Diocese of Worcester Partnership with AnnaMariaCollege

            Lay leadership has taken on a greater role in the life of our parishes and Diocese. These dedicated leaders must receive proper training if they are to help guide our faithful into the next century. Their education has taken on a new significance for the Church in the training of lay leadership and apostolates. This constant need for qualified women and men to serve in leadership roles in the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Worcester prompted the formation of the Anna Maria Partnership. The Partnership, inaugurated in the summer of 2002, affords qualified adults the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Catholic studies or a graduate degree in Pastoral Ministry in a way that is financially feasible. For those accepted into the Partnership, the Diocese of Worcester pays one-third of the tuition, AnnaMariaCollege waives one-third, and the student is responsible for the remaining one-third.   Upon completion of the degree, the student is expected to continue to serve the Church in the Diocese of Worcester.