St. Ann Catholic Church

aUGUSTA, mi

Institute of Missionary Discipleship

- The Diocese of Kalamazoo introduces the Institute of Missionary Discipleship which offers the ability for Catholics to grow in their love and relationship with Jesus. IMD offers training in ministry, spirituality, and theology. Participants grow in faith, relationship, and knowledge. All Catholics are encouraged to join and learn how they can grow as missionary disciples.
  
  Click HERE to visit the Institute of Missionary Discipleship website.
- Certifications Available
  
  Below you will read a short description of the different certifications you can earn through the Institute of Missionary Discipleship. Whether you currently serve in one of the positions listed or are interested in pursuing a position in the future, you are welcome to start on your path to Missionary Discipleship. Listed under Documents is the current Program Guide listing the certifications, classes, and training for additional information.
  
  LEM/Staff: For those who are already on a parish staff, want to work on a parish staff someday, or are key volunteers at a parish ought to seek this certification.
  
  Accompaniment Ministry: Each parish may have selected certain ministries they support and parish members volunteer or participate with the ministries. Accompaniment ministry assists the volunteers walking with those who are struggling in their lives or their faith, and helps to move people closer to Jesus and His Church.
  
  Parish/Finance Council: Any council members or those who would like to be a council member whether it is with finance or parish, would participate in this certification.
  
  Catechist: Teaching and passing on the faith is an important part of the life of a Disciple. If you are called to teach the Catholic faith to young and old alike, your guidance begins here.
  
  Liturgical Ministries: Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Sacristans, Music Ministers and others who serve through the liturgy are called to this certification track.
  
  Community, Organization, Group Leaders: This certification is for those who are in a leadership position running a small group, a Catholic organization, or a Catholic community.
  
  The staff of the institute is happy to assist you in determining what certification you might want to work towards and what courses you need to take.
- Classes
  
  Whether you are focused on one of the specific learning tracks or interested in personal spiritual growth, the Institute of Missionary Discipleship offers a variety of ways to attend class. Some of the classes are presented in person and others online. For those who are working to be certified, there are certain classed required based on the track you choose for certification. You can click on the various learning opportunities below to view what is currently being offered. There is also a link for the Program Guide that you can download.
  
  Day Trainings:
  
  The trainings are held centrally in Kalamazoo. Most day trainings will be hosted at Lawrence Education Center at Borgess located at 1521 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Typically each training is a 6-hour long session that provides both spiritual and intellectual formation for participants.
  
  Seminars:
  
  We have a number of options depending on the Certification Track chosen. These sessions will be hosted on a three-year cycle around the Diocese of Kalamazoo's 9 counties. They are focused on more specific ministry skills that support the individual on their personal and parish mission.
  
  Franciscan University Catechetical Institute:
  
  The Diocese of Kalamazoo has partnered with Franciscan University to provide online courses for our parishioners to grow in the faith and theology of specific ministries. They offer classes that are specific to established tracks for specific certifications through the Institute of Missionary Discipleship as well as for more personal spiritual awareness and growth.
  
  Ministry Specific:
  
  For parish members who may be volunteering or working in a particular ministry, there are specific courses to provide guidance and support for various ministries. A particular ministry may be at the parish level, found during our New Evangelization Convocation, or held throughout the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
- Enroll in Francisican at Home today!
  
  Click HERE to enroll in these FREE classes.