Teaching
Funds from the United Catholic Appeal directly support our present priests, trains our future priests and deacons and teaches children and adults to know, love and serve Jesus.
WATCH THE VIDEO Archbishop Thompson discusses what Teaching means to the Church.
DISCERNMENT
Discernment refers to the process of seeking God's will and guidance in making important life decisions, particularly regarding one's vocation or mission in life. It is a prayerful and reflective practice that involves listening attentively to the voice of God in order to discern His plan and purpose.
The United Catholic Appeal directly funds many initial steps in a person’s discovery of their vocation, whether it be the Bruté Days summer retreat, the process of Deacon Formation, or the many other roles and activities supported through the Office of Vocations.
“Teaching is not just passing on knowledge or wisdom,
but is walking with others as they come to embrace knowledge and wisdom. To be able to recognize the gift in a young person and to see the ways in which that gift can flourish in a manner that doesn’t only bring them success, but brings something that is good to all of us, that allows all of us to be a little more of what God calls us to be. True teaching is about that.”
-Fr Eric Johnson, Vicar for Clergy
EDUCATION
Education holds profound significance within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Our commitment extends across diverse avenues, encompassing the formation of our future clergy through rigorous seminary programs, the cultivation of young minds in our 67 Catholic schools, and the lifelong journey of catechesis that shapes the faith of individuals of all ages. By investing in education, we not only impart knowledge but also instill values, fostering a deep understanding of our Catholic heritage and preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to our community and beyond. Whether guiding seminarians on their path to priesthood, providing quality education in our schools, or continuing the journey of faith through catechetical initiatives, education remains integral to our mission of enriching lives and spreading God's love.
Education encompasses a broad spectrum, including Catholic schools, seminarian formation and catechesis.
Catholic schools provide a holistic education rooted in Catholic values, nurturing students* intellectual, spiritual, and moral development. Seminarian formation prepares individuals for the priesthood, guiding them in their spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth, while catechesis ensures the faithful receive ongoing religious instruction and formation, deepening their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.
Together, these components of Catholic education contribute to the formation of well-rounded individuals and the transmission of the rich traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church.
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Bruté Seminary
BY THE NUMBERS: More than 200 men have explored their vocation at Bruté. 86 have graduated from the program and 40 have been ordained as priests. Funding from the United Catholic Appeal directly supports these seminarians and staff.
Bishop Simon Bruté Catholic Seminary is dedicated to forming men for the priesthood. It provides a strong foundation in spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation, emphasizing the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. The seminary offers a supportive community and a rich environment for discernment, prayer, and study, equipping future priests with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve the Church and its faithful.
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St. Meinrad Seminary
The seminarians from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis enrolled at St. Meinrad are directly supported by The United Catholic Appeal.
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St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology is a renowned Catholic seminary located in St. Meinrad, Indiana. Founded in 1857, the seminary offers comprehensive formation for men discerning the priesthood, focusing on spiritual, intellectual and pastoral development. St. Meinrad's rich heritage, dedicated faculty and supportive community create an environment that fosters deep faith, academic excellence and a strong commitment to serving the Church.
Catholic Schools
The United Catholic Appeal supports 21,000 students, 55 elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 5 private schools. Catholic schools play a crucial role in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, offering a comprehensive and faith-based education to thousands of students. These schools provide a nurturing environment where students receive not only academic instruction but also spiritual formation and character development rooted in Catholic values.
With a diverse range of educational programs, extracurricular activities, and a commitment to academic excellence, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis prepare students to excel academically and grow in their faith. They serve as vibrant communities that foster a deep sense of community, service, and discipleship. Catholic schools are a testament to the Church's dedication to the holistic development of young minds and hearts, equipping students to become well-rounded individuals who positively impact society and live out their faith in meaningful ways.
Catechesis
Parish-based Catechesis Programs serve over 30,000 parishioners each year. Faith formation, religious education and catechesis are all terms that describe efforts to teach the Catholic faith in ways that draw all people closer to Jesus and deepen their participation in His Church. Parishes and missions throughout southern and central Indiana strive to provide comprehensive, womb-to-tomb catechetical programs.
The Archdiocesan Director of Catechesis and staff collaborate with parish catechetical leaders as well as other lay ecclesial ministers (youth ministers, principals, campus ministers and others) in ensuring that the key components of various faith formation efforts are in place within each ministry.
Under the guidance of their pastors, parish catechetical leaders (PCLs) are the key to successful programs. The Secretariat for Worship and Evangelization also assists pastors in filling catechetical leadership positions and continues enhancing faith formation throughout the Archdiocese, bringing God's timeless truths to our 21st Century culture.
PRIESTHOOD
The spiritual journey of discernment, formation, and ordination prepares Catholic priests to faithfully serve God and the Church. Through this process, they become shepherds of their flocks, administering the sacraments with devotion and love.
The Catholic Church deeply values its retired priests, recognizing the lifetime of dedication they have given in service to God and the faithful. These priests have played vital roles in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral care.
By supporting retired priests, the Church expresses its gratitude for their service and affirms their ongoing worth within the faith community. This support ensures that retired priests can live with dignity and fulfillment, granting them access to proper healthcare, housing, and resources for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, this support honors the legacy of their ministry, fostering continuity and inspiring future generations of clergy.