Diocesan Lay Ministry Scholarship recipients announced

by JoAnn Borchert

A Lay Ministry Scholarship Fund was founded and initiated by the late Bishop Raymond A. Lucker. Five individuals are recipients for study this summer: Deborah Larson of Montevideo; Ronald Skjong of Tyler; Patricia Watkins of Marshall; Bette Blaisdell of St. Peter; and Teresa Guillemette of St. Peter. They will participate in college programs or significant workshops this summer. They are already involved in ministry in parishes and this leadership development will enhance their ministry.

The scholarship fund began with personal donations of Bishop Lucker and expanded with gifts in his name. He saw leadership development and ongoing Faith Formation as essential for persons in leadership positions. The interest from the fund is to be made available each year to assist people who apply and qualify with a scholarship. A set of interim guidelines for distribution of the monies was developed for the academic year 2002-2003 and approved by the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Priest Council. They will be reviewed after one year. A Scholarship Review Committee has been appointed by Bishop John C. Nienstedt. This committee will make recommendations to the bishop in reference to the grant applications received. The committee consists of Father Todd Petersen, chairperson; Sue Fleegel; Mary Beth Botz; Donald Clasemann; and JoAnn Borchert, staff liaison.

Applications are to be accepted for scholarships two times a year. Spring for summer study and summer for fall study.

Applications are now being accepted for fall and need to be submitted by June 15 to the Diocesan Evangelization and Catechesis Department. Each pastoral leader has been given a form.

To obtain a scholarship form: If you would like a scholarship form or more information please call JoAnn Borchert, (507) 359-2966; e-mail JBorchert@dnu.org.

Wish to make a contribution?

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Lay Ministry Scholarship Fund should contact the Diocesan Office of Finance, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.

JoAnn Borchert is Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of New Ulm.