What is IMPACT?
IMPACT, a two-year lay formation program, has been designed to lead participants further down the path of discipleship. IMPACT, an invitation to step away from the busyness of our lives, will nourish the heart and mind through theological and spiritual formation. Through study, prayer, reflection, and conversation, participants will be challenged to respond more fully to Jesus’ call to mission—to IMPACT our world!
GOAL: To prepare adults to live out their discipleship in their parish or community through formation (spiritual, theological, and pastoral) that is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
IMPACT is a program of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, in collaboration with Loras College. Participants will receive the best possible faith formation through this valuable partnership. IMPACT follows the guidelines of formation as set by Co-Workers in the Vineyard. Year One will focus on personal and spiritual growth; Year Two will focus on the intellectual and pastoral components of our Catholic faith.
Who? IMPACT is open to any adult who desires a deeper relationship with Christ and a greater understanding of the Catholic faith in order to further the kingdom of God.
When? The next IMPACT begins September of 2019 with members enrolling now (registration is currently available online). Deadline for applications is August 20, 2019. We may, however, review applications after this date depending on space availability and other deadline considerations.
IMPACT begins with a retreat, the weekend of September 7-8, 2019 at Shalom Spirituality Center in Dubuque. Saturday sessions for Year One (2019-2020) are October 12, November 9, December 7, January 11, February 8, March 7, and April 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Year Two (2020-2021) will open with a one-day retreat on September 12, 2020 at American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls. Year Two session dates are October 10, November 7, December 5, January 9, February 6, March 6, and April 10. The IMPACT 2019-2021 program will conclude with a brunch, Commissioning Ceremony and closing Mass on May 1, 2021.
Where? Saturday sessions at St. Joseph Parish, Elkader, IA.
How? By participating with a spirit of enthusiasm and openness, participants will be responsible for attending all sessions, reading the assigned materials, writing reflections, and participating in large and small group discussions.
Cost: When an applicant is sponsored through the parish, the participant and the parish will each cover one half of the annual cost. Participants may choose to apply without parish sponsorship, but will be responsible for the entire cost of $300.00 per year. (Total cost of the two-year program is $600, with 1/2 paid by participant and 1/2 paid by parish).
A Religious Studies Grant is available to parish employees who wish to participate in the IMPACT program.
IMPACT may be for you!
JOIN IMPACT:
To enrich and deepen your faith
To learn more about the Catholic faith
To respond further to the call of discipleship
To enhance engagement in parish and community life
To share more deeply in the mission of Jesus