefs
• Christology
• Church History 2
• Collaboration and Community
• Ecclesiology: Pilgrim Church
• Evangelization and Discipleship
• Faith and Human Development
• Galatians
• History of Catholic Social Action
• Images of Jesus
• Introduction to Catechesis
• Introduction to Christian Morality
• Introduction to Practical Morality
• Introduction to Prayer
• Introduction to Scripture
• Leadership in Ministry
• Leadership Roles and Skills for Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Mary in Scripture and Tradition
• Media, Faith, and Values
• National Directory for Catechesis
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Parish as a Learning Community
• Praying with Children
• Principles for Addressing Diversity Issues in Youth Ministry
• Relational Ministry with Youth
• Roman Missal
• Sacrament of Marriage: A Holy Calling
• Sacraments
• Survey of Catholic Doctrine
• Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life (Seminar)

Ciclo 2: 26 febrero - 31 marzo, 2012
(Las inscripciones comienzan el 10 de enero;
terminan el 22 de febrero)

• Fundamentos de la Fe
• Antiguo Testamento
• Doctrina Social de la Iglesia