THE IONA INITIATIVE IN THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE Formation of 21st Century Locally Prepared Clergy The Project The Iona Initiative is a collaborative project of the Episcopal Dioceses of Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nebraska, Northwest Texas, Oklahoma, Rio Grande, West Texas and Wyoming in conjunction with the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest and the Iona School for Ministry for the Diocese of Texas. The initiative provides a high-quality theological education for the formation of priests and deacons in the local diocesan setting. It educates a new generation of talented clergy leaders who for various reasons cannot attend a residential seminary. The curriculum is based on the highly successful Iona School for Ministry in the Diocese of Texas. Iona offers a three-year formational program that includes academics as well as class sessions on spirituality, liturgy and music, theory and practice of ministry and social justice topics. The Iona Initiative offers this traditional coursework using rich and engaging videos and other mixed media tools combined with community building opportunities at the local, diocesan and initiative levels. In the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande most people pursuing ordination as permanent deacons matriculate in the Iona Initiative, and on occasion with Bishop Vono’s express permission someone pursuing ordination as a bi-vocational priest may study in the Iona Initiative. Quotes From Bishops Commending The Iona Initiative Our diocese is a charter partner in this innovative, multi-diocese collaboration to create and share a consistent, high quality formation program for bi-vocational priests and deacons who serve the Episcopal Church in rural and small settings. The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer Bishop of Northwest Texas The Iona Initiative allows multiple dioceses to partner together in an effort to share resources and develop a vibrant, canonically sound formation program. The Right Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny Bishop of Oklahoma The Iona Initiative . . . is the best solution that we have seen so far to meet our need for adequate training. The Right Rev. Larry R. Benfield Bishop of Arkansas 1 Core Values of the Iona Initiative Missional Leadership Collaborative Development Commitment to Excellence Community Building Professional Network Mission Statement To provide a high quality theological education adaptable to local needs, using an array of resources including local mentors, standardized curricula and interactive classes Educational Materials Lesson Plans for Mentors Study Guide for Students Videos Handouts, including PowerPoint presentations Instructors Educational materials are created by highly qualified instructors from The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest and the Iona School for Ministry. Year One Curriculum Academic – Bible Introduction to the Year The Persian Period Deuteronomistic History Prophetic Literature Responses to Hellenism Pentateuch The Roman Period Matthew and Luke/Acts John and Paul Paul, Canon, and Scripture as a Resource for Christians Spirituality Spiritual Autobiographies Stages of Faith; Journaling Lectio Divina Rule of Life Prayer of the Senses Contemplative Prayer Celtic Spirituality Reading Icons Spirituality of the Senses Labyrinth 2 Liturgy Daily Office Homiletics Introduction to the Holy Eucharist History and Theology of the Book of Common Prayer Familiarity with the Book of Common Prayer Liturgical Renewal Movement Holy Eucharist and Prayer of the People Conversations with the Bishop Field Work Review Theory & Practice of Ministry Introduction to the Priesthood and Diaconate Clergy Vesture Cultural Competence Hospital Visits Preparing for the End of Life Small Vital Congregations Title IV Disciplinary Canons Empowering the Laity Parish Polity Year Two Curriculum Academic The Early Church The Imperial Church The Medieval Church Pre-Reformation Christianity in England Continental Reformation English Reformation English Church Development: 17th – 19th Centuries Christianity in the Modern World The American Episcopal Church Contemporary Society Spirituality Desert Spirituality Benedict and Francis Julian Spanish Mystics: Ignatius and Teresa Hymns of Thomas Ken; Caroline Divines Hymns and Poems: Lutheran and Wesleyan Spirituality in the Modern World: Underhill and Lewis Contemporary Anglican Spirituality Emergent and Virtual Spirituality Liturgy and Music Liturgical Planning Burials Music for Small Vital Congregations Servant in the Liturgy The Church Year Christian Initiation Weddings Worship Practicuum Sacrament of Reconciliation Healing Liturgies Liturgical Theology Theory and Practice of Ministry Addiction and Prayer Parish Administration Christian Formation Ministry to the Homeless Disaster Relief Ministry to Older Adults Deacon Synthesis Paper Assignment Conversation with the Bishop 3 Year Three Curriculum Academic – Theology and Ethics Christology and the Ethics of Jesus Theology: Systemic and Moral Creation, Anthropology and Election Sin and Liberation Holy Spirit, Salvation and Virtue Ecclesiology and Politics Sacrament, Sex and Medicine Eschatology and Violence Trinity: Economy and Ecology Saintly Lives: Augustine, Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero Spirituality Spirituality and Ordained Ministry Awareness and Discernment Experiential Christian Formation Liturgy Deacon Practicuum Priest Practicuum Theory & Practice of Ministry Theological Reflection The Pastoral Relationship in the Congregation Congregational Seasons and Cycles Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Pastoral Leadership: A Trinitarian Approach Church: Established or Intentional? Servant Leadership Healthy and Unhealthy Conflict Prophetic Voice Deacon Synthesis Paper Returned Leading Change Leading as a Steward Foundations for Healthy Small Congregations Deacon Field Work Review Priest Field Work Review 4 THE GUILD OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDS No priest can meet all the spiritual needs of his or her parishioners, nor should he or she try! Yet as the Catechism reminds us, we are all ministers of the Church, lay every bit as much as ordained. (BCP, p. 855) Upon the nomination of the rector or vicar and at the invitation of the bishop, spiritually mature Christians are invited to participate in a curriculum for the formation of spiritual friendships. Once trained, these individuals provide spiritual friendship within their parish communities for fellow pilgrims on the journey into the mind of God. In her wonderful book, Holy Listening, Margaret Guenther describes an experience many of us have had: “We are hungry, and we don’t know for what. We want something, but we can’t name it. The parish is taking good care of us, nourishing us with word and sacrament . . . . But we want something else, something more: we want to be touched, we want to be known as children of God. . . . [W]hat we really hunger for is wholeness and God.” Holy Listening, p. 2 The Diocese of the Rio Grande is blessed with a number of people – lay and ordained – who have specialized training in spiritual direction and spiritual friendship. We have banded together to form “The Guild of Spiritual Friends”. Our purpose is very simply to develop community, curricula, and friendships for those who feel a special call to journey further into the mind of God. Our intention is to complement the work already being done in parishes and missions and to in no way compete with that work. Two cardinal insights drive all our efforts: First, we are all of us pilgrims on the journey – what in the Acts of the Apostles is called “the Way” (cf., Acts 9:2 and 18:25) – into the mind of God. The Psalmist reminds us, “Happy are the people whose strength is in you! Whose hearts are set on the pilgrim’s way.” (Psalm 84:4) Secondly, pilgrims need company, companions on the Way! Such companions are known quite simply as friends. As Jesus Himself teaches us, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14) And, as Aelred of Riveaulx, the great 12th century Cistercian and patron of all spiritual directors put it in his marvelous book, Spiritual Friendship, “Here we are, you and I, and I hope a third, Christ, is in our midst.” Who May Join The Guild? Membership in the Guild is open to any Episcopalian in the Diocese of the Rio Grande who meets the conditions outlined below. In time we hope to expand beyond the boundaries of the DRG both geographically and ecclesiastically to welcome others enthusiastic to continue the journey into the mind of God. 5 Requirements To Join The Guild 1. All members of the Guild will have at least one year’s experience in an intentional spiritual small group. Cursillo qualifies for this requirement, though there are other ways to meet the same goal. 2. Everybody hoping to join the Guild will attend at least four Guild sponsored workshops through the course of the year. Two workshops are required of all Guild members – Holy Listening and Group Spiritual Direction (see below). After attending four workshops during the course of the year, with the support of the parish’s priest or vicar, the Guild member may begin to offer spiritual friendship at his/her parish under specified rules. 3. All lay members of the Guild must have the recommendation of his or her rector or priest-incharge and approval of the bishop. 4. Clergy also may join once they’ve met requirements 1 & 2 or if they have specific training as a spiritual director (e.g., Shalem Institute). 5. All members of the Guild will be fully trained in Safeguarding God’s Children and keep their licensure up to date. 6. All members of the Guild will have read the three required texts: a. Anthony Bloom, Beginning to Pray b. Margaret Guenther, Holy Listening c. Aelred of Riveaulx, Spiritual Friendship 7. All members of the Guild will agree to abide by the Guild’s covenant. The Guild Of Spiritual Friends Covenant Members of the Guild agree to abide by the following simple covenant. All members of the Guild: Have a Spiritual Director or are involved in intentional group direction Have and abide by a Rule of Life developed with his/her Spiritual Director or in conjunction with one’s spiritual direction group Attend worship every Sunday Practice Daily Prayer After attending the requisite four workshops provided by the Guild to join, each Guild member covenants to attend at least two Guild sponsored workshops in successive years Requirements For Offering Spiritual Friendship At One’s Parish Members of the Guild may and are encouraged to provide spiritual friendship to fellow parishioners and others once they’ve completed their first year’s training. Such conversations should occur in a space provided by the church. Such space should provide confidentiality for all parties concerned and should also comply with all the stipulations of Safe Church Ministry Principles as set out by the Diocese of the Rio Grande. All meetings of spiritual friends should occur during regular office hours when others are present in the building. If these conditions cannot be met, spiritual friends may meet in a public space such as a coffee shop or restaurant when others are present. 6 Spiritual friends should never meet in a private home or at a time and in a place where witnesses are not readily available. GUILD OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDS WORKSHOPS FOR 2014-2015 (Each qualifies for 4 CEU’s for clergy) Holy Listening: The Foundation for Spiritual Friendship (Required) Mentor: The Very Rev. Douglas Travis Dean Travis has four graduate degrees in theology and spirituality, including an S.T.M. from The General Theological Seminary in New York where he was enrolled for two years in the spiritual direction program in the Center for Christian Spirituality. He has been offering spiritual direction for nearly thirty years. Workshop Description An introduction to the ministry of presence and the primary importance of listening as we accompany each other on the journey into the mind of God. (4 CEU’s for clergy) Date, time, and place: Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Andrew’s, Las Cruces Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., The Bosque Center Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Spiritual Discernment Mentor: The Rev. Carolyn Metzler Carolyn has been about the work of discernment in one way or another all her life. Working with people who are in transition, discernment is a large part of the work of spiritual direction. As priest, she has worked with congregations in discernment also, and more recently has been the Spiritual Director teaching discernment with The Living School (part of the Rohr Institute of the Center for Action and Contemplation). Sometimes it is about discerning a decision. Sometimes it is about discerning God’s presence in our midst, or in challenging circumstances. Sometimes it is about discerning ourselves within the Body of Christ. Sitting with people who are waiting for the opening of the Spirit is a great privilege and gift. Workshop Description In this workshop we will be addressing differing areas of discernment in the spiritual journey, their timing, and circumstances. We also look at our own resistance to the work we believe we want to do. And we will open our spiritual tool box in the work of discernment, exploring the myriad ways we might go about this work. The workshop will be a guided conversation, with 7 much time for musing, response, questions, and differing perspectives. We go beyond words into non-verbal ways of discernment also. And for those times where nothing “seems to be happening,” we also look at the value of waiting in the unknown or, as Rilke says, learning to “Be at peace with all that is unresolved in your hearts and learn to love the questions." Date, time, and place: Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Thomas of Canterbury, Albuquerque (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Enneagram Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Pittman Kathleen holds three graduate degrees including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She was trained in Spiritual Direction at Sursum Corda Spiritual Director Formation Program, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. Kathleen has been offering Spiritual Direction for about fifteen years. Workshop Description The Enneagram is a model people use to help themselves become aware of the False Self (ego) and the True Self that God created us to be. While personality types will be covered in the workshop, we will go deeper into how we view our world, and how the Enneagram can be used to support each other on the journey. Date, time, and place: Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Francis on the Hill, El Paso, Texas (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Christian Healing Mentor: The Rev. Patricia Green Mentor: The Rev. Patricia Green MEd, MDIV, LPCC Pat has a Masters of Education in Community Agency Counseling from the University of AZ, a Masters of Divinity from the Seminary of the Southwest, and certification from the Pecos Benedictine School for Spiritual Directors. She blends elements of spiritual direction, life coaching and counseling to inspire and support individuals who seek a deeper more meaningful relationship with God. 8 Workshop Description We will explore the body, mind and spirit connection of Christian healing using biblical and contemporary examples. Upon completion participants will be able to identify five ways to enhance healing and five barriers that impede healing. Date, time, and place: Saturday, January 17, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Chad’s, Albuquerque (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Intercultural Training for the Life of the Parish Mentor: The Rev. Paul Moore Paul Moore has a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation, Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, TX, 2012, Masters in Intercultural Administration, School for International Training, Brattleboro, VT, 1985, more than three decades of life and ministry in Latin America or an Hispanic context. Workshop Description We will explore the dynamics of developing spiritual hospitality between members of different cultural groups, focusing on the spiritual heritage of those of Latin American and AngloAmerican extraction. Date, time, and place: Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Alban’s, El Paso, Texas (4 CEU’s for clergy) and Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Thomas of Canterbury, Albuquerque, NM (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Dreams and the Spiritual Life Mentor: The Rev. Philip Dougharty The Rev. Philip W. Dougharty is an Episcopal priest whose career as a rector was in Buffalo, NY. He is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in New York and holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from The Haden Institute at Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, ON. He is an experienced leader of small groups of various types including many Dream Groups. 9 Workshop Description Dreams are often being referred to as "God's forgotten language." Before it was "forgotten," over 250 dreams and dreamers were cited in the stories of the Bible; many of which changed the course of history. Our dreams come to us as communication from that Divine Spark that resides in each of us - mostly in coded languages that require our focused attention to decipher their meanings for our lives. Working with dreams in groups is not "therapy" which is directive in nature, toward the single dreamer. Rather, it is a reflective spiritual exercise that enhances the experience of each of the participants and helps to build a trustworthy community at the same time. Date, time, and place: Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Francis, El Paso, Texas (4 CEU’s for clergy) and Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., Bosque Center, Albuquerque (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. Group Spiritual Direction Mentor: The Rev. Carole McGowan Carole McGowan has a Master of Divinity from Nashotah House, Nashotah, WI, 1979 and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Jesuit Community in Cincinnati, OH, 1981. Subsequent to her training she has been both a giver and receiver of individual and group spiritual direction. Workshop Description We will share the wisdom as well as explore the pitfalls and delights of group spiritual direction. Several different ways of doing group spiritual direction will be covered in this workshop. Date, time, and place: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., St. Francis on the Hill, El Paso, Texas (4 CEU’s for clergy) and Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., Bosque Center, Albuquerque (4 CEU’s for clergy) Cost: $50.00 To register please e-mail Mtr. Carole McGowan at mcgowannm@comcast.net no later than two weeks prior to the event. 10 THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE RIO GRANDE CLERGY CONTINUING FORMATION REQUIREMENTS AND REPORT Requirements for Continuing Education of Clergy in the Diocese of the Rio Grande 24 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) per calendar year are required for full-time stipendiary clergy serving diocesan congregations and institutions such as hospitals, human need facilities, and schools. 12 CEUs per annual cycle are required for all other clergy exercising ordained ministry within the Diocese. This includes part-time, supply, bi-vocational priests, deacons, chaplains, and ordained persons who are not working full time, including retired clergy who are continuing to work part time. Clergy who are canonically resident but not living or serving in the Diocese of the Rio Grande will be exempt from this requirement. Fully retired, non-active clergy are encouraged but not required to obtain CEUs. Clergy who serve in religious professional capacities such as hospital chaplains or heads of schools who are required to have continuing education from a licensing/certification agency will be allowed to utilize the continuing education credits required by those agencies as long as they meet the contact hour requirements of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. If they do not completely meet the diocesan requirement, they can supplement their licensing CEUs with other opportunities. They are required to send a copy of their professionally required CEU accounting to the Diocese of the Rio Grande by September the 1st of each year. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) The standard for one CEU in the Diocese of the Rio Grande is one contact hour in a learning situation. This may include one-on-one instruction, online learning, classroom, conference, small group collaborative work, and the educational component of religious pilgrimages. Independent study can also qualify for CEUs. However, for an independent study project to qualify for approval, at least six weeks in advance of commencing the project the clergy person must have submitted a proposal to Bishop Vono, the Canon for Formation, and the Chair of the Continuing Education Committee of the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized. How many hours will be granted for an independent study will be determined by these three in consultation with each other. Generally no more than 12 hours will be granted. Worship, fellowship, breaks, and mealtimes during a class do not qualify for CEU’s. Nor do conferences and educational opportunities that do not support professional, theological or personal development, or classes to become proficient in hobbies or second careers. There are many opportunities for clergy to pursue high quality continuing education expressly designed for pastors. See, for example, The Center for Action and Contemplation (https://cac.org/) Ghost Ranch (http://ghostranch.org/) Also, the vast majority of a clergy person’s requirements can be met by attending the annual clergy retreat offered by the Diocese and by coming to Diocesan Convention and taking the classes offered there. If you have questions regarding whether an event will qualify for continuing education in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, please feel free to contact the Canon for Formation. 11 Annual Continuing Education Report The Diocese of the Rio Grande Priest ___ Deacon ___ Name _______________________________ Position________________ Address_____________________________________________________ City__________________________________State_________Zip E-Mail________________________________Telephone Number _____________________ • I have participated in the following Continuing Education opportunities this last year: Event CEU Hours Certificate1 ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ What would assist you in beginning & completing Continuing Formation Opportunities next year? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Signed: ___________________________________________ Date________________________ Most professional Continuing Education Events for Clergy will provide a signed certificate as evidence of your attendance. You are required to submit these certificates with annual CEU report. 1 12 WORSHIP LEADER TRAINING Worship Leaders are placed in a position of leadership in their congregations, sometimes being the first individual a guest meets at a parish. The Commission On The Ministry Of The Baptized would like to ensure that a Worship Leader is able to articulate a clear call to lead others in Christian worship, and that his or her training is of high quality and consistent throughout the Diocese. Training includes: Bible/Scripture, Liturgy and Liturgical Seasons, Anglicanism and Church History, the importance of honoring confidentiality and other pastoral issues, Safeguarding God’s Children and maintaining appropriate boundaries. The Canons state that Worship Leaders are individuals who regularly lead public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith (Canon III.4.4). In the Diocese of the Rio Grande “regularly” is defined as officiating at public worship more than four times a year. The license does not authorize Worship Leaders to distribute Holy Communion. Training is held in each deanery of the Diocese at least once each academic year, beginning 2015. All Worship Leaders will present a certificate of completion for Safeguarding God’s Children and will have read the following books prior to their training: And God Spoke by Christopher Bryan (about the Bible) A User’s Guide to Morning and Evening Prayer by Christopher L. Webber The Anglican Vision by James E. Griffiss Additionally, all Worship Leaders should be very well versed in the following rites found in the Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer I & II, Evening Prayer I & II, and the Burial Rites. BEGINNING BIBLICAL GREEK Biblical Greek is Koine, the language of the Greek New Testament, and of the Septuagint, the translation made by Jewish scholars from Hebrew at Alexandria in the 3rd century BCE. Koine is “the people’s Greek,” a simplified form of Attic, and the actual language used by the people of Jesus’ time and, along with Aramaic, probably by Jesus himself and the disciples. This class is offered at the Bosque Center, Diocese of the Rio Grande, for approximately 14 weeks a semester, on Mondays starting in 2014 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. (Contact the Diocese for dates in 2015.) The instructor is Dr. Warren Smith, who has a Yale Ph.D in Classics and is Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico. He has a research interest in Christian, Jewish and pagan writings from the early Common Era. The cost is $250 plus the cost of two textbooks, “Basics of Biblical Greek” by William Mounce and the accompanying textbook. Students also need to bring a copy of a New Testament in Greek. In addition to these books, the class will use additional material provided by the instructor that will include oral practice, centering on questions and answers based on verses from the Gospel of Matthew. The goal of the class is to learn the alphabet, pronunciation rules, and start learning the rules of grammar while always thinking of koine as a spoken language and never losing sight of 13 the actual words, phrases, and idioms of the New Testament passages which it is our purpose to read, study, and contemplate. BEGINNING BIBLICAL HEBREW The Jewish Academy of Arts & Sciences – a provider of community-based Jewish education – has recently launched an Adult Interfaith Hebrew course, and we at the BSFM are happy and proud to promote this class. The course is part of Kehillah (Hebrew: “community”), the Jewish Academy’s new community education program. This innovative Hebrew course reaches out to local Christians seeking to read the Old Testament in the original language. The class creates a unique context for people of all faiths to explore Scripture together, and is open to all experience levels. Interfaith Hebrew begins with a primer of the Hebrew alphabet, teaching decoding and pronunciation. The course then progresses through a textual exploration of the book of Ruth. The Jewish Academy is located at 5520A Wyoming Blvd. NE, on the campus of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque. For more information, call 232-2325 or email allison@jewishacademynm.org. 14