FROM THE BISHOP

Dear friends in Christ,  

The Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World was called “Gaudium et Spes,”  “joy and hope!” It is with great joy and hope that I announce a new diocesan program of lay formation and adult Catholic education, the Bishop Helmsing Institute.

 The result of a year of planning, the Institute will offer a strong program of courses for certification for laypeople working in parish or diocesan positions, and also for personal enrichment. The coursework will be rooted in Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Fathers of the Church, Magisterial documents and, in particular, the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

I have decided to put the new work under the title of Bishop Charles Helmsing, third bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, who courageously fostered the full implementation of the Second Vatican Council and who was, at the same time, a champion of the integrity of Church teaching.

Each of us is called to the fullness of Christian life. As apostles of the New Evangelization we must learn our faith and grow in holiness so that we can participate fully in the transformation of the secular culture in Jesus Christ. The Church calls the laity to be at the forefront of this work of catechesis and evangelization. The Bishop Helmsing Institute will take the lead in our Diocesan efforts to form lay adult Catholics for this vital work, providing courses of instruction, retreats and spiritual formation opportunities, and resources and coordination for various lay apostolates.

 This special insert provides an overview of the significant aspects of the new Bishop Helmsing Institute. I ask your prayers that it will become a powerful instrument to further the work of the Church in our Diocese. Even more, I invite you to take advantage of the new programs it offers. Let us go forward with joy and hope!

In Christ and Mary,

Most Reverend Robert W. Finn

Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph