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Discípulos de Cristo
Sister Jane Riha |
The community founders of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross were dedicated to serving immigrants. We have continued that great legacy throughout our community history. Currently, we are involved in many dimensions of service and advocacy on behalf of immigrants in the Diocese of Green Bay. I am privileged and blessed to be the Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry Formation for the diocese. This ministry is part of the Lay Ministry Formation Department.
In September 2008, we welcomed the third group to the program, Discípulos de Cristo (Disciples of Christ). The program is the counterpart to the diocese’s Commissioned Ministry Leadership Program. Discípulos de Cristo participants are immigrants of Hispanic origin with their first language being Spanish. This fall, the program encompasses all three levels, with an enrollment of 58 participants.
Esther Madrigal and Yadira Klopotic get to know each other during the orientation for first year participants. |
The formation program consists of nine courses over a three year span. All courses are taught in Spanish. For more than a decade, parishes ministering to and with Hispanics have requested that some form of leadership formation be offered at the diocesan level. It is my privilege to have initiated and created this program in 2006, with the support of Tony Pichler, department director.
Classes are held on Sunday afternoons since many people have a six day work week. It is a joy to see the energy and enthusiasm with which the students enter into their classes and course work. The courses provide a foundational base for understanding theology, Scripture, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Third year students also have a supervised ministry component at their respective parishes. This on-site mentoring by parish leaders is intended to instill confidence and competence in a specific ministry.
Guillermina Navarro, Angelina Navarro, Arturo Navarro, Adriana Bravo, César Martin del Campo represent a family dedicated to growth in their faith. Antonio Lamas can be seen in the background. |
Our Sisters are teaching three of the nine courses. Sister Agnes Fischer teaches Spirituality as the first class offered to new entrants. Sister María Drzewiecki teaches the Old Testament during the first year, and Sister Laura Zelten teaches Morality to second year students. Their teaching skills and ability to speak Spanish have enhanced the quality of the program.
Alina Mozo and César Quiroz study during their third year of the program. |
Discípulos de Cristo welcomes persons throughout the diocese. Current participants are representative of five parishes with established Hispanic ministry with most having had some type of parish involvement. It is my joy and privilege to walk the spiritual journey of faith with these dedicated persons.
--Sister Jane Riha
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