Parish and School Catechetical Leaders
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

"The parish catechetical leader is responsible for overall direction of the parish's catechetical
programs. This includes working with the pastor, other ministers, and appropriate committees,
boards, or councils involved in setting policy and planning; designing catechetical programs;
assisting in liturgical planning; conducting sacramental preparation workshops; and providing
opportunities for staff development.  Appropriate preparation includes studies in theology,
scripture, liturgy, psychology, educational theory, and administration, as well as practical
experiences with children and adults."  (NCD #214)

THE DIOCESAN FUND

In 1993 an endowment fund, "The Diocesan Fund for Religious Education," was established by a major
donation from a generous member of the Diocese of Evansville who wishes to remain anonymous. The
donor wanted to enhance the quality of teaching religion in our diocese.

Scholarship grants are available from this fund to practicing Catholics who wish to pursue formal
training in religious education leading to professionalization, and who presently serve or wish to
serve as parish or school catechetical leaders in the Diocese of Evansville.

Scholarships may be granted for courses on the undergraduate, graduate, or certificate level at
institutions or agencies approved by the Grant Review Committee.

CRITERIA
 • Acceptable outcomes on Ministry Profile
 • Admittance for study by approved institution
 • Recommendation of pastor and/or present ministerial supervisor
 • Maintenance of 2.5 GPA undergraduate; 3.0 graduate
 • Written letter of intent to serve as a parish, school, or diocesan catechetical leader
   for at least three (3) years following completion of degree or certificate program
 • Professionalization program must include a spiritual formation component
 • Scholarship grants will be based on need and the availability of matching funds
   from the individual or a sponsoring agency

PROCEDURES
 1.  Written applications must be submitted to the Grand Review Committee and
     postmarked by June 1 for grants awarded by August 1;
     October 1 for grants awarded by January 1;
     March 1 for grants awarded by May 1.
 2. Application must include personal statement of ministerial goals.
 3. Application must include letters of recommendation from pastor or
     parish life coordinator, principal, parish catechetical leader, or present ministerial
     supervisor and one other person (further letters of recommendation and background
     information may be required).
 4. Application for continuing study grants must be made six weeks prior to payment
     dates for tuition.

APPROVED PROGRAMS

Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
   • BA in Pastoral Ministry
   • AA in Pastoral Ministry
   • AA Catechetical Leadership
   • Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
   • Certificate in Catechetical Leadership
Contact: Pastoral Ministry Formation Office at Brescia University (270) 686-4262
www.brescia.edu

Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX)
Loyola University
New Orleans, Louisiana
   • MA in Pastoral Studies
   • MA in Religious Education
   • Graduate Certificate in above areas
This program is offered locally in the diocese to groups of 10 or more students
whether pursuing the MA or Certificate.
Contact: Office for Adult Formation, Diocese of Evansville (812) 424-5536
www.loyno.edu/lim

Saint Mary of the Woods College
Terre Haute, Indiana
   • BA Theology, (Women's External Degree)
   • MA Pastoral Theology
   • Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Theology
Contact: Office for Graduate Programs in Pastoral Theology (812) 535-5206
www.smwc.edu

Saint Meinrad School of Theology
Saint Meinrad, Indiana
   • Master in Catholic Thought and Life
   • Master of Theological Studies
Contact: Office of Enrollment 1-800-634-6723
www.saintmeinrad.edu/theology

For more information call or write:
The Catholic Center
Office for Adult Formation, Diocese of Evansville
4200 N. Kentucky Ave., P.O. Box 4169
Evansville, IN   47724-0169
Phone: 812-424-5536    
Fax: 812-421-1334
www.evansville-diocese.org