Lay Ministry Certification Program: Is a program designed by Saint Mary's College Campus Ministry Department in collaboration with the Religious Studies Department to prepare students for future study and work in ministry.

The lay ministry certification program offers courses, workshops, and supervised experiences in various aspects of ministry.

At the time of graduation, students who have successfully completed the program will graduate with a minor in Religious Studies and receive a certificate indicating that they have satisfied the College's requirements.

Candidates are students who

  • have some experience in ministry (high school/college)
  • show basic knowledge of Catholicism and interest in their own faith development
  • are able to relate well with others and show emotional and spiritual maturity
  • are willing to give necessary time for training, education and reflection on their ministry experiences


Religious Studies courses and non-credit workshops required for certification:

  • One 200 level RLST class: for example, RLST 213: Experiencing God; RLST 232: Introduction to New Testament; RLST 240: Catholic Social Thought
  • One 300 or above level RLST class: For example, RLST 306: Biblical Theology; RLST 310: The Church; RLST 325: Great Theologians; RLST 458: Theological Ethics
  • RLST 476: Religious Education: Theory
  • RLST 486: Religious Education: Practicum
  • Various non-credit workshops on liturgy, prayer, and theological reflection

Active Participation in a wide variety of ministry experience is expected in three of the following areas:

  • Liturgy (word minister, eucharistic minister, music minister, hospitality minister, liturgical dancer)
  • Faith Development (Retreat, Small Faith Group, Liturgy Preparation)
  • Social Concern (Service Club, service outreach, and reflection)
  • Sacramental Preparation (Confirmation, Adult Christian Initiation, CCD)

Reflection on one's gifts and call to leadership in the Church through

  • regular meeting with mentors
  • journaling
  • retreat

Integration Seminar: Students choose a certification topic which will address a certain aspect of ministry and include a leadership experience. The student will work with a professional minister with background in that area to serve as an advisor. The student's personal theological reflection on the experience, working with a professional and presenting the findings, are key components of this seminar.

 

 

 

How to contact us:

Lay Ministry Certification Program
Campus Ministry
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556-5001
Phone: (574)284-5391
Email: jfean@saintmarys.edu

 

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