By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Online faith formation classes through the Notre Dame McGrath Institute for Life are open to catechists, teachers, lay ministers, men discerning a vocation to the diaconate, volunteers and anyone wanting to learn more about their faith.
Fall sessions start Oct. 21, said Trevor Pullinger, diocesan director of faith formation and catechesis coordinator. The Davenport Diocese partners with Notre Dame to offer STEP (Satellite Theological Education Program) to the people in the diocese. It is an online program for adults who want to deepen their faith, he noted.
The six-to-seven-week courses take place in cohorts, often composed of people in the same region.
STEP offers four certificate tracks: catechesis, doctrine, liturgy and Scripture with core courses for each track and additional electives.
Pullinger recommends Foundations of Catholic Belief as “a great course to start with.” It also is a requirement for any of the four certificates but participants can take classes without seeking certificates as well.
Kelley Tansey, faith formation coordinator for St. Alphonsus Parish in Mount Pleasant, said, “I love the STEP program. It’s an incredible way to dive deeper into your faith while offering the accountability that solo study often lacks. The program is flexible, fitting into my schedule. I even managed to complete a course while traveling, thanks to its fully remote format.”
“When I first took a STEP class before COVID, our online meetings were text-based chats. Now, they’ve transitioned to live Zoom-style discussions, which I find engaging and enriching. If I ever miss a live meeting, there’s always a way to catch up.”
Tansey originally took STEP courses to deepen her knowledge of the Catholic faith, even before working at the parish. “Since joining the parish staff, I’ve continued taking courses when my schedule allows to strengthen my foundation for working with families and youth.”
Marygrace Elson of St. Patrick Parish in Iowa City wanted to “gain a better knowledge base” as liturgy committee chairperson. “When I first began lay ministry formation through the Davenport Diocese 10 years ago, I was anticipating that in retirement I might want a more active role in my parish, especially in the area of liturgy. I completed one year of studies through the diocese and then work got busy and I put lay ministry formation on hold,” she said.
Following retirement from her medical career in 2022, Elson wanted to be better prepared to lead the reorganized liturgy committee. She contacted Pullinger, who shared information about the STEP program. Elson decided to seek a certificate in liturgy.
Her favorite course was not required for the certificate — Faith and Science. “We talked about Church history, creationism, the Galileo controversy and other topics — fascinating.” For her required courses, “I loved Liturgical Music and I also really enjoyed the course on the Liturgy of the Hours.”
The hardest part for her was the capstone project, the last requirement for the certificate. “I chose to plan the music for the Triduum. This turned out to be much more difficult than I anticipated due to the extent and detail required. My advisor was super helpful with feedback and I also had great feedback from our pastor, Father Troy Richmond.”
Flexible courses were a draw for Elson. “The discussion sessions were great. The others in my section were from all over the country, different age groups, different walks of life and this brought a real richness to our conversations.”
“Life is all about continued learning. For many of us, learning more about our faith may have ended when we were confirmed. It’s great to get additional formation as an adult,” Elson said.
Full tuition is $99 per course but the Davenport Diocese’s discount brings the cost to $75. For more information, visit https://www.davenportdiocese.org/ff-step or https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/step/
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