Partners in Ministry 2007-2008

Thirty years ago when Sisters Pat and Kay began their work of bringing the “Documents of Vatican II” to life for the laity of the Diocese of Fort Worth “, Adult Education” was rather hard to find. Today there are multiple opportunities in almost every parish in many areas of study. Unique in this area of adult education Partners in Ministry and its predecessor “The Diocesan Lay Ministry Program” focuses on the need to bring your faith in God into every aspect of your life as well as the never ending need to continue to pray, think, study and learn.

This year Pat and Kay, Ray and Christy and the Advisory Board decided to take a risk and broaden the opportunity in three ways.

First, take their message to a rural parish in Graham Texas where there is less opportunity adult education.

Second, offer the same program in a once a week format at St Joseph’s parish Arlington for those who cannot devote an entire Saturday to study. In order to make this happen every week more fascinators would be needed. Ray and Christy Szempruch with their excellent academic and church background steeped forward and offered to share their talents with those interested.

Third, offer an advanced program for those who have gone through the program but have not found an opportunity to satisfy their thirst for the next step, to meet that “never ending need to continue to pray, think, study and learn”.

As of today we are happy to report that there are early signs of success.

St Mary’s in Graham Texas

The group of 30+ people have been faithful in attending and are looking forward to the session on Prayer to be held at Fort Belknap near Graham

and the up coming sessions in 2008

Schedule of Classes

January 19 Unit Six FORGIVENESS What Brings Healing? What Prevents Healing? February 16 Unit Seven DECISIONS Moral decisions based on Faith and Conscience March 15 Unit Eight CALLED Called To Be Holy: Vocation April 26 & 27 Unit Nine RETREAT Overnight Retreat and Closing at Glen Ros

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St Joseph Arlington

A small but dedicated group has met for 11 weeks and is looking forward to one more class and a session dedicated to prayer this year.

The 10 more sessions in 2008 are as follows:

Schedule of Classes

Jan 24, 31, Feb 7 Unit Six FORGIVENESS Feb 21, 28, Mar 6 Unit Seven DECISIONS Mar 13, 27, Apr 3 Unit Eight CALLED April 25 & 26 Unit Nine RETREAT

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Partners II at Most Blessed Sacrament

Partners II have had 2 meetings so far and more than 60 old friends gathered, listened, responded and renewed the feeling of being in a open atmosphere of complete “Protection and Respect”. The book “ Jesus Today” by Albert Nolan was used as a basis for discussion and speakers from the ranks presented their expertise on the subject being discussed. We are looking forward to up coming meeting in 2008

This class will meet on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament in Arlington

January 26 and March 29 of 2008