In 1972, responding to a request from then Bishop of Phoenix, Edward McCarthy, the Carmelite Order established Kino Institute as a school of theology and ministry formation. Padre Eusebio Kino, S.J. (1645-1711), who pioneered missions for Spain in the Sonora and Arizona, was the inspiration for the name Kino Institute. His custom of carrying an astrolabe* as he explored and evangelized in the southwest became the symbol for our mission to Prepare the Way. Today we continue the Carmelite lead by promoting an understanding of the pastoral implications for lay ministry and faith formation according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as it has emerged from the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

What makes Kino an exciting place for learning is the community of believers who gather to share with each other the treasures of our Catholic faith and the wisdom of our tradition. You will find in this experience a faith community calling all to enter more deeply into the teachings of the Church in order to transform our lives into a closer communion in Christ and a more dynamic discipleship of service and commitment.

If you hunger to learn more about your faith or are being called to the diaconate, ministry of a catechist, parish life coordinator, pastoral associate, youth minister, liturgist, or director of religious education, Kino Institute can provide a quality program in the English or Spanish language. We look forward to serving you, as we pray and learn side by side.

*Astrolabe: An instrument invented by the Greeks to determine geographic location and to chart a course by measuring the altitude of the sun and stars from a fixed point on the horizon