This is a joint program with the Dioceses of Michigan and Western Michigan 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 2018-2019:
August 3-5 (Retreat at the St. Francis Center in Dewitt)
September 7-9
October 5-7
November 2-4
November 30 – December 2
January 18-20
February 15-17
March 22-24
April 26-28
May 17-19
June 14-16
CONTACT PERSON
The Rev. Dr. Valerie Fargo, Director of the Academy for Vocational Leadership.
