Certificate in Pastoral Ministry -
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry -
All are welcome to enroll.
The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is designed for those seeking a deeper knowledge of faith and comprehensive theological education in preparation for ministry and service as lay persons in parishes, schools, and community, as well as permanent deacons in the Church. Offered by St. Mary’s University in Calgary, this certificate provides engaging seminars focused on Scriptures, sacraments, Church history, evangelization, moral, and pastoral theology.
The Certificate consists of eight courses offered over four years of study. Courses are taught in three or six hour sessions on Saturdays from September through May. RLGS 205 and 301 can be counted toward the completion of a St. Mary’s University degree program. The seminars integrate study, prayer, and reflection. Through the practice of theological reflection, students learn to think theologically by examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our faith.
Program Overview
Core Courses:
Year One – Foundations of Theology (4.5 credits)
- RLGS 301: Catholic Intellectual and Cultural Tradition (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 501: Catholic Intellectual and Cultural Tradition (3 credits)
- EDCL 302: Theology of the Church (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 502: Theology of the Church (1.5 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Two – Scripture and Tradition (4.5 credits)
- RLGS 205: Reading Biblical Texts (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 503: Reading Biblical Texts (3 credits)
- EDCL 304: Church History (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 504: Church History (1.5 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Three – Sacraments and MoralTheology (4.5 credits)
- EDCL 305: Understanding the Sacraments (1.5 credits) –OR-
EDCL 505: Understanding the Sacraments (1.5 credits)* - EDCL 306: Contemporary Issues (3 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 506: Contemporary Issues (3 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Four – Preparation for Pastoral Ministry (4.5 credits)
- EDCL 307: Foundations of Ministry (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 507: Foundations of Ministry (3 credits) - EDCL 308: Introduction to Ministries: Catechesis – Youth – Family (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 508: Introduction to Ministries: Catechesis – Youth – Family (1.5 credits)
NOTE: Participants holding a previous Bachelor’s degree will be required to enroll in the 500-level course, while participants without a Bachelor’s degree will be required to enroll in the 300-level course.