The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is comprised of (1) Core courses and (2) Electives
Core Courses
Courses are listed alphabetically. Scroll down to your course of interest.
Christian Anthropology: Sin & Grace
This course will examine what it means to be human in light of the person and ministry
of Jesus Christ. Theological, philosophical and cultural perspectives will be considered.
Topics discussed will include the elements and relationship of body and spirit, the
dilemma of sin and the transformation of humanity through grace.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- To understand the physical, social and cultural contexts in which human begins exist
and mature.
- To learn what human nature is from a Christian perspective.
- To embrace the journey of becoming a human person transformed in Christ.
Ecclesiology and Vatican II
The Second Vatican Council was called by Pope St. John XXIII to preserve and promote
the church’s heritage in a pastorally effective way in order to meet the demands of
the day. The council produced a new vision of what the Church is and what it ought
to be grounded in two millennia of tradition. In its examination of Vatican II ecclesiology,
this course will focus on two council constitutions: The Dogmatic Constitution on
the Church (
Lumen Gentium) and The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (
Gaudium et Spes), placing them in their larger historical context, exploring their fundamental meaning
and significance, and finally, considering their larger significance for the life
of the church today.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Note that the Second Vatican Council speaks of the church within its discourse on
God and its universal call to holiness.
- Recognize that the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council is an ecclesiology of
“communion.”
- Describe the basic doctrinal and pastoral perspectives on the modern church (its nature,
mission, and structure) as expressed in the council documents, in particular Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes.
Evangelization is not the task of a few persons, called to a specific ministry of
evangelization; it is the responsibility of the whole Church. It is the missionary
call we received from Jesus found in Matthew 28 “Go, therefore, and make disciples
of all the nations…” Evangelization is the very heart of the Church’s mission. “It
is a task and mission which the vast and profound changes of present-day society make
all the more urgent. Evangelizing is in fact the grace and vocation proper to the
Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize.” (EN, 14). This
course will lead the participants to rediscover this task as explained by Pope Francis
in his Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- To understand the new evangelization, as one of the highest priorities of Pope Francis’
pontificate and how to implement it in our ministry.
- Identify concrete areas and focus that urgently need to be applied in ministry.
- Recognize the current challenges of evangelization in the world today and be able
to apply a prophetic / positive vision to the task of evangelization
- Articulate the seven main themes found in the Apostolic Exhortation which summarizes
the new evangelization put forth by Pope Francis.
Human and Faith Development
This course provides students with an introduction to the concept of faith development
theory and the impact of age and maturity on the moral and spiritual life. In particular,
the course is conducted with an eye to the ways that faith development impact the
understanding of the Christian life.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Identify and explain five stages of faith development.
- Apply age and stage theory to a particular pastoral activity (a lesson plan, a prayer
service, the practice of pastoral care, etc.)
Introduction to the New Testament
This course is intended to help students become familiar with the chronology, geography,
and the historical-critical environment of New Testament Christianity. Students will
come to understand the Christian message as it is presented in the synoptic gospels,
the Pauline letters, and the Johannine literature, by examining the history of the
formation of these books and identifying their central themes through close readings
of selected passages. Consideration will be given to the theological viewpoints and
literary forms found in these books.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Recall the chronology, geography, and historical-social environment of New Testament
Christianity.
- Identify the different emphases of the Christian message through an investigation
of the community situation, structure, themes, and theology of each of the four gospels.
- Explain the images used by Paul to convey his understanding of the person and saving
work of Jesus Christ.
- Recognize the purpose and content presented by the Book of Revelation through an investigation
of its structure, themes, and theology.
Introduction to the Old Testament
This course will introduce students to the Catholic Principles of Biblical Interpretation
and to significant literary, historical and theological aspects of the different “bodies”
found in the Old Testament. The course aims to help the students to understand the
nature of the Pentateuchal narrative, Historical Literature as well as the Prophetic,
Wisdom and Poetic Literature found in the Bible
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Understand the following concepts: Revelation, Inspiration, Canon, Tradition, Interpretation,
the literary genres and their role in the Biblical Interpretation.
- Know the major milestones of the history of salvation narrated in the Old Testament.
- Understand the main literary, historical and theological characteristics of the different
“bodies” in the Old Testament.
Jesus Christ and the Trinity
This course will examine the identity and significance of Jesus Christ in light of
who he is as a person, who he is in relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit
and who he is in relationship to humanity and the world. Scripture, Church Fathers,
Ecumenical Councils and other theological and historical sources will be surveyed.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- To better come to know who Jesus Christ is.
- To appreciate the importance of the Trinity for Christian faith.
- To understand the centrality of Jesus Christ in Christian worship, ministry and evangelization.
Ministry in a Multicultural Church
The Church is increasingly aware of the connection between faith and culture. This
course looks at the relationship that exists between these realities with an eye to
how they impact the shape of ministry. Specific topics that will be addressed include
the definition of culture, the theology of inculturation, and intercultural competencies.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Explain at least one definition of culture and discuss its relationship to the Christian
faith.
- Recognize the impact of culture on their faith life and the faith lives of others.
- Identify two intercultural competencies.
Morality and Social Justice
The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person
bears the dignity of being made in the image of God. This course will focus on the
fundamentals of moral life and on how they help us nurture a relationship with God,
with one another and with the world. Social Justice is the means by which we respond
to such Christian vision, thus bringing into perspective the Church’s expertise in
human values.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Understand the significance of natural law
- Recognize the importance of conscience and its formation
- Recognize the important role virtues play in our lives
- Reflect on the manner by which we actively participate in God’s work by shaping the
world around us with love, justice and peace.
The course will introduce the students to two fundamental elements of Christian life: (1)
spirituality as an itinerary to grow deep into our friendship with Christ, which its
final destination is what we call holiness – an individual’s firm, deep, integral,
and dynamic communion with God, and (2) prayer: the cornerstone of spiritual life,
a gift, covenant and communion with God.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Know and explain the main characteristics of a Catholic spirituality.
- Understand the existence and meaning of different “schools of spirituality” within
the catholic tradition and to know the basics of the more relevant ones (Benedictine,
Jesuit, Franciscan, and Carmelite).
- Know the different kinds of prayer (blessing and adoration, intercession, petition,
thanksgiving, praising) and the expressions of prayer (vocal, meditation, contemplation).
- Lead others in prayer.
Sacraments and Sacramentality
Catholicism sees in Jesus Christ the full embodiment of God. Since God became human,
then God is seen, touched, and heard in the context of human living; this is the principle
of sacramentality. The Church celebrates certain rituals that make the saving presence
of God tangible to us in different ways. In Catholicism, there are seven such rituals
that we call the Sacraments, with the Eucharist as our core Sacrament. This course
aims to foster a deep and understanding of sacramentality and an even deeper appreciation
for the seven sacraments of the Church.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Distinguish between the nature and significance of sacramentality.
- Reflect on the theological, celebratory, and pastoral usage of the sacraments.
- Recognize how celebrating the sacraments confirms our continuing conversion and encounter
with God.
The rich development of ministry through the 2,000 year historical continuum and tradition
in the Church begins with Jesus Christ. Theology of ministry will provide the participants
an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences in ministry and to deepen their
knowledge and understanding of the rich theology which grounds their ministry. Looking
at the context of ministry from the beginning, its history, and longstanding development
through Vatican II up to today, will assist them to achieve a clear understanding
of the transition which has occurred in ministry and has moved us from a historical
model to a contemporary one that is capable of meeting the ministry needs in the Church
today.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- Identify the beginning of ministry in the public life of Jesus
- Understand how and why ministry has been changed through the history of the Church
- Assimilate the Church’s vision today, thru the study of more recent documents provided
on ecclesial ministry
- Reflect on the theological outcomes of ministry and its impact in the church structure
today, role and praxis.
Electives
Courses are listed alphabetically. Scroll down to your course of interest.
Adult faith formation is at the heart of the USCCB’s catechetical vision and practice
of developing in adults a better understanding of and participation in the full sacramental
life of the Church—all Christians of every age and stage of life are called to fulfill
their baptismal call to holiness. This course will use the USCCB’s Our Hearts Were
Burning Within Us to explore approaches to adult faith formation including models,
methods, planning and conducting adult faith formation programs.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Identify the major goals and principles of adult faith formation.
- Identify the qualities of mature adult faith and discipleship.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of learning activities and resources to
meet the diverse needs of the adult learner.
- Be acquainted with the threefold dimension of word, memory and witness (doctrine,
celebration and commitment in life) for the adult learner.
The two basic methods in catechesis, deductive and inductive, are rooted in the pedagogy
of God, which inspires many different types of human methods. These include learning
through human experience, learning by discipleship, learning within the Christian
Community (including liturgical catechesis), learning within the Christian family,
learning through witness of the catechist, learning by heart, learning by Christian
living, and learning by apprenticeship. This course explores not only the methods
but also the best practices associated with catechesis (e.g. lesson planning, classroom
activities, etc.)
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of the pedagogy of God.
- Be acquainted with the various forms of human methodology in catechesis and how to
apply them in a classroom setting.
- Identify various formats/approaches, tools and resources for successful catechesis.
Catholic Morality for Health Care Services
Dealing with Loss and Suffering
This course explores the mystery of human suffering and loss. It addresses the physical,
the psychological, the social, and the spiritual dimensions of suffering and loss.
Topics covered in the course include recognizes the various sources of loss, stages
of grief, and the Christian meaning of human suffering
Recommended Prerequisites: Human and Faith Development and Pastoral Care
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Articulated an understanding of the Christian meaning of human suffering in light
of the teachings of the Church.
- Understood the various aspects and sources of suffering and loss.
- Evaluated their own loss experience.
This course provides basic information regarding family system theories including
the history of theories that have impacted the study of families. Various conceptual
and theoretical frameworks including Bowen Family Systems Theory and Adler’s Individual Psychology
will be explored. Key concepts and basic assumptions will be identified to better
understand the family social science discipline.
Recommended Prerequisites: Human and Faith Development and Fundamental Concepts of
Pastoral Care
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Recognized contextual and systemic dynamics regarding the influence of relational
patterns on the family systems.
- Examined principles of human development and family development in regard to family
life dynamics.
- Explored various family systems theories and frameworks in the context of family.
This course provides foundational principles for marriage based on the Church’s teaching
on marriage as a natural gift, as a sacrament and as a public commitment between a
man and woman as prescribed by the USCCB document Marriage: Love and Life in the
Divine Plan. Catholic teaching on marriage, including Natural Family Planning will
be addressed.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, the student will have:
- Understood what is a Catholic Marriage as outlined by the Catechism of the Catholic
Church and the Code of Canon Law.
- Comprehended Catholic Marriage as a Sacrament, with its beauty and its obligations.
- Understood what an Inter-cultural, inter-faith, inter-religious marriage entail.
- Discussed Humanae Vitae and its role in marriage.
Foundations of Young Adult Ministry
This course provides foundational principles and practices for ministry to and for
young adults in order to empower them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Consistent
with the ecclesial documents on ministry with young adults, the course orients students
to strengthen the relationship of young adults with the Church and provide a framework
for effective pastoral planning for young adult ministry.
Recommended Prerequisites: Human and Faith Development
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Described the history, purpose and vision of young adult ministry as promoting missionary
discipleship.
- Discussed the need to foster personal and communal growth and education for young
adults toward a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Understood contemporary best practices for ministry to young adults which focuses
on involving young adults in the life of the local faith community and the mission
of the Church in the world.
Foundations of Youth Ministry
This course provides foundational principles and practices for ministry to and for
adolescents in order to empower them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Consistent
with the ecclesial documents on youth ministry and missionary discipleship, the course
orients students to the purpose of youth ministry, the development of a yearly scope
and sequence, as well as best practices for working within a school or parish setting
as a minister to adolescents.
Recommended Prerequisites: Human and Faith Development
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Described the history, purpose and vision of youth ministry as promoting missionary
discipleship.
- Applied this vision to the development of a yearly youth ministry plan.
- Understood contemporary best practices for ministry to adolescents within parishes
and schools, (including means of communication, the development of communities of
faith, and advocating for youth within a school or parish).
Fundamental Concepts of Pastoral Care
This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of pastoral care including
the theology of presence. Students will become acquainted with foundational concepts
and practices for the exercise of pastoral care within a variety of ministries. Topics
covered in the course will include active listening skills, developing healthy boundaries,
and working with those in crisis.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Defined pastoral care and understood its place and importance in various ministry
contexts.
- Practiced active listening skills.
- Discussed best practices for maintaining appropriate boundaries and relationships
in ministry.
- Identified skills and resources appropriate for working with those in the midst of
crisis.
History and Practice of Worship
This course examines Worship and sacramental life in light of its historical and theological
development tracing the roots and origins of Christian worship practices. Course
content introduces students to the sources of liturgy and the ecclesial and pastoral
contexts of liturgy.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Understand the historical perspective for the origins of the Mass and eucharistic
theology.
- Understand how Liturgy is intimately connected with the life of God’s people.
- Identify liturgical documents and understand important sources that guide those who
prepare liturgical celebrations.
Initiating Disciples: RCIA Rites
Create intentional disciples through an enlightened overview of the RCIA process.
Understand how all the rites belonging to the RCIA will help those seeking a relationship
with Christ enter the way of faith and conversion and be strengthened as they prepare
for receiving the sacraments fruitfully.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process
approved for use in the dioceses of the United States.
- Examine the RCIA process (Period of Evangelization & Precatechumenate; Catechumenate,
Purification & Englightenment and Mystagogy) in the context of the liturgical guidelines
associated with each period.
- Identify rubrics and texts essential to meaningful initiation to the Church and intentional
discipleship after initiation.
Introduction to Catechesis
Catechetical leaders recognize catechesis as an ecclesial activity directed by the
local Bishop and official catechetical documents. Since the training of parish catechetical
leaders is the most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program, the
course assumes formation in scriptural, theological, liturgical, and catechetical
methodologies when focusing attention on the catechist as an integral part of the
public ministry of the Church, catechetical planning and organization, educational
psychology and theory, and administration.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Identify key catechetical documents.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ecclesial nature of catechesis.
- Be acquainted with the various diocesan departments and national organizations that
support catechetical leaders.
- Understand the vocation and responsibilities of the catechist.
This course introduces students to key aspects of lay leadership in the Catholic Church
at the parish level. Key topics discussed include administration in light of the
Gospel, supervising staff and volunteers, time management, fundraising and budgeting.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Demonstrated an understanding of how the mission of the Church affects the principles
of administration and management.
- Discussed the concept of collaborative ministry.
- Summarized key principles for the supervision of parish staff and/or volunteers including
appropriate boundaries.
- Reviewed the basics of fundraising and budgeting for various church related ministries.
Leadership in Prayer and Worship
While all are called to choose and nurture a life of prayer and spirituality, many
Catholics are also called to exercise lay leadership of prayer. An essential skill
for ministry leaders in the church is the ability to lead others in prayer, developing
and shaping life in the Spirit. Students will be guided to discern personal giftedness,
spirituality, charism(s), and skills for prayer-leaders.
Recommended Prerequisites: Prayer and Spirituality and Sacraments and Sacramentality
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Be able to discern Catholic charisms and spiritualties that will assist the student
in serving as a lay leader of prayer.
- Recognize and name the Catholic Church’s official and unofficial forms of prayer that
will serve and shape the life of the local church.
- Develop and understanding of prayer forms, ritual movement, and necessary skills for
the leadership of prayer in a variety of worship situations.
- Understand the progressive solemnity of the liturgical year in the Church.
Liturgical Ministry: Worship in Context
The church understands the liturgy as font, source, and summit of its life. This course
uses liturgical theology to reflect how the liturgy is enacted through Word and Worship.
The course introduces students to the celebration of the Catholic Mass through ritual
language and movement, symbol, music, and liturgical leadership. It will focus on
the praxis of the liturgical life of the local Church.
Recommended Prerequisites: History and Practice of Worship
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Discuss liturgical theology guided by the concept of lex orandi, lex credendi.
- Locate the content of worship, as embedded in and focused on the celebration of Sunday
- Shape liturgical ministries that are congruent with the needs of a parish Sunday celebration,
with emphasis on developing relationships with Jesus Christ as sourced by liturgical
ministry.
Liturgy and the New Evangelization
This course will demonstrate that the church’s New Evangelization is grounded in the
celebration of its liturgy. Pastoral ministers will seek responses to questions that
promote the renewal of the assembly, and envision possibilities for attracting those
who are not regular worshippers. Evangelization is planting the seed, and discipleship
is growing the tree.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Have the skill to enact renewal of the liturgical life of the Church, grounded in
a faith-based community.
- Learn to practice the art of self-emptying love for the renewal of the Church.
Patterns of Christian Prayer
Prayer is foundational in fostering spirituality, which characterizes and affects
the Church’s inner life and the lived experience of Catholics. This course examines
the theology and practice of liturgical and devotional prayer (for example, the Liturgy
of the Hours) both past and present, with the intentional focus on how culture and
popular piety influence patterns of prayer.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will understand:
- Expanded definition of prayer in relation to growth in faith and personal spirituality
- Various Catholic spiritualities based on liturgical prayer and culturally influenced
devotional prayer
- How lay leaders of prayer can enact liturgical and devotional prayer.
Principles to Building Strong Marriages
This course introduces students to key aspects of marriage. Key topics to be discussed
include methods on how to inspire appreciation for the other, act out of love, control
overreaction, eliminate stubbornness, and negotiation skills. Guiding all discussions
will be the USCCB document, Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.
Recommended Prerequisites: Foundations in Marriage
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, the student will have:
- Acquired knowledge of communication skills and the necessary tools to overcome rudeness,
arguments and other communication obstacles.
- The essential knowledge on how to negotiate, be ready to apologize, and have an optimistic
approach to marriage.
- A more profound understanding of the need of acting more lovable and the tools to
do it.
- Acquired the skills on stewardship in marriage.
After hearing and receiving the Gospel, all Christians are called to grow as disciples
of Christ. This course introduces students to the task of helping to form disciples.
While the task of promoting discipleship belongs to Spirit, all Christians are called
to live out more fully their baptismal call to holiness and grow in their participation
in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic community.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Articulated an understanding of Christian discipleship and its relationship to evangelization
in light of scripture and the tradition.
- Evaluated their own journey as a Christian disciple.
- Recognized that the promotion of discipleship is a work of the Spirit that Christians
are called to participate in.
- Explored the meaning of servant leadership and its role is forming disciples.
The seven sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted
to the Church”. (CCC, 1131) The course distinguishes the types of preparation needed
for sacramental preparation: initiatory catechesis for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist;
and ongoing catechesis for penance, anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders.
Focus of the course will be the intimate connection of the initiatory sacraments
and penance as well as skills for liturgies that reflect this connection.
Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
- Explain the general principles for sacramental catechesis (as given in the National
Directory for Catechesis, 35.B)
- Understand that initiatory catechesis incorporates those preparing for initiation
sacraments into a Christian community that knows, lives, celebrates and bears witness
to the faith.
- Recognize liturgy in all its forms as instructive and formational.
- Understand the purpose and tasks associated with meaningful sacramental liturgies.
Strengthening and Developing Family Life
This course provides an introduction on the theory and practice of good behavior and
open communication within the family. It will expose the participants to discover
different ways to improve their actions and family interactions in such way that they
can become a resilient family. The notion that a family in order to flourish needs
commitment from all of the members. USCCB family resources are explored.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, the student will have:
- Understood the importance of appreciation and affection within the family.
- Comprehended the need for positive communication and the tools to achieve it.
- Realized the importance of family time and the tools to plan it.
- Grasped the notion of what spiritual wellbeing entails and how to achieve it.
Understanding Family as Domestic Church
This course introduces students to viewing individuals in the context of their relationships
from both a family and societal context. It will explore the Christian vision of
family life; the family as a developing system, family diversity and the partnership
between families and social institutions.
Recommended Prerequisites: Human and Faith Development and Fundamental Concepts of
Pastoral Care
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will have:
- Discussed the vision of family from the perspective of church documents such as Familiaris Consortio and Amoris Laetitia.
- Understood how the family shares in the life and mission of the church
- Discussed how the reality of family is faced in ministerial contexts and potential
ways to respond.
Concentration areas
The goal of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is to help students gain knowledge
for transformative discipleship. Specific ministry concentration areas include Catechetics,
Catechetical Leadership, Marriage and Family life, Pastoral care, Worship, and Youth,
Young Adult and Campus Ministry. Students who opt to complete the Certificate in Pastoral
Ministry with a concentration complete the core courses and an additional six concentration
courses to gain ministry-specific formation. Please visit program requirements to see which electives fall under which concentration area.