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Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

In partnership with Loyola University Chicago Institute of Pastoral Studies

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Image by JESHOOTS.COM

The two year certificate (10 modules, 6 weeks each) is evenly spread out and follows the annual academic pattern. While it has no formal assessment, you are expected to creatively reflect on the course using online forums,applying their learning to your own context.

MODULE 1
WHAT IS PASTORAL MINISTRY?

Explore what being called to pastoral ministry is in the Church today. Reflect on your own calling, study and appreciation of the mission and ministry of the Church

Set text: Introducing the Practice of Ministry Kathleen Cahalan

AIMS

  • the opportunity to recognise and reflect on your own call to pastoral ministry

  • an appreciation of ministry and mission in the life of the Church

  • an understanding of ministerial theology and praxis

LEARNING OUTCOMES

You will be able to:

  • articulate your own sense of being called to ministry

  • demonstrate an awareness of contemporary contexts for pastoral ministry in the UK

  • engage with a range of theories of ministry that may inform their own practice

Module runs from 8 October - 18 November 2022

MODULE 2
GOD WHO REVEALS: LOOKING AT THE OLD TESTAMENT

An introduction to the whole range of Old Testament texts revealing a loving God.  A focus on different ways of reading these biblical texts, and especially the importance of ‘Story’.

Set text: The Old Testament: A Very Short Introduction Michael D. Coogan

AIMS

  • an introduction to the different genres and contexts of the Old Testament

  • an appreciation of the different ways of reading these biblical texts and especially the importance of ‘Story’

  • an understanding of the Old Testament as an unfolding revelation of the God of Love and Salvation

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • recognise the main types of writing found within the Old Testament

  • appreciate some of the key biblical stories as relevant for our time

  • articulate a coherent appreciation of the Old Testament as a vehicle for Divine Revelation

Module runs from 7 January - 17 February 2023

MODULE 3
CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES: LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT

An exploration of New Testament texts with particular attention to the ministry of Jesus and of his followers. An overview of the contexts and the communities in which the gospels were written.

Set text: The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction Luke Timothy Johnson

AIMS

  • an overview of the New Testament

  • an understanding of the contexts and the communities in which the gospels were written

  • an appreciation of the relationship between Christ and his disciples and their role in his ministry and mission

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • recognise the biblical roots of Jesus’ ministry and his unique role in God’s Divine Revelation

  • appreciate the different styles of writing within the New Testament and their purpose

  • to see your own ministry in relation to the ministry of Jesus and his followers

Module runs from 25 February - 14 April 2023

MODULE 4 
MISSIONARY DISCIPLES:  THE STORY OF THE CHURCH IN BRITAIN 

An exploration of the historical background to the current situation of the Christian churches in Britain. An overview of the relationships within and between Christian communities in Britain today.

Set text: Reading provided for students

AIMS

  • an opportunity to locate contemporary Christian experience in England and Wales in relation to key events in church history

  • an overview of the relationships within and between Christian communities in Britain today

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • identify the key phases of the development of Christianity in Britain

  • recognise the contribution of key figures in the history of the Christian Church in these islands

  • be aware of the major divisions within the Christian communities and appreciate the Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenism

Module runs from 22 April - 2 June 2023

MODULE 5 
VISION OF THE CHURCH: VATICAN II 

This module 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.

Set text: The Story and Promise of Vatican II in Plain English Bill Huebsch

AIMS

  • an overview of the Second Vatican Council and its significant characters and writings

  • an appreciation of the breadth and depth of the Council documents

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the Councils ongoing impact on the life of the Church

  • appreciate the significance of Vatican II for pastoral ministry today

Module runs from 10 June -21 July 2023

MODULE 6
BUILDING A FAIRER WORLD: CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING 

An overview of the development of Catholic Social Thought and Practice in relation to particular contemporary global and local issues. Improving capacity to use the insights of Catholic Social Teaching to inform responses to emerging issues.

Set text: Reading provided for students

AIMS

  • an overview of Catholic Social Teaching

  • an understanding of selected key contemporary issues, local and global, as seen through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching

  • an ability to use the insights of Catholic Social Teaching to inform their response to emerging issues

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • be able to articulate the key principles on which Catholic Social Teaching is founded

  • apply these principles to different contemporary issues and within your own ministry

Module runs from 7 October - 17 November 2023

MODULE 7
HOLINESS AND WHOLENESS: HOW WE GROW AS PEOPLE OF FAITH 

An exploration of human, spiritual and psychological development and the unique call each person receives to be fully human and alive. A special focus on the knowledge of the phases of life with references to particular psychological and spiritual developmental markers.

Set text: Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development James Fowler 
The Lifecycle Approach, Felicity Kelcourse

AIMS

  • a knowledge of the phases of life with references to particular psychological and spiritual developmental markers

  • an appreciation of how our developmental story from birth to death is our universal human story

  • an ability to recognise the variations of growth that are specific to gender and cultural differences

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • describe and identify stages of human growth and development

  • recognise differences in how people develop and relate these to pastoral ministry

Module runs from 6 January - 16 February 2023

MODULE 8
MAKING CONNECTIONS: CATECHESIS AS SHARING FAITH TODAY 

This module will deepen your 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.

Set text: Directory for Catechesis, 2020 CTS

AIMS

  • a deepening appreciation of the importance of adult formation and catechesis

  • the ability to appreciate RCIA as a model for catechesis and apply its principles

  • a growing confidence in applying the principles of effective catechesis

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • understand the implications of the RCIA and the priority of adult faith formation for your own pastoral context

  • appreciate ‘critical conversation’ as a tool for catechetical processes

Module runs from 24 February - 12 April 2023

MODULE 9
BUILDING PARISH COMMUNITIES

Parishes are where many Catholics experience their faith in community. Contemporary and emerging models for building parish communities are explored in detail. Best practices for healthy parishes and effective collaboration and team work are explored.

Set text: Welcome to Witness: Becoming an Evangelising Parish Cannon & Beech

AIMS

  • an opportunity to explore different models of parish community

  • an appreciation of those models emerging within their own context

  • an introduction to best practices for building healthy, vibrant communities

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • articulate different models of parish communities

  • recognise signs of healthy and unhealthy parish communities

  • develop best practice within your communities

Module runs from  20 April - 31 May 2024

MODULE 10
SERVING AND LEADING: SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR MINISTRY

Reflecting on the complexities of working in ministry, exploring contemporary models of organising, communicating and developing ministry, and evaluating these models in local contexts.

Set text: Setting the Church on fire, Bill Huebsch

AIMS

  • an opportunity to develop the skills and strategies of planning, organising and communicating

  • a recognition of the need to tend to the health and wellness of self and others within the community

  • the skills and knowledge of available resources for such needs

LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will be able to:

  • appreciate the complexities of pastoral ministry

  • identify suitable resources in their local context to address particular needs

Module runs from 8 June - 19 July 2024

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