The Diocese is pleased to announce the availability of new Formation for Mission Grants, for clergy and laypersons who want to learn more about how to do God’s work among His people. Applications are now being accepted, and will continue to be accepted throughout the year, until the designated funds are depleted.
For several years, grants have been available to help fund parish mission initiatives. The current Parish Mission Grants support initiatives aimed at enhancing evangelism, hands-on mission, and racial reconciliation. Many of you have expressed uncertainty, though, as to how to share the Good News, how to respond with Christ’s love to the needs of your neighbors, or how to be a positive force for reconciliation in your community. We have heard your concern, and with the Formation for Mission Grants, encourage you to seek out opportunities for learning and formation that will equip you and your parish for mission.
Formation for Mission Grants are available to help fund participation in conferences, courses, or other forms of continuing education that will prepare you, or others in your parish, for meaningful, hands-on mission in the community. Details are as follows:
- Grants will cover associated registration fees and the cost of any required materials.
- Grants will not cover travel and accommodations. These costs will be the responsibility of grantees and/or their parishes. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of local formation opportunities whenever possible. (See below for more information.)
- Half of the available grant funds are reserved for lay use, and half for clergy use. Grants will be awarded from each category at the discretion of Diocesan Council until the funds are depleted.
- These grants are not intended for coursework that is part of a college, university, or seminary degree program. Seminarians and diaconal school students may apply for the Bishop’s Scholarship for Theological Students.
Please consider how a Formation for Mission grant might help you and others in your parish prepare for mission in your community. For your reference, included below are links to local education and formation resources, through which you may discover opportunities suited to your mission and needs. We also hope to see you at our 2018 Lenten Learning Day, March 3, at St. James, Penn Hills!
In faith,
Kimberly Karashin
Canon for Mission
kkarashin@episcopalpgh.org
Local formation resources
- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Trinity School for Ministry
- Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius
- Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- To learn of upcoming conferences in the area …
- Subscribe to the e-newsletters of the institutions above.
- Follow the Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania.
- Sign up to receive the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Grace Happens newsletter.