The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is a customised Professional Development Programme offered by Loyola University Chicago in partnership with the Archdiocese of Liverpool and dioceses in the North of England.
Starting in February 2020, the course will consist of ten, six-week modules delivered in an online format allowing participants the freedom and flexibility of study in their own home. Integral to the course will be three days for participants to meet each other face to face facilitated by Catherine Darby SND and Mrs Veronica Murphy who are the UK coordinators for the course. They will gather students together for prayer, reflection and creative engagement with the overall themes. Each diocese will provide a local contact person for administration and pastoral support during the two-year course. Participants will need to be serious about their own faith development, willing to serve in the local church and have competent computer skills.
It is a non-degree, non-credit programme offered over two years, equipping catechists, deacons and lay leaders with up-to-date knowledge, skills, and education for contemporary pastoral ministry. Those who successfully complete the entire ten module series will receive a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University Chicago.
The course will model adult learning and shared practise and be rooted in theological texts and the lived experience of participants. Each module will require approximately 20 hours of time for on-line engagement, reading and reflection.
The modules offered will be:
WHAT IS PASTORAL MINISTRY?
Students will explore what being called to pastoral ministry in the Church means today.
GOD WHO REVEALS: LOOKING AT THE OLD TESTAMENT
Students will be introduced to the whole range of Old Testament texts revealing a God who loves God’s People.
CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES: LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT
Students will explore the New Testament texts with particular attention to the ministry of Jesus and of his followers.
MISSIONARY DISCIPLES: THE STORY OF THE CHURCH IN BRITAIN
Students will explore the historical background to the current situation of the Christian churches in Britain.
VISION OF THE CHURCH: VATICAN II
This course covers the story and promise of the Council, including a study of selected texts, discussions over its interpretation and implementation, and a dynamic view of its on-going relevance for the Church’s self-identity.
HOLINESS AND WHOLENESS: HOW WE GROW AS PEOPLE OF FAITH
Students will explore human, spiritual and psychological development and the unique call each person receives to be fully human and alive.
MAKING CONNECTIONS: CATECHESIS AS SHARING FAITH TODAY
This course will deepen students’ understanding of catechesis and its importance for the life and mission of the Church particularly the priority of adult formation. It will explore ‘critical conversation’ as an essential process for growth and development, and the relationship between evangelisation, catechesis and religious education.
BUILDING PARISH COMMUNITIES
Parishes are where many Catholics experience their faith in community. Contemporary and emerging models for building parish communities will be explored in detail. Students will also learn about best practices for healthy parishes and effective collaboration and teamwork.
BUILDING A FAIRER WORLD: CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Students will become familiar with the development of Catholic Social Thought and Practice in relation to particular contemporary global and local issues. Particular attention will be given to history, texts, methodology and significant figures.
SERVING AND LEADING: SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR MINISTRY Students will explore the skills and strategies for effective Pastoral Ministry
Information Sessions for the Dioceses of Hallam, Hexham & Newcastle, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Salford & Wrexham
Light refreshments available on arrival.
Tuesday 15 October, 7.00 until 8.30 p.m. at The Pastoral Centre,
Balmoral Road, Lancaster LA1 3BT
Wednesday 16 October, 7.00 until 8.30 p.m. at St Bernadette’s Parish,
436 Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7SX
Thursday 17 October, 7.00 until 8.30 p.m. at LACE,
Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA
Tuesday 22 October, 7.00 until 8.30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish
Centre, Jubilee Road, Buckley, NORTH WALES CH7 2AF
Friday 8th November, 6.00 until 7.30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral,
Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5HH
Saturday 9 November, 2.00 until 3.30 p.m. at Hinsley Hall,
62 Headingley Lane, LEEDS LS62BX
Induction Sessions will take place on:
Saturday 18 January 2020, 9.00 a.m until 1.00 p.m at
LACE, Croxteth Drive Liverpool L17 1AA
Saturday 25 January 2020 9.00 a.m until 1.00 p.m at
Carmel College, The Headlands, Darlington DL3
For more information please download the brochure below or email:
