The Institute is a three-year program which provides a thorough grounding in Catholic theology coupled with education and training in leadership. The Institute began classes in the Fall of 1997. The program consists of six semesters over a three-year period. The theological work is done on weekday evenings and leadership training is provided on Saturdays. The third year is devoted to areas of individual specialization such as Catechetics, Social Justice, Liturgy, Pastoral Care, etc.
Students come from nearly every parish in the diocese.
Most are volunteers although a few are members of parish staffs. Ministries represented include liturgy, catechetics, catechumenate, youth and young adult, and social justice. All students are members of the Sunday worshipping assembly. The faculty consists of a diverse group of teachers with a strong academic background, experience with adult learners, and a demonstrated ability to teach in an interactive environment. They come both from the Diocese of San Jose and elsewhere.