The Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) is the educational branch of the Regional Office of the Southeastern US Bishops for Hispanic Ministry. It was born in 1979 as a response to the formation need for Hispanics and as an accomplishment of the recommendations of the II National Encuentro Nacional of Hispanic Ministry.

SEPI is an educational and service organization that helps the Catholic bishops in eight states in the Southeast in developing and training leaders in their faith and culture with the integration of the Hispanic community in the life of the church and into society.

SEPI collaborates with the dioceses on the implementation of their pastoral plans, strengthens the family life and promotes the dignity and gifts of the individuals.

Schools of Ministry Program

The complete School of Ministries program (Levels I and II) is composed of 10 classes over a 2-year period, for a total of 150 hours of theological teaching and pastoral leadership.  Each class is 15 hours of instruction on Saturday and Sunday.

SEPI requires a minimum of 25 participants to be able to offer the courses.  Once finished the course, each participant will receive a certificate.

What does SEPI do?

  • Evangelizes, educates, organizes, and forms Hispanic leaders.
  • Takes its educational and evangelizing programs to Hispanic communities throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, North and South Carolina and Tennessee.
  • Collaborates with each diocese in organizing their Hispanic Pastoral Council.
  • Assists each diocese with the scheduling and implementation of the Hispanic Ministry Plan.
  • Develops and promotes the integral growth of youth through workshops and seminars for Pastoral Juvenil.
  • Coordinates, reviews, and plans, together with the diocese, the goals and objectives of each diocese.
  • Encourages the integral formation through programs that grant a master’s degree in consortium with Barry University. This formation is also obtained with the Schools of Ministry.
  • Investigates, develops, and implements resources and information to create new pastoral tools.
  • Trains and develops programs for pastoral leadership.

Registration, requirements and costs

Please write in print on the registration so it is legible. Registration forms will not be accepted over the phone or fax.

Pastor’s signature is required and attendance to all classes is required in the two-year cycle.

The registration fee is nonrefundable, but it is allowed that the student finishes the course at a future date. The Diocese will have to pay SEPI even if the students don’t attend classes.

Because the regional office assumes the financial responsibility for traveling and salary for the professor, the cost for the student is minimal. The office in charge in the diocese is responsible for making arrangements for the location, promotion, materials, copies and stay (housing and food) for the professors.

Total cost for the entire course is $350.00. For your convenience, the payments can be made in two installments, $175.00 per year or $35.00 for each class.

Checks are made payable to: Diocese of St. Petersburg and should be mailed to the following address,

Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute/SEPI
Attn: Dale Brown
P. O. Box 40200
St. Petersburg, FL 33743

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

  • Each student is responsible for his/her own lunch. There is a variety of restaurants in the area. Snacks to share are always welcomed.
  • Attire should be casual and comfortable. Please bring a jacket or light sweater in case the temperature of the room is too cold.
  • Classes are for adults. We cannot accommodate children of any age on this program. Due to the diocesan policies on safe environment, we ask you to please make the necessary arrangements for day care of your children so you can attend the classes.

For further information, please contact Dale Brown in the LPMI/SEPI Office at 727-344-1611, extension 5458 or contact Ana Jahuey 727-344-1161, ext. 5471.