IPI graduates encouraged to ‘serve others in the name of Jesus Christ’

(En Espanol)
 

Thirty-two graduates were recognized on June 4 at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis as the 2025 graduating class of the archdiocese’s Intercultural Pastoral Institute. The program is operated by the archdiocesan Intercultural Ministry Office. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson celebrated a liturgy, then took part in a Pastoral Leadership Certificate ceremony. (Photo by Mike Krokos)

By Mike Krokos

It began with a “yes.”

That word was at the heart of the journey shared by the 32 individuals who graduated from the archdiocesan Intercultural Pastoral Institute’s (IPI) Leadership two-year certification program on June 4.

“It was the enthusiastic ‘yes’ of young people to serve. The ‘yes’ of couples who chose to study together. The ‘yes’ of families learning side by side. The ‘yes’ of brothers and sisters in faith. And the transformative ‘yes’ of someone who came to support others, only to discover their own calling,” noted IPI graduate Andres Pecho in an address he gave before the certification ceremony at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis.

“We each arrived with different stories, but we all responded with the same heart: ‘Here I am,’ ” added Pecho, a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis who attended IPI classes with his wife Ena and was chosen to give a speech on behalf of his classmates during the certification program.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson began the event by celebrating Mass. The evening also included a graduation ceremony, the presentation of diplomas and dinner.

A ministry of the archdiocesan Intercultural Ministry Office, the two-year IPI certification program forms pastoral and catechetical leaders within the various ethnic communities in the archdiocese and the Lafayette Diocese. (Spots are still open for those interested in joining the next class of the Intercultural Pastoral Institute’s two-year certification program. Click here to sign up.)

The 32 members of this year’s class were transformed during their time of formation, noted Pecho, who serves as assistant to the director of faith formation at St. Monica.

But the graduate also reminded his classmates that their ministry is only beginning.

“The redemptive work of Jesus is complete and perfect, but the mission to extend God’s kingdom continues and is entrusted to every generation of believers,” he said. “That’s why we believe the Lord called us, formed us, spoke to us … and now sends us out once again as disciples and missionaries.”

‘Serve others in the name of Jesus Christ’

In his homily, delivered in Spanish, Archbishop Thompson reminded those in attendance that, “As the Church teaches, every baptized person has a vocation—whether to priesthood, religious life, marriage, single life.

“While there are many ways to live out one’s baptismal vocation, every vocation is a sharing in the single mission of Jesus Christ,” the archbishop continued. “Those being certified this evening are being recognized for their willingness to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.”

During their two years of study, which included various challenges and responsibilities, the students were not deterred from “growing in faith and understanding of what it means to be a missionary disciple of Jesus,” Archbishop Thompson noted.

He added, “A personal encounter with the person of Jesus is predicated on a life of prayer, the word of God, sacramental grace and service to others. This is essential for pastoral leadership in the Church.

“We pray that our graduates may use what they have learned for the glory of God and service to God’s people.”

‘A time to serve with hope and spiritual renewal’

In her remarks to this year’s graduating class, Dr. Carmen Hernandez, the coordinator of IPI, acknowledged the work of the students.

“What a great blessing and joy this day is for you, as you become certified as pastoral leaders—a joy that is present within the framework of the Jubilee Year,” she said, “a time of grace, forgiveness and reconciliation; a time to serve with hope and spiritual renewal, always seeking God’s mercy.”

Hernandez also noted how the graduation offered “a special day of grace to remember and celebrate what God has given you all as a gift of life. You will leave a legacy in the history of this institute, a legacy marked by several generations, united as a family to achieve the commitment to be co-responsible for a Church that advances—because our Church is walking with all of us, and we are walking with it.”

Hernandez, who is stepping down after serving as IPI’s coordinator for four years, encouraged the graduates to be joyful in their ministry of faith.

“Be servants of faith and joy, live your lives with a spirit of joy and profound gratitude, gratitude that should be manifested in your service to God and your neighbor,” Hernandez said. “Always remember the reflection I gave you when I had classes with you: Do you know what I learned from Jesus? That betrayal never took away his desire to love. … I invite you to that.”
 

(Spots are still open for those interested in joining the next class of the Intercultural Pastoral Institute’s two-year certification program. Click here to sign up.) †