& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Professional Certificate in
Pastoral Administration
and
Pastoral Ministries
Professional Certificates 51
The course of studies for the Professional Certificates in Pastoral
Administration and Pastoral Ministries begins after Easter and concludes
before Advent. Studies proceed in three phases, within a learning
community that travels together through three years, each with a
summer residency:
• reading and writing to be completed at home in preparation for the
summer-residency;
• two-week summer-residency in Winona where students and faculty
immerse into critical dialogue, liturgical prayer, and friendships; and,
• (graduate certificate and master of arts only) post-residency
assignments at home that include additional reading and writing with
reference to the pastoral context of participants’ local churches.
The curriculum in Pastoral Administration and Pastoral Ministries offers
three theology courses, four administration courses, and three pastoral
skills courses (including one elective) for a total of 10 courses (30
credits).
Program Delivery
Creative and accessible professors lead by example and clarify by
theory. Faculty are drawn from pastoral and academic environments
throughout the United States and hold the highest academic credentials.
Our faculty are active clerical and lay ministers in the Roman Catholic
Church. Communication between students, professors and
administrators is essential in all aspects of the program. E-mail,
telephone, and the internet-based Blackboard Learning System
provide an array of tools to sustain the learning faith-community
established in summer residencies. Students gain access to Blackboard
upon admission.
Admission Requirements
(30 CEUs):
• A high school diploma
• Five or more years of life-experience beyond high school
Required Admission Documents:
• A completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee
of $25.00 (Check or Money Order only). The $25.00 application fee is
waived for Saint Mary’s alumni and students seeking readmission.
• An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University from each high
school attended.
• One letter of recommendation from a supervisor, pastor, or
administrator.
• One letter of recommendation from a colleague.
• A brief double-spaced typed essay stating your ministerial goals and
aspirations, including your motivation for enrolling in the Institute.
All application materials for applicants seeking admission to the
professional certificate should be sent to the attention of IPM at the
following address:
Institute In Pastoral Ministries
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #77
Winona, MN 55987-1399
Fax: (507) 457-1752