School of Ministry

• A three-year diocesan formation and certification program for lay ecclesial ministry.
• Provides human development, theological and spiritual formation for those who are or wish to be serving in church ministry.
• You are asked to formally apply and go through a process of admission that requires the approval and recommendation of your pastor/administrator.
• It is a prerequisite for those discerning to apply for the admission process into the Permanent Diaconate Program.

The application deadline for LFI has been extended until September 15th.  To obtain an application packet, please contact Diana Rivas at [email protected].

The Master Catechist Program is intended for individuals who want to form adults in parish ministry.  They will also be available to assist in Diocesan support for formation within the Diocese.  This includes, but is not limited to: Facilitators of Basic Certification (Echoes of Faith), Specialization Certification, and other instruction for Diocesan Formation as approved by the Office of Formation and Evangelization.

Those desiring a Master Catechist Certification must meet the following requirements:

• Must have a current Basic Catechist Certification
• Have safe environment clearance, to include both the Safe and Sacred online course and fingerprint clearance
• Have at least five years of experience as a Catechist or Catholic School Teacher
• Provide a recommendation of current Pastor or Administrator

The coursework to complete the Master Catechist includes the following courses:

• PM 101: Evangelization
• TH 109: Ecclesiology
• TH 104 or 114: Hebrew Scriptures
• TH 105 or 115: Christian Scriptures
• TH 107: Sacraments
• TH 112: Liturgy
• PM 112: Intercultural Communications
• MS 105: Adult Faith Formation
• MS 110: Ministering to those with Special Needs
• SP 209: Advanced Catechetical Methods
• TH 113:  Social Justice

For current schedule of courses, click here: Flyer_ Fall 2020 Upcoming Formation E

To apply for the Master Catechist Program, contact Diana Rivas and request an application.

NEW Specialization in RCIA available starting in January!

A Specialization Certification is for those who desire more advanced study in a particular area of ministry.  Other Specializations soon to be added.

A candidate for a Specialization Certificate must meet the following requirements:

• Must have a Basic Catechist Certification.  In special circumstances, with permission of the Director of the Office of Formation and Evangelization, the candidate may petition to attend an intensive course in the Foundations of our Faith (TH 100) in place of the basic certification.  Contact our office for the petition form.
• Must be safe environment cleared, both through the Safe and Sacred online course and fingerprint clearance
• Have at least three years experience in the area of specialization
• Have a recommendation from the current Pastor or Administrator

The coursework required includes 24 hours of Theology courses, 32 hours of specialized courses, and 16 hours of spiritual formation.  For information on beginning this program, contact Diana Rivas.

The calendar of specialized courses for 2021 can be found here: Flyer_RCIA Specialization 2021