Apostolate for Lay Ministry: About

Each unit is 7 weeks.
Unit 1.1: Lumen Gentium

This course will expose students to the foundational documents of the Second Vatican Council with an emphasis on the nature and role of the Church in the modern world. It will explain the role of the laity and clergy in the life of the Church. Students will reflect on the mission of the Church and how various members of the Church can support the mission.

Unit 1.2: Contemplative Prayer and Mystical Theology

This course will introduce students to the interior life necessary for authentic Catholic ministry. Reviewing the essential elements of the spiritual life, students will be introduced to the contemplative life both as a point of personal spiritual maturation and as the primary driver to pastoral ministry.

Unit 1.3: Catholic Social Teaching

This course introduces students to Catholic Socia Teaching as an Course Catalogue 2020-2024 essential element to Christian faith and discipleship. The course explores the Church’s understanding of the human person, human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, work and economic life, care for creation, and political and global responsibility. Students are invited to integrate Catholic Social Teaching into personal faith life, pastoral ministry, and civic engagement. 

Unit 4: Advanced Catechism

This course will provide the theological, scriptural and historical premise for key elements of faith such as the nature and order of grace, the economy of salvation, living the virtues, and sacramental theology. Through personal and collective reflection, reading, and instruction students will gain a fulsome understanding of the salvific mission of the church and her relationship to Christ and the role they play in missionary discipleship.

Each unit is 7 weeks.

Unit 2.1: Intro to Pastoral Ministry

Introduction to Pastoral Ministry prepares participants to enter into pastoral ministry during the later half of the certificate program. It outlines the methods and concepts of gospel centered service foundational for any expression of pastoral ministry or faith formation ministry.

Unit 2.2: Life in the Spirit

This is the second spirituality course of the certificate program. Discernment and an openness to the lead of the Holy Spirit is fundamental to authentic Catholic ministry. Participants will be led to learn and reflect on the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit with an aim to discern their particular gifts as well as learning how to develop all the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit in their spiritual lives. Participants will build upon their sacraments of initiation by developing an understanding and devotion to the Holy Spirit.

Units 2.3 and 2.4: Mentorship and Ministry Integration

Participants begin a specialization in their formation by serving in a ministry of their choice under the supervision or a seasoned mentor.  Participants begin a period of independent study on subjects related to their chosen ministry.  Participants attend two retreats during this period where they gather with their peers and receive intensive spiritual and theological instruction. 

Each unit is 8 weeks.

Unit 3.1: Community and Growth

Unit 3.2: Communication and Administration

Unit 3.3: Pastoral Leadership

Unit 3.4: Graduation Project and Retreat Experience