2010 Catalog cover - The Athenaeum Of Ohio

Formation,” which will provide an initial introduction
to, and experience in, theological reflection, as well
as an introduction to theological study and ministry
formation. This workshop will be held prior to the
beginning of classes in the autumn quarter.
Ministerial Education
Within the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program emphasis
is placed upon an integrated approach to the
formation of lay ministers. Although individual
program components are focused toward specific
dimensions of ministerial competency, the total
program experience is designed to support the
development of the whole person as minister.
Three options are available within the LPMP, one
leading to a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
degree, one to a non-degree Certificate of
Completion in Lay Ministry and one to a Certificate
in Pastoral Administration. The Master‘s requirements
can be completed in three years; the
Certificate, in two years. In many cases participants
elect to spend an additional year completing the
field education and/or Project in Ministry components.
Participants who qualify may also choose to
complete the Certificate option by taking Master’s
level courses (see Graduate Certificate in Pastoral
Although the program is designed for lay persons
in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, qualified persons
from other dioceses and other denominations are
welcome to apply.
Ministry, p. 38). Although it may be possible to
complete the Certificate in Pastoral Administration in
one year, participants typically take two years to
complete the requirements.
Students currently serving as parish staff level
ministers or students preparing to serve in this
capacity, should be familiar with the Lay Ecclesial
Ministry Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,
which were published in 2006. These
guidelines set minimum standards for formation and
education for such parish positions as: Coordinator
of Religious Education, Youth Minister, and Pastoral
Associate. These guidelines are available from the
LPMP office.
Program Components
Academics: The Certificate option provides basic
courses in Scripture and the Catholic Tradition as
well as faith development, communications, and
theological reflection. Participants take five courses
a year over a two-year period. Electives such as
Ecclesiology and Tribunal Training may be taken
to provide additional academic formation,
specialized ministerial training or to fulfill admission
requirements into other formation programs such
as the permanent diaconate.
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry degree
provides 12 required graduate courses over three
years in the same core areas as the Certificate. In
addition, the participant chooses 6 electives.
Mentor: Both the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
degree and the Certificate option include weekly
one-to-one meetings with an experienced pastoral
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