Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute at 6363 9th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 US - LPMI Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

On Wednesday, April 22, 2009, over 100 people gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. While celebrating the program and its success, the gathering also served as a kick-off for the LPMI Alumni Association. The event was held in the lovely setting of the Bethany Retreat Center in Lutz. The list of attendees included our Vicar General, Rev. Bob Morris, current and past LPMI faculty, mentors, and Advisory Board members, and participants from all commissioned classes (2002-2008), and current Year 3 participants and their guests.  Other clergy in attendance were Msgr. Frank Mouch, Fr. Len Piotrowski (St. Paul, Tampa), Fr. Dennis Hughes (St. Peter the Apostle, Trinity), Fr. Carlos Rojas (St. Clement, Plant City), and Fr. Robert Schneider (Espiritu Santo, Safety Harbor).

We were very happy to welcome back to the diocese our distinguished guest speaker, Zeni Fox, Ph.D. Dr. Fox is a professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. She is the author of "New Ecclesial Ministry: Lay Professionals Serving the Church", and is the co-editor of "Called and Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Ministers".  Dr. Fox was a part of the LPMI program in 2002-2004 as the retreat facilitator for the Year 3 classes.

Our evening began with a wine and cheese reception, giving our guests time to greet one another, renew acquaintances, and make new friends. Sr. Marlene Weidenborner (LPMI Director) welcomed everyone to the evening and acknowledged the participants from each commissioned class by asking them to stand and be recognized. Fr. Morris delivered the invocation, which was followed by the fabulous dinner prepared by the Bethany Center chef.

Dr. Fox highlighted some points about the current status of lay ministry in the United States, the call to serve, and the need for good formation programs, such as the LPMI. She also talked about her role as a consultant in the development of  "Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord".

Our deepest gratitude to all those who helped make this wonderful event possible:

• Bishop Robert Lynch, Fr. Bob Morris
• LPMI Participants, Faculty, Mentors, Advisory Board, Pastors and Parish Staffs
• Ad Sponsors and Patrons
• Bethany Center Staff
• Pastoral Center Workroom Staff
• Event Committee (Pam DiMarino, Claudia McIvor, Debbie Rivera, Karl Stevens, Pat Wiand, Rowena Wilkinson)
• LPMI Staff (Sr. Marlene Weidenborner, Dale Brown, Elaine Thelen)

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