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46 graduate from Kino with faith, hands-on experience
By J.D. Long-García, jdlgarcia@catholicsun.org
June 19, 2008
This year’s Kino Institute graduates will begin their respective ministries with more practical knowledge than in the past.
The diocesan program for theological studies and ministry formation required the 46 graduates to engage in a supervised ministry experience. The requirement was added to the program two years ago.
Patti Fischer, one of the 22 graduates from the English-language program, held an annulment workshop at St. Theresa Parish to meet her requirement. More than 40 attended.
“I have a really strong passion for getting all these people back into the Church,” she said of divorced Catholics. Fischer, who works in the tribunal, plans on hosting more workshops in the future.
She joined other graduates at a June 10 convocation Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted concelebrated the Mass with seven other priests, including Fr. Andres Arango, the homilist.
“Life will raise many questions,” said Fr. Arango, pastor of St. Jerome Parish. “God offers one invitation — to follow Him.”
The priest said graduates would face many questions in their ministries, but their education at the Kino Institute would help them give faithful answers.
“You have the instruments. You have the knowledge. It’s up to you how you use it,” Fr. Arango said in his bilingual homily. “Today you are born for the adventure with the courage to answer all that you are asked.”
He encouraged graduates to spread their knowledge while remaining rooted in prayer.
“The Holy Spirit will come to fortify you,” he said. “Do not be afraid because God is with you. And keep going because God is expecting the best from all of you.”
Barry Sargent, director of the Kino Institute, said Catholics looking for an in-depth understanding of the Church should consider the program.
“If they want to take some time to grow deeply in their faith,” he said, “come check it out.”
One of this year’s graduates, Bill Negrey, experienced such growth.
“I learned to love Jesus, love my neighbor and love and forgive myself,” he said of the program. “It restored my faith in the Catholic Church and brought me into closer relation with the Lord.”
Building community
Sr. Maria Celia Molina, SNDdeN, who heads-up the Spanish-language program, noted the community formed by her students.
“They helped each other a lot — with writing, with using the computer,” Sr. Celia said. “But they do like to party. This is a group of laugher, who loves life.”
As part of their studies, Kino students form a learning community of 20 to 30 people called a cohort. The students who graduated this month had been studying and forming community together for the last two years.
Together they took classes in theology, Scripture, morality and spirituality. The program, accredited by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, gives students a comprehensive view of the Catholic theological tradition and serves as a base for ministry.
Past graduates and current Kino students turned out for the convocation to help with hospitality and set up for the reception. Sargent said alumni stay close to the Kino Institute.
“These folks aren’t afraid to use their talent,” he said. “If they remain centered in prayer, beautiful things will happen.”
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