This is a joint program with the Dioceses of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is based on the Iona Collaborative, a local formation curriculum developed by the Seminary of the Southwest in conjunction with the Iona School for Ministry of the Diocese of Texas. The curriculum includes academic modules on Holy Scriptures, church history, and theology as well as a variety of class sessions on spirituality, liturgy and music, and the theory and practice of ministry. Teachers from the collaborating dioceses facilitate classroom discussion on video lectures provided by professors from the Seminary of the Southwest.
Class weekends are held once a month from September through June at the Colombiere Retreat and Conference Center in Clarkston, MI.
The cost of the program is $3,800/year which covers tuition, overnight accommodations, and meals for each of the 10 sessions, as well as the August retreat. In addition, the cost of required textbooks will range from $100-175 per year. The diocese may subsidize a portion of this cost – the student must communicate with the Bishop.
The Academy is open to individuals that have been granted Postulancy status by the Commission on Ministry.
Dates for 2020-21:
August 7-9 (Retreat)
September 11-13
October 9-11
November 6-8
December 4-6
January 15-17
February 12-14
March 12-14
April 9-11
May 7-9
June 4-6
Graduation anticipated on June 6th
The Saturday Series includes the academic portion of the Academy for Vocational Leadership and is open to all interested students, regardless of whether they’re seeking ordination. Subjects have included Holy Scripture, Church History, and Theology and Ethics. Lectures are offered via video by professors from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. Discussions are facilitated by local mentors from the participating dioceses. You may register for individual sessions or an entire series.
Registration: Register for a series by September 4th. Register for individual class sessions at least 10 days in advance.
Times: Saturdays from 9:30 – 3:30pm.
Location: All sessions will be held online until further notice.
For any questions or for additional information, please contact the Rev. Dr. Valerie Fargo, Director of the Coppage-Gordon School for Ministry at the Diocese of Eastern Michigan (989-752-6020) or at home (989-708-7460).
The Rev. Dr. Valerie Fargo, Director of the Academy for Vocational Leadership.
