Vocation exploration programs at Catholic colleges get Lilly grants

Published: 2005-10-26

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) -- Eleven Catholic colleges and universities received grants of about $500,000 each to extend programs that encourage college students, faculty and staff to engage in theological reflection on the purposes and character of their lives and work. The grants by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment extended for an additional three years the schools' participation in Lilly's Programs for the Theological Exploration of Vocation initiative. In all, 37 church-related liberal arts colleges and universities received $17.8 million in the latest round of grants. Since the vocation initiative began making grants in 2000, 88 U.S. colleges and universities have received support totaling $176.8 million. "These schools have integrated programs and projects that are advancing the initiative's aims: to encourage young people to explore Christian ministry as their possible life's work, to help all students draw on their faith traditions in making vocational choices, and to enhance the capacity of each school's faculty and staff to teach and mentor students effectively in these areas," said Craig Dykstra, senior vice president for religion at Lilly Endowment.

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