Diocese of Cleveland
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Diocese of Cleveland
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Ministry is the work performed by members of the church to accomplish its mission. Ministry is the common responsibility of all who believe. A pastoral minister is a baptized member of the Catholic Community who, by baptismal commitment, prayer, discernment, training and the support of the community both requests and accepts the call of the bishops to share in the mission of the Church. Pastoral ministry includes both the ordained and laity in collaboration. The term Diocesan Certified Pastoral Minister is used to designate the non-ordained but official minister, lay or religious, who is formally commissioned by the Diocese to fulfill certain parish or diocesan roles. It is intended that successful completion of the requirements described here will prepare candidates, once accepted into the process, for certification by the Diocese. Those certified may be prepared to assume some official ministry in parish, diocesan or other Roman Catholic institutional context, entitling them to contractual compensation. Upon completion of the certification process it is expected that the pastoral minister will pursue continuing education and formation in theology, religious studies and other areas related to ministry. The goal of the Pastoral Ministry Office is to provide to the parishes, offices and agencies of the diocese a pool of men and women, prepared, competent and capable of serving as ecclesial ministers.
What is Required for Admission?
What is Required of Persons in the Process?
What are the Requirements of the Process?
Is Everyone Accepted into the Process, Certified?
What About My Past Experience and Credentials?
What is Required for Admission?
A potential candidate must be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing in the Church (for at least five years), possess a high school diploma, be active in their parish or other ministry context and be recommended to the process by their pastor. The application process begins with the Diocesan Information Night held in January of each year. Applications are given during an initial interview with the Office Staff. The deadline for all application materials, references and assessments is March 31.
Materials Required:
Application
Vision of Ministry
Faith/Life Autobiography
3 personal References
1 business Reference
Pastoral Reference/Endorsement
Letter from Spouse/Religious Community
Current copy of Baptismal Certificate, with Notations
Psychological Assessment
Educational Transcripts
$40.00 Application Fee
All applicants will be interviewed by at least three members of the Pastoral Ministry Board and the Office staff. The interviewing board will look for evidence of:
a willingness to grow and change
a stable home and personal life
the ability to take initiative and to lead others
experience in ministry
a healthy respect for the church and authority in the Church
And the ability to:
make formation for ministry a priority (both financially and personally)
relate well with others and to collaborate
to train/motivate others
to study theology in a consistent and demanding way
to implement what has been learned: relating theory to practice…academic study to active service
to define and achieve personal goals
to differentiate one’s self from one’s ministry
And a desire to work for, with and in the name of the Church.
What is Required of Persons in the Process?
1. Candidates are expected to meet regularly with a spiritual director or companion.
2. Candidates must make an annual retreat.
3. Meet with the Office staff (at least) once a year for annual self-evaluation and goal setting.
4. Attendance at the annual Gathering of candidates in the fall and participation in the three year monthly formation sessions as indicated by the interviewing Board.
5. Successful completion of sixteen academic courses (as indicated below) are required.
- Courses may be taken on an undergraduate or graduate credit basis.
- Courses must be a minimum of 2 semester credits.
- Courses may be taken not for credit, but all work must be completed and a grade earned.
- Credit may be granted for ministry specializations as approved by the Office in collaboration with the Diocesan Offices involved. Example: Family Life Ministry, Liturgy, Pastoral Care of the Sick, Religious Education, Social Action/Social Justice, Youth Ministry, etc.
- Academic Competency may also be demonstrated by completing a Life Experience Credit request. Only four may be presented, one each in Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, and Pastoral Skills. (NOTE: Canon Law and Pastoral Counseling must be taken in an interactive context.)
6. Work with a Mentor for a minimum of 120 hours. Mentors must be approved and trained by the Office.
7. Complete two supervised field experiences in different aspects of one’s specialization. Supervisors must be approved and trained by the Office.
8. As appropriate to the individuals situation, continue involvement in active ministry.
9. Participate in diocesan, regional and national workshops, enrichment programs, and specialized training related to ministry in general and/or their specialization.
10. All expenses related to the process are assumed by the candidate. Costs will vary depending on the number of credits, the number of courses taken and whether or not a course is taken for credit. Local Catholic colleges and universities sometimes reduce tuition for certification candidates.
What are the Requirements of the Process?
I. Academic Preparation/Competencies:
Listed below are the minimum core areas in which demonstrated competency is required. Courses must be taken in an academic setting for at least 2 semester hours of credit. Life Experience credit requests may be submitted, one each in the following areas of theological study: Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology and Pastoral/Ministerial Skills. Courses taken more than 10 years ago may need to be updated. (NOTE: Canon Law and Pastoral Counseling must be taken in an interactive context.)*
A. Scripture
Introduction to Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures)
Introduction to New Testament (Christian Scriptures)
B. Systematic Theology
Christology
Ecclesiology
Sacramental Theology and Liturgy
Church History
Human Nature, Sin and Grace
C. Moral Theology
Fundamental Moral Theology/Ethics
Social Justice Ethics
D. Pastoral/Ministerial Skills
Pastoral Counseling
Canon Law
Administrative Skills for Ministry
Applied Moral Theology/Applied Psychology related to Specialization (i.e., Adolescent Psychology for a Youth Minister; Bioethics for a healthcare minister, etc.)
Three electives - in theology and/or ministerial specialization**
** Ministry Specialization
Two or more electives taken in a specific area of ministry will qualify as a Ministerial Specialization. These electives may be taken in an academic setting, or through an approved course of training offered by a Diocesan Office or Agency directly related to that ministry.
Electives include, but are not limited to:
Adult Education/Formation; Evangelization; Group Process/Communication; Marriage and Family Ministry; Ministry to the Sick and Elderly; Parish Administration/Business Administration; Religious Education; Social Action/Social Justice Ministry; Spiritual Direction; Youth Ministry; etc.
*Course requirements identified here reflect the changes approved by Bishop Pilla in the spring of 1999. This core sequence is required of candidates accepted after May 2000.
II. Formation and Integration Sessions:
While candidates’ primary communities are found within their family and parish settings, they do meet as a group monthly from October through May for a three-year period. These sessions include input, prayer, theological reflection and discussion. These evenings are designed to foster a supportive yet challenging environment for exploring personal and professional growth in ministry,
First Year: Human Spirituality
Second Year: Personal Spirituality
Third Year: Ministerial Spirituality
III. Mentoring:
To assist in applying what they have learned in their academic studies to the practical realities of ministerial service, candidates are expected to work with an experienced Pastoral Minister for a minimum of 120 hours. Mentors may be selected by the candidate, but must be approved and trained by the Pastoral Ministry Office.
IV. Supervised Field Experience:
Each candidates must complete two supervised ministry experiences. Projects must be approved by the Pastoral Ministry Office. Supervisors will be trained and accountable to the Office.
Is Everyone Accepted into the Process, Certified?
NO! Throughout the time an individual is participating in the process, there is on-going discernment on the part of the candidate as well as the Office staff. Participation in and the completion of a program does not make an individual a minister. Each candidate participates in an annual review at which discussion of individual progress is primary. If at any time the candidate’s progress is questioned, or the goals or vision of the person/Office has changed, termination of the process can result. The intention of the Office staff is to assist the candidate and the Board in a process of mutual discernment. Although measuring or approving another person’s progress is not possible, the Office/Board looks for signs or indications that the candidate is growing in knowledge, spiritual maturity and an ability to minister.
When all aspects of the process are nearing completion, the candidate can apply for certification. Requests for an exit interview must be made by September 15th of the year. All materials and course verifications (except courses in progress) must be in the Office by October 15. Following an exit interview with the Office staff and Board, recommendations are offered to the Bishop. Upon the Bishop’s acceptance of a candidate, appropriate certification is provided and a recognition ceremony held annually.
What About My Past Experience and Credentials?
The Pastoral Ministry Office is aware that many people come to the Certification process with a wide variety of academic backgrounds, experience in ministry and competency. The Office is committed to working with applicants within the parameters of the total process. Each candidate’s background, experience and demonstrated competence is evaluated on its own merit.