Attendance
General Principles:
Participation in a program like Called & Gifted is a
commitment one makes not only to oneself or to the
program, but to the other participants as well.
Absences not only affect the missing student, but the
instructor and the other students. Missing a class or
formation day means others may be deprived of the
contribution you might have made to the group. It is not
the absent student alone who "misses out." It is for
this reason that faithful attendance is stressed and
expected in the program.
One of the goals of the
Called & Gifted program is to help participants realize they
can't do everything, and that when they say "Yes" to one
thing, they of necessity are saying "No" to many other
things. Participants must learn the discipline of avoiding
new commitments that conflict with prior commitments they
have made. Of course, when "life happens" and illness or a
compelling family responsibility arises, students must honor
their primary obligations. In such cases it would be wrong
to put the program ahead of one's more serious
responsibility
Time in the program
convinces participants of their importance to one another.
It is because we are keenly aware of that importance--how
you shape and define the program for one another--that we
make faithful participation such a priority in the Called &
Gifted program.
Formation Component
 The Opening Retreat provides the essential entry into Called & Gifted Lay Ministry Formation Program, and is required for
participation in the rest of the program.
Similarly, the scheduled Formation Days are key elements of the
faith development and community building dimensions of the
program. Formation Day attendance is required and expected of all participants. In case of illness or other emergencies, the participant is to call the Program Director or Assistant Director. In the event that an individual misses more than two formation days, special arrangements will need to be made with the Program Director or Associate Director.
Academic Component
Attendance at all class sessions during the year is required. In
case of illness and other emergencies, the participant is to CALL the responsible FACULTY PERSON prior to that session or during the following week. Make-up work will be expected and should be arranged with the individual faculty member. In the event that an individual misses more than two classes, make-up work will be required or s/he may be asked to repeat the course.
In order to be prepared for a sudden class cancellation, a phone chain is established at each of the sites.
Adult Learning Model
 Each participant is asked to write specific goals at the beginning
of each course. These goals are set in light of the course goals as
outlined by the instructor. The purposes of goal setting are:
- to provide an individualized basis for evaluation;
- to personalize the general course content to meet the different needs and backgrounds of individual participants.
- to focus one’s energies so one can get the most out of the course.
At the end of the course, participants evaluate how well they have
met their own goals. The instructor then comments on goal
achievement.
University Convocation and
Liturgy of Thanksgiving
Each participant who successfully completes the two-year program
receives a certificate from the University of St. Mary of the Lake /
Mundelein Seminary. The University holds a convocation usually
on the first Saturday of May for all graduates. The Mass of Thanksgiving, usually held the third Sunday of May and hosted by
the parish of one of the graduates, is the Called & Gifted program’s
culminating liturgical celebration for those completing the program.
The following must be completed for a candidate to qualify for program certificate
- regular attendance and active participation in all program components
- a Ministry Agreement with the Pastor or Agency Director.
- all assignments and evaluations,
- payment in full of tuition and graduation fee
|
