Education & Training Center

Purpose

The Diocesan Education and Training Center has been established to provide consistent and organized training for people and parish groups engaged in social justice ministry within Northeast Ohio. The leadership of the Diocesan Office for Social Action, through its various commissions, recognizes the need for education in Catholic Social Teaching, for development of an understanding of the call of The Church in the City, and for technical training in becoming effective agents of change. Besides its training programs, forums on current issues, spiritual programs, and technical assistance, the Center develops materials for use in parishes, especially discussion guides that apply gospel values to social, economic, and political issues.

Principles Underlying Our Work

All that we do is faith based. Our methods, programs, and experiences are rooted in gospel values. Empowerment of people and groups is essential to what we are about. Therefore, we are inclusive, affirming multi-cultural diversity, as we use a multi-dimensional, multi-tracked approach, especially in our basic offerings.
While presenting the “bigger picture” of Catholic Social Teaching, we remain focused on the local level and its specific problems. Training is experiential and interactive, concentrating on practical skill levels. Our programs start with the skills of social analysis and discernment of the signs of the times, and move on to knowledge and the practical skills needed to take action.
We recognize the differing needs and issues of the various people and groups in the diocese. Therefore, we remain flexible, tailoring all our offerings. The empowerment of people and groups for social justice ministry is our focus.

Offerings Available through the
Education and Training Center

• Sowers of Justice: Leadership for the Common Good

• Download Resources for Catholic Social Teaching

• Download Resources on Issues

Resources

Micah Center, our Peace and Justice Lending Library

• Basic courses and workshops:
Advocacy Training
Catholic Social Teaching
Church in The City
Consistent Ethic of Life
Framing an Issue
Deliberative Process of Coming to Common Ground
Leadership Skills/Training
Special Topics in Social Justice
Vibrant Parish Life

• Development and Consultation:
Adult Education Programs
Economic Development
Global Solidarity Parish Partnerships
Legislative Networks
Nonprofit Housing
Petition Drives
Social Concerns Committees

• Other Services:
Evenings/Days of Reflection
List of Speakers
Parish Missions
RCIA Sessions
School & Youth Group Programs
Retreats

The Diocesan Social Action through the 5 Catholic Commissions working within the eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland seeks to shape a more caring society and a more peaceful world through justice education, advocacy, community development and organizing. Our work is based on the call of the Gospel to work for the respect and dignity of all human life, the elimination of poverty, to speak out against injustice, and to promote the common good.