We are excited to announce that the first class of CETLA (Center for Theological Education for Latinos) graduated on June 19, 2016. The group started their training in September 2014 under the guidance of Canon Isaias Rodriguez. Classes were instructed by the Hispanic Clergy from the Diocese of Atlanta.

CETLA is a theological training program developed for people from our Hispanic churches who wish to deepen their faith; engage in religious education in the parish or other parish ministries; and be leaders in their respective communities. This year’s class included people in positions of responsibility within the community such as readers, Eucharistic ministers, catechists, vestry, ushers and those who have been called to ordained ministry.
     
The ministry of all the baptized is enabled and extolled with a basis created by the baptismal covenant and Episcopal identity formed by the Bible, tradition and reason. Areas of study included: Old and New Testament; Liturgy; Ethics and morality; Book of Common Prayer; Church history; Spirituality; Anglican Communion; Ecumenism and more.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the 22 graduates, along with family and friends. Bishop Robert C. Wright presented a certificate of completion to each graduate and recognized  two members of the class who are now in formation to become priests within our diocese. Canon Rodriguez informed all that the second two-year class will begin on September 17, 2016. Thanks be to God.