Don's Wiki

Catholic Diocese of Saginaw

1. Location: Eleven counties in the east central part of the State of Michigan, province of Detroit.

Area and Population 6,955 sq miles with a total population of 724,124 of which it is estimated that 131,937 are Catholic.

Statistics: Bishop Robert R Carlson Active Diocesan priests-57 Religious Order priests 8 Pastoral Administrators 18 all religious woman and one deacon Parishes 106 Permanent deacons- 19 Catholic High schools – 3 Catholic Elementary schools-22

Economy and Education:

The Diocese of Saginaw is in a declining economic state because of the auto industry changes and farming. The educational level is mostly high school graduates with few advanced degrees. The highest educational level is found in Midland where Dow Chemical is located. The most educated group would be those involved in the educational and medical fields. This is also true for parish catechetical leadership, with only a few catechetical leaders with advanced degrees, most do not have even a BA degree. Most Pastoral Administrators have at least a Master’s degree, and few of the clergy have advanced degrees.

2. Catechetical Models

There is a whole range of Catechetical models in the diocese, with most using the traditional model, with some blended models especially inter-generational and family programs. We have several sites where programs are clustered together and we will continue to encourage this in the diocese.

One model that has been successful is the whole parish sacramental process. This process invites the whole parish to participate in the preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation/Eucharist. (We have restored order) The process involves everyone participating in the prayer service that focuses on an aspect of the rite of the sacrament and symbol. Following the prayer service participants break into age groups for children and the adults are also separated into specific groups. The first step is to break open the prayer service, what touched the person, word, song etc. Where and when was God experienced? This is followed by a catechesis on an aspect of the sacrament, followed by another discussion period. Sessions close with a short prayer and take home sheets for continued discussion in the home.

Another successful model is the inter-parish adult faith formation committees that have formed in various areas in the diocese. This has brought about a doubling of the offerings and participation in adult faith formation groups in the past year.

The major challenges are: • Professional training of catechetical leaders for children, youth and adults • Certification of catechists for children, youth and adults • The priority of adult faith formation • Fostering collaboration among parishes for programming • Financial limitations

3. Meeting the challenges

• In Fall 2006 we began a relationship with Siena Hts University to provide a 36 credit undergraduate theology program of 12 courses. This will help our leaders to eventually obtain a BA degree. We have created a leadership certification process for various leaders, Catechetical leaders, Catholic school principals, Coordinators of youth ministry and adult faith formation coordinators. We are beginning to encourage the sharing of professional leaders between parishes to reduce costs and yet provide quality programming for all ages.

• We have redesigned our catechists certification process to provide a variety of options to meet the needs in our diocese. The options include:

         Basic training offered by the diocese-8 hours Introduction\\
         Echoes of  Faith for catechists and as a adult enrichment program\\
         University of Dayton VLCFF program-on-line\\
         Area and Parish programs- fall programs in vicariates

• We are working on developing inter-parish adult faith formation committees in areas of the diocese. Members of these committees must first participate in the three session program (nine hours) on OHWB. These committees then follow guidelines for being a area committee. Committees then prepare brochures about the offerings in their areas: fall, winter/spring and summer.

• To facilitate the development of adult small groups for sharing scripture and other topics we have developed a 12 hour program for the training of facilitators for adult faith sharing groups.

• Developing a mentoring program for new leaders that begins with an August orientation of new leaders and at least two additional meetings each year on a variety of topics.

• Continue encouraging the whole parish sacramental process both in parishes and between parishes.

• Looking for ways to use the internet and email to have a better connection with leaders, this includes: Diocesan Web page and data base of email for leaders.

Resources needed

National materials need to have a sensitivity to the rural and small parishes needs.
More resources to use with different age groups of adults, recognizing the different ages level and life cycle needs both media and written.
Materials for the training of parish leaders both media and written.
Ways to more creatively use the internet to reach various groups for catechesis and training.

Dr. Barb Minczewski, Saginaw, MI