Scholarships are Going Fast!

We have money to give away!

And it is a nice problem to have.

A few months ago, the Institute received a grant that would enable us to offer scholarships to some of our seminars. We've got a bit of that money left and would like to use it to enable a few interested parties to attend Making Disciples at the stunningly situated Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, Maryland on November 4 - 8, 2007.



So here's the deal:

We have two $500 scholarships available for any parish, diocese, or Catholic group that would be interested in sending two or more people to Making Disciples in Maryland this November.

What is Making Disciples about?

Making Disciples is a four day seminar for pastors and pastoral leaders that will help participants

·Understand intentional discipleship as the normative source of spiritual life, and thus the ultimate end of all pastoral ministry.

·Understand why initial discipleship precedes catechesis and how life-changing catechesis and formation builds on discipleship.

·Learn how to listen for and recognize pre-discipleship stages of spiritual growth.

·Learn how to facilitate the spiritual growth of those - whether baptized and “active” or not - who are not yet disciples.

·Learn how to articulate the basic kerygma that awakens initial faith in a gentle and non-threatening way.

·Learn how to use these skills in a wide variety of pastoral settings: RCIA/inquiry, adult faith formation, sacramental prep, spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, or gifts and vocational discernment.

·Have an opportunity to prayerfully reflect on their own journey toward discipleship.




As I wrote here immediately after Making Disciples in Colorado Springs last month, it was a moving, powerful, and remarkably successful event for everyone concerned. Many participants told us that they didn't want to return home!

Here are a few participant comments taken from the evaluations.

"The concept of intentional discipleship is absolutely exciting!! The team did a great job presenting, explaining, equipping, motivating, modeling it. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH! I will never forget this 5 day experience!!! It has changed my life."

"I have been changed forever. The people I have met and networked with are extraordinary. This is truly an amazing week."

"I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from all of the sections."

"The conference truly lived up to and surpassed my deepest expectations."

"It was great to hear about an intentional disciple. I have recognized this stage in others myself but have never been able to name it."

"As an individual, I've found these days very inspiring. Most of the contents have opened me to wonderful memories of witnessing to my faith and trust in God in a personal context, and has set a fire in me that I hope and pray stays enflamed. So help me God! Amen."

"This was a life-changing experience for me. I don't think I have ever gone through a program where I have taken back so much.

Cost of program: $ 5xx.xxx
Airfare: $ 4xx.xx
Taxis: $ 60.00

Program content: Priceless."


If your parish or diocese or group accepts one of these scholarships, the content will still be priceless - but the cost will be a good deal less! If you are interested, give Mike Dillon a call at (888) 878 6789 or drop him a line at miked@siena.org.

We'd love to see you there!