Objective and Background

Objective

In an effort to clarify and improve the effectiveness of diocesan catechetical efforts, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has unified the missions of what was previously referred to as the Diocesan Lay Institute (DLI) and the current Formation of Religious Education Ministers (FOREM) by subsuming both into the new “umbrella” Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute. In so doing, the OEC aims to achieve the ends of both efforts with greater relevance, effectiveness and accessibility.

Background

FOREM was designed “to prepare catechists to serve in the ministry of Catholic education.” It was “intended for Catholic school (principals and) teachers, parish (directors and coordinators of) religious education, catechists, youth ministers, all those involved in any form of adult religious education and education commission/committee personnel.” In compliance with educational standards of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC), FOREM offered three levels of certification – basic, intermediate and advanced – each of which requires a certain number of course hours in each of four categories: Sacred Scripture, Theology (Doctrine), Methods, and Christian Spirituality. Only the FOREM basic level specified systematic topical material to be covered for certification at that level; the other levels simply required accumulation of ad hoc course hours within the four categories. Diocesan standards required certain levels of FOREM certification for particular catechetical roles, and each individual was responsible for his or her own record keeping. However, this certification requirement has not, in recent years, been effectively provided, nor, therefore, rightfully expected to be fully pursued and achieved by those involved in the apostolate of catechesis.

Several factors have also emerged which logically lead to the restructuring now underway. First, many who work in religious education found it difficult to meet expected requirements. It was possible to accumulate numerous course hours at the intermediate and advanced levels without ever acquiring the systematic fundamentals required for basic certification. Relatively few course opportunities have been offered at the basic level. Some found it difficult to understand what was expected of them, to keep proper records, or to apply for certification had they received acceptable formation elsewhere.

Secondly, many adults who are not necessarily interested in helping with the formal work of catechesis are nonetheless seeking a deeper understanding of the basics of their Catholic faith. A good number of these come from smaller parishes without substantial existing adult faith formation opportunities. Over the last decade, the diocese has attempted to address this need for adult education by involving interested laity in the Lay and Diaconate Institute (2000 to 2004), and more recently (since 2006) with the OEC’s establishment of the Diocesan Lay Institute (DLI). In many respects, the DLI’s objectives of providing a means for faith formation overlapped with those of the FOREM program, particularly in the course categories of Theology (Doctrine), Sacred Scripture and Christian Spirituality.

For these reasons, it seems prudent at this time to unify the diocesan DLI and FOREM efforts with a renewed and joyful apostolic vigor. Desiring to clarify the transition, the OEC is designing a new umbrella institute—the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute—which will fulfill the objectives of both efforts with a refined structure of course offerings and certifications along with a greatly enhanced accessibility.

Stages of Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute Program Development

1.) August 2007 through April 2009: Much informal feedback from priests, principals, teachers, directors and coordinators of religious education, youth ministers and catechists was solicited. Many other diocesan programs were investigated and observed. Those closely examined included the Dioceses of La Crosse, Green Bay, Toledo and the Archdiocese of Denver. We are grateful for the guidance provided by the personnel of these respective diocesan offices.

2.) June 2009: After gleaning the best ideas and suggestions from the sources mentioned above, and while taking into account the current structures, resources, policies and priorities of our diocese, the first version of the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute Program Overview was drafted, also intentionally providing a framework for further development.

3) June to August 2009: Upon completion of the June 2009 draft, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis (OEC) submitted this proposal to approximately a dozen school principals and DRE’s, several youth ministers and school teachers, kindly requesting their services in reviewing it and providing feedback.

4.) August 2009: After receiving many enthusiastic responses from this process, and indispensible suggestions for refinement and improvement, the OEC updated that draft and presented it to our beloved pastors and priests for their review, feedback and suggestions.

5.) August 2009: While incorporating updates from our priests, the draft document was posted on the OEC web site inviting any interested party to read it and give us suggestions. This invitation was present in our OEC E-News newsletter for several issues.

6.) September 2009: The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute began classes at the Bishop O'Connor Pastoral Center, the Cathedral of St. Raphael, and throughout the year, at 12 other regional parishes across the Diocese of Madison.

7.) Following a successful year of course offerings, the Program Overview was updated periodically even through April 2010.

8.) April 2010: Bishop Robert Morlino announces the new Standards for Educators in Catholic Parishes and Schools published by the Catholic Bishops of the State of Wisconsin. The Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute fulfills the requirements for the Diocesan Certification portion of those standards in the Diocese of Madison.

Diocese of Madison
Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center
702 South High Point Road
PO Box 44983
Madison, WI 53719
Phone: 608-821-3000
Fax: 608-821-3013