The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is a bespoke, online learning experience for those seeking to develop their ministry in the UK parish and community context.
Are you involved in ministry in your parish? Maybe you’re a Minister of the Eucharist, a Baptism Catechist, Children’s Liturgy Leader or Bidding Prayer Writer, or one of the many other people who keep the Church and its mission moving forward; or perhaps you would like to be but don’t feel you have the skills?
Do you seek to have a community of passionate, spirit-filled people walking with you as you grow in faith and practice?
‘Co-responsibility demands a change in mindset, especially concerning the role of lay people in the Church. They should not be regarded as collaborators of the clergy, but, rather, as people who are really co-responsible for the Church’s being and acting.’ Pope Benedict XVI
The programme is offered by Loyola University Chicago in partnership with the Archdiocese of Liverpool and in collaboration with Catholic dioceses and formation teams in England and wales. It has been created to equip and empower people to develop their ministries.
It is a two year course consisting of 10 modules, 6 weeks each equating to 20 hours of online engagement, reading and reflection per unit. As this is a non-credit programme, it has no formal assessment, students succeed by reflecting on their learning in their own context and posting these reflections on the online forums. Alongside the online learning there are three opportunities throughout the course for students to gather in person.
It is a two year course consisting of 10 modules, 6 weeks each equating to 20 hours of online engagement, reading and reflection per unit.
As this is a non-credit programme, it has no formal assessment, students succeed by reflecting on their learning in their own context and posting these reflections on the online forums.
Alongside the online learning there are three opportunities throughout the course for students to gather in person.
It is a two-year online professional development programme.
It is offered by Loyola University Chicago in partnership with the Archdiocese of Liverpool and in collaboration with Catholic dioceses and formation teams in England and Wales.
The course aims to provide participants with up-to-date knowledge, skills and formation for contemporary pastoral ministry.
You will complete ten six-week modules. Here's an overview of the modules:
1) What is pastoral ministry?
2) God who reveals: looking at the Old Testament
3) Christ and his disciples: looking at the New Testament
4) Missionary disciples: the story of the Church in Britain
5) Vision of the Church: Vatican II
6) Catholic social teaching
7) Holiness and wholeness: how we grow as people of faith
8) Making connections: catechesis as sharing faith today
9) Building parish communities
10) Serving and leading: skills & strategies
Modules are delivered online.
Participants have the freedom to study in their own homes.
Each module requires approximately 20 hours of online engagement, reading and reflection.
The course models adult learning and shared praxis, and is rooted in theological texts and the pastoral experience of participants.
This non credit course has no formal assessment or exams.
The course is completed through continuous participation via forum posts and engaged responses.
There are three opportunities for participants to meet face to face for prayer, reflection, and creative engagement with the overall themes during the course.
Each diocese provides a local contact person for administration and pastoral support.
Commitment to your own faith development.
Willingness to serve in the local church.
Ability to use the online systems through which this course is delivered.
Internet access is required.
The cost for the two year course is £2,100, however there is funding available. Please email loyola@rcaol.org.uk to enquire about funding.
You will have decided on an aspect of pastoral ministry and leadership that you wish to focus on. You will design, implement and evaluate a significant piece of work within your chosen pastoral context and will receive pastoral accompaniment during it.
