Catholic Education and Ministry Institute

The Diocese of Beaumont is pleased to offer another semester of the Catholic Education and Ministry Institute. This program offers two types of educational programs for the people of our diocese, CEMI Workshops and Courses in Theology or Scripture. Both the workshops and courses are open to anyone who would like to attend. You can take one or several each semester. They are designed for anyone who wants to learn more about their faith and about ministry in the Church.

CEMI Courses in Theology or Scripture and the Certification Programs

This part of CEMI has multiple purposes: to prepare leaders for parish ministry, such as DRE/CRE, RCIA Coordinator, Adult Education Coordinator, Liturgy and/or Music Coordinator, Pastoral Minister, Scripture Study Leader, and Youth Minister. Two new certification programs are beginning this semester: Certification for Stewardship Ministry and Certificacíon Basica de Pastoral Hispana.

CEMI Courses also serve as a pre-diaconate program, provide catechist formation, and are a source of general adult education for the people of our diocese. CEMI Courses will vary in length from 8 to 12 hours. The Diocese of Beaumont will grant a certificate of course completion. Certification involves taking all the Courses in Theology or Scripture as well as the practical courses and workshops geared towards the particular ministry. The decision to seek certification for ministry may develop later and will require the recommendation of one's pastor before enrolling for the program. Brochures with detailed information about the different Certification Program are available from each diocesan office that offers certification.

CEMI Workshops

The goal of this part of the program is to prepare laity for immediate service in parish ministries through basic formation and practical training in one to three sessions. (More in-depth education is available through CEMI Courses in Theology.) The sessions include formation and training in two areas. First, they provide participants with specific background information geared towards the particular ministry. Second, the workshops focus on the practical aspect of the ministry -- a general "how to do." After completing this preparation, participants return to the parish to receive specific directions by their pastors on how this ministry is to be implemented in their parish. CEMI Workshops vary in length from 2 to 6 hours. Certificates will be awarded after completion of a workshop.