Ministry Certificate Program Handbook For Students

Ministry Certificate Program Handbook For Students MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS IN OREGON Pastoral Center 2838 East Burnside Street Portland, Oregon, 97214 Griffin Center 11975 S. E. Fuller Road Milwaukie, OR 97222 Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon 2838 East Burnside Street Portland, OR 97214

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 31

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 3 Ministry Certificate Program Handbook For Students Revised & Updated 2013 Check out the Ministry Certificate Program Online at: http://minfrm.archdpdx.org/certificateprogram/ index.html

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 29 IN OREGON Office of Hispanic Ministry COMUNIDADES EVANGELIZADORAS I Hispanic Lay Ministry Formation Program The objective of the program is: To provide formation to pastoral ministers who will facilitate the process of Evangelization, Catechesis and Integration of the Hispanic community to the parish community as active members in the work of establishing GOD S KINGDOM IN THE WORLD Through the Office of Hispanic Ministry, the Archdiocese of Portland invites Hispanic lay people, who collaborates actively and committed to their parish in promoting the Hispanics within their parish community, to participate in this formation program for their certification as ministers. The formation program is also part of the curricula for all those interested in the Permanent Deaconate program. The program prepares its participants as facilitators in the growth process of their Hispanic brothers and sisters within their parish community in the areas of Catechesis, Liturgy and Social Action, becoming the leaven of God s Kingdom in their community. For more information call the Office of Hispanic Ministry: 503-233-8324

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 5 ARQUIDIOCESIS DE PORTLAND EN OREGON OFICINA DE MINISTERIO HISPANO COMUNIDADES EVANGELIZADORAS I Programa de Formación de Ministros Laicos Hispanos Es un programa que tiene por objetivo: Formar agentes de pastoral que faciliten los procesos de Evangelización, Catequesis e Integración de la comunidad Hispana en su Comunidad Parroquial, como miembro activo en la tarea de establecer el REINO DE DIOS. La Arquidiócesis de Portland a través de la Oficina de Ministerio Hispano, invita a los laicos Hispanos que colaboran en sus parroquias y quieran comprometerse a promover a la comunidad Hispana dentro de su Comunidad Parroquial; a participar en éste programa de formación para su certificación como Ministro Laico. Así mismo este programa se toma como parte de la preparación para el programa al Diaconado Permanente para los hispanos que estén interesados. Este programa los certifica y habilita como facilitadores para el proceso de crecimiento de sus hermanos Hispanos en la comunidad parroquial en las áreas de: Catequesis, Liturgia y Acción Social, siendo así fermento del Reino de Dios en su comunidad. Para más información puede llamar a: Oficina de Ministerio Hispano Tel: (503) 233 8324 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement 7 The Program 7 Program Goals and Objectives 8 The Structure of the Ministry Formation Program 10 History of the Ministry Formation Program 12 Program Policies 14 Class Attendance 14 Opportunities for Prayer 14 Grading System 14 Withdrawal and Credit/Audit Changes 15 Student Reports 15 Course Evaluations 15 Confidentiality of Student Reports 15 Completion Deadline 15 The Curriculum 16 The Basic Certificate 16 The Advanced Certificate 18 Typical School Year Calendar 22 Financial Information 23 Application Process & Admission Requirements 24 The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries 26 The Office of Hispanic Ministries 28

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 27 Students in Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Cohort Attendees at Called to Serve Retreat Griffin Center

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 7 The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Certificate Program Youth ministry courses are administered through the archdiocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry (http://ym.archdpdx.org) and presented by the Center for Ministry Development (www.cmdnet.org). Courses can be taken as standalone weekend workshops or students may take all eight weekend courses along with coursework to receive a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies. All adults are welcome, paid or volunteer, lay or ordained. The approximate fee for each weekend course is $170. Optional onsite lodging is available for an additional fee. Courses are held at the Griffin Center in Milwaukie, Oregon. For information on these courses, contact Michal Horace, director of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, mhorace@archdpdx.org, 503-233-8310. Sample Courses Fostering the Faith Growth of Adolescents through Justice and Service Fostering the Faith Growth of Adolescents through Prayer and Worship Fostering the Faith Growth of Adolescents through Pastoral Care Fostering the Faith Growth of Adolescents through Evangelization and Catechesis Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon Ministry Certificate Program Participant Handbook Mission The mission of the Ministry Certificate Program is to inspire faith-filled service to the Church by providing education and formation for both aspiring and seasoned lay ecclesial ministers. Lay ecclesial ministers include volunteers and paid staff who engage in any kind of ministry for the Church. Certificates are awarded to those who complete the program. The Ministry Certificate Program is a major component of the Lay Ministry Formation Program for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. The Mission of the Ministry Formation Program is the integration of the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral dimensions of the individual to more completely enable that person to live and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world in partnership with the ministry of the Church. Program A deeper understanding of our baptismal call has led to a major reorientation in our thinking about lay ministry, adult faith formation and ministerial practices. Such a reorientation includes a recognition that lay ecclesial ministry is an essential component of the life of the Church. The Second Vatican Council clearly teaches that it is the nature of the Church to be endowed with many gifts and that these gifts are the basis for the various ministries rooted in the baptism of all believers. Baptism requires all individuals to live and spread to the world the Good News of Jesus Christ. In 1995, The Archdiocese of Portland established a Ministry Formation Program to support both salaried and volunteer lay ministers. Since then, the program has been reviewed periodically for its effectiveness and it has been modified to meet national standards for lay ecclesial ministry. The program currently offers two certificates. The first is a basic level certificate which includes the foundational elements of formation for those who minister within the Catholic Church. The second is an advanced level certificate with special focus on one of four key areas: Religious Education, Liturgy, Pastoral Associate work, and Youth Ministry. The Ministry Certificate Program is designed for lay ecclesial ministers who are seeking formation and who wish to gain a certificate of ministry, but it is also open to adult students who simply desire to learn more about their Catholic faith and who might be interested in some form of ministry within the Church.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 25 Program Goals and Objectives Using as a guide the USCCB document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, the Ministry Certificate Program is committed to meet the following goals: Program Goals: To form well-integrated and educated lay individuals to serve the Catholic Church in western Oregon in a variety of volunteer and paid positions, and, for those not earning a certificate, the program seeks to provide an opportunity for education and further growth in the faith. The HUMAN Dimension: To assist participants in achieving their full potential as human persons. The SPIRITUAL Dimension: To assist participants in developing a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ in prayer and life, and to strengthen the ecclesial relationship with the community through the daily living out of the Baptismal commission. The INTELLECTUAL Dimension: To assist participants in learning about and appreciating the rich tradition and teachings of the Catholic Church. The PASTORAL Dimension: To assist participants in developing and using their gifts for Catholic Christian service to God s people in their parishes and beyond. Objectives to Fulfill Program Goals Listed: The HUMAN Dimension: Help participants engage in exploration of who they are as human persons, uniquely formed in God s image, both from an individual and communal perspective. The SPIRITUAL Dimension: Help participants to reflect deeply on and grow in their relationship with Christ as individuals and members of the People of God. The INTELLECTUAL Dimension: Help participants to enrich their knowledge about subjects that relate to the service of God s people. Promote ongoing education and learning about the faith by encouraging participants to read and attend workshops, seminars, and activities outside of the normal course requirements. Ministry Formation Coordinator The Office of Ministry Formation At the Griffin Center 11975 S. E. Fuller Road Milwaukie, OR 97222 All application material should be received by the Office of Ministry Formation at least two weeks prior to the start date of the class or classes for which the for credit student is registering. All materials received become the property of the Office of Ministry Formation. For further information or if you have any questions, please contact: Director of Ministry Formation: The Office of Ministry Formation Pastoral Center 2838 East Burnside Street Portland, OR 97214 503-234-5334 Ministry Formation Coordinator: The Office of Ministry Formation at the Griffin Center 11975 S. E. Fuller Road Milwaukie, OR 97222 503-652-7476 Email: hwycoff@archdpdx.org

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 9 Application Process Two forms are required for application to the Ministry Certificate Program: 1. Application Form 2. Pastor Recommendation Form Both forms can be found online: http://minfrm.archdpdx.org/pdf_documents/mcpapplication.pdf http://minfrm.archdpdx.org/pdf_documents/recomletter2011.pdf Prospective participants should complete and submit the application form, and ask the pastor of their home parish to complete and submit the Pastor Recommendation Form. Admission Requirements The person seeking admission to the Ministry Certificate Program as a for credit student to earn a Certificate should evidence: A solid and active Catholic faith; Christian leadership qualities; Desire to increase their knowledge and appreciation of Church teaching, Scripture and the Sacraments; Be able to profit from serious reading and study; Desire to deepen awareness of the spiritual dimensions of his/ her daily life; Desire to integrate faith and life to improve their ability to share the Catholic faith with others; Desire to enhance ability to work effectively with others; Desire to contribute to fostering the life of the Church though service in the various areas of ministry. The PASTORAL Dimension: Help provide participants with the opportunities to let their deepest passions fulfill their community s greatest needs by engaging in practical ministerial activities relating to the development of skills for pastoral service. Strategies to Reach Objectives: The HUMAN Dimension Provide interactive class work in a collegial atmosphere that has a built-in flexibility to enable students to meet life and vocational challenges while still engaging in meaningful learning experiences. The SPIRITUAL Dimension Offer students opportunities for retreats given at a Basic level and at the Advanced level where they will explore personal spirituality and develop an appreciation of the communal call to lay ecclesial ministry. Present opportunities during Study Week for communal prayer times as well as the celebration of Mass. Alert students to opportunities within their local area for retreats and days of reflection where they may deepen their life of prayer and their relationship with Jesus and the Church. The INTELLECTUAL Dimension Offer theological and practical pastoral service courses on both a Basic and an Advanced level, where the individuals can deepens their knowledge of the traditions and teachings of the Church through theological studies. The PASTORAL Dimension Serve as a resource for advanced level candidates as they design and complete a practicum project that puts their learning into practice in a real world situation. Encourage on-going education through participating in various workshops and seminars offered throughout the archdiocese. The above qualities are referenced in the Pastor Recommendation Form. Prospective participants submit this form to the Office of Ministry Formation to support their application. The documents should be mailed to:

The Structure of the Ministry Certificate Program Basic Ministry Certificate The first tier of the program is the foundational one. Completion of the eight courses in Catholic theology in addition to the retreat, Growth in the Spirit, lead to the awarding of the Basic Ministry Certificate. These eight courses enable the student to: Understand the unique role of Jesus Christ in the life of the Church (MCP 103); Understand and develop a spirituality as given to us in the Tradition of the Church (MCP 107 and MCP 108); Understand and explain central theological concepts such as faith, revelation, sin, grace, savior, church, church law, etc. (MCP 102); Develop an understanding of the relationship between baptism and ministry (MCP 107; MCP 109 and MCP 110-are supplemental courses in Community Pastoral Care); Comprehend and explain the Catholic Church structure (MCP 101); Develop a foundation for reading, praying and interpreting Scripture in the context of Church (MCP 105 and MCP 106); Understand and explain how the Church initiates new members with special emphasis on RCIA and the sacramental life of the Church (MCP 104); Summarize the historical and doctrinal significance of Vatican II in relation to the diocesan and parish contexts in terms of liturgy, revelation, the role of the laity, the family, ecumenism, and the Church in the world today (MCP 107); Possess a developed sense of Catholic social teachings in relation to the Gospel (MCP 102). HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 23 Financial Information Tuition Audit Student - $40.00/course during Study Week (at Griffin Center); textbooks extra** $10.00/course if taken in parish setting; textbooks extra** Senior Audit Student: for students who wish to audit course and are over 55. $5.00/course if taken in parish setting; textbooks extra* For Credit Student - $60.00/course if course taken during Study Week or in parish setting; textbooks extra** Note: after course is begun, there is no cash refund for a change from For Credit status to Audit status. However, the status change will be reflected on the Student Report for the course. Student accounts will be charged $20.00/course or $50.00/ retreat for failure to advise the Office of Ministry Formation of Intent to withdraw from a course/retreat. Two weeks notice prior to the beginning of the class/retreat is required unless there are extraordinary circumstances that prevent such notification. In any case, notification of these special circumstances will be required as soon as possible. Without formal notice, no shows for courses/retreats will be charged. **Textbooks can be purchased from the Office of Ministry Formation for Study Week or are available in the parishes for classes held there during the academic year. Financial Assistance Financial assistance is available to qualified individuals or parishes. Individuals recommended by their pastor but not receiving parish assistance are eligible for an Archdiocesan Grant of 1/3 of their total tuition. Parishes paying the tuition of four or more candidates are eligible for a 27% reduction of the total cost, provided that all the individual course registration forms are processed as a group with the full payment attached. To apply for financial assistance, contact the Office of Ministry Formation at 503-652-7476 or hycoff@archdpdx.org.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 11 Typical School Year Calendar Fall Quarter One Basic Ministry Certificate class is offered online. Basic Ministry Certificate classes are sometimes offered at parishes. Winter Quarter One Basic Ministry Certificate class offered online. Spring Term Basic Ministry Certificate classes are offered at the various parish centers and one Basic Ministry Certificate class is offered online. Growth in the Spirit Retreat (Basic Ministry Certificate retreat requirement) offered in the even numbered years and Called to Serve Retreat (Advanced Ministry Certificate Retreat requirement) offered in the odd numbered years. Study Week Several Basic Ministry Certificate and several Advanced Ministry Certificate classes are held at the Griffin Center from Monday through Friday at the beginning of August each year. Every attempt is made to rotate the classes to insure that Advanced Ministry Certificate students can complete their course work in a reasonable amount of time. The courses are scheduled in both the morning and afternoon with prayer before and after class. The culmination of the week of study is the award ceremony held on Friday with Mass celebrated by the archbishop who presents the certificates. Continuing Education Classes: are held during Study Week for the benefit of those desiring to develop new skills and knowledge. Advanced Ministry Certificate The Basic Ministry Certificate is usually completed prior to admittance into advanced level courses. However, advanced courses can be taken in conjunction with Basic level courses for those currently working for the Church as Directors of Religious Education, Pastoral Associates, Directors of Liturgy, or Director of Music Ministries. In any case, those wishing to begin the Advanced Ministry Certificate and are not working as staff in a parish are required to set up a phone or in-person interview with the Program Director to discuss goals and expectations. For those holding a Master s degree in theology, religious education or theological studies, the submission of a transcript showing the graduate work completed can be used as support for advanced placement in the Advanced Ministry Certificate program without having to complete the Basic Ministry Certificate. Upon completion of course work in the concentration area and a practicum of student design, as well as participation in the biannual retreat Called to Serve and attendance at workshops and seminars, the candidate will be awarded the Advanced Ministry Certificate. Spiritual Formation -- Both Certificates Church ministry assumes and demands a growing relationship with the person of Jesus Christ as well as with the community one serves. To foster these relationships, the Office of Ministry Formation offers the two required retreats and alerts students to other opportunities for Days of Prayer and Reflection offered by other archdiocesan departments. In conjunction with community prayer opportunities both in the retreats and during the intensive week of classes Study Week, each student will be strongly encouraged to have an on-going relationship with a spiritual director. The topic of spiritual direction is one that is covered in the first retreat, Growth in the Spirit. During this first retreat, students will reflect on their own spirituality and how it has been shaped within the Church.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 21 History of the Ministry Formation Program Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon 1994-1999 Director: Rev. Michael Maslowsky organization phase Ministry Certificate Program. Master s Program with University of Dallas (became MAPM Program through the University of Portland and Gonzaga in 2000-2001). Lay Spiritual Formation (Summer Institute of Spirituality and seasonal retreats). MCP Courses offered in Portland, Eugene, and Medford. PMEP (Parish Ministry Education Program) Instructor supplied for special requests for short adult education offerings. 2000-2005 Rev. Paul Peri Development and Reorganization Advisory Committee formed and consulted. Common Formation Goals for Ministry NALM Competency Standards. Reorganization Plan, November, 2000. Griffin Center used for classes. Four sites: Portland, Central, Coast, South. First online classes. MCP Courses adapted for Catholic School educators. Griffin Center remodeling completed; office located there. National Certification Standards approved by USCCB s commission. Online classes available. Professional Practice Standards Throughout the program, students are alerted to various workshops and seminars that round out their educational life in ministry. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Advanced Ministry Certificate, students must attend workshops or seminars that address each of the following ministry standards: 1 Leadership Skills 2 Program organization 3 Canon Law 4 Archdiocesan systems 5 Multicultural awareness 6 Discipleship A 500 word essay on each standard describing an important insight gained must be provided to the Program Director in order to fulfill this set of requirements for the Advanced Ministry Certificate. Called to Serve Retreat Held in odd numbered years, this retreat is required to obtain the Advanced Certificate. Practicum Project - Field Practicum (MCP 200, 300, 600) Self-paced; approval by Director. The Field Practicum consists of a supervised pastoral project with goals designed by the student in cooperation with the Program Director. Its purpose is to foster professional competency and a review of the student s skills in a practical setting. Students will need to call or email the Program Director to discuss their Practicum Project before they begin their work. While some students do work on both the Basic and Advanced Certificates at the same time, the Basic Certificate MUST be awarded prior to receiving the Advanced Ministry Certificate. Thus, the prayerful consideration of an area of ministry that will form the basis for the Practicum Project could involve a lengthy time of discernment. The Practicum Project is the capstone for work done in the Ministry Certificate Program, and it demonstrates a candidate s knowledge and expertise in a field of study. The Practicum Project subject matter must be approved by the Program Director. Once the approval has been given, the student will register for the appropriate field practicum and the Practicum Handbook will be sent to the student by the Program Director.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 13 Pastoral Associate Concentration - Requires completion of the courses listed below as well as attendance at the Called to Serve Retreat, completion of the Practicum Project and completion of workshops and seminars. This leads to the awarding of the Advanced Ministry Certificate in the Pastoral Associate category. MCP 618 Pastoral Administration and Supervision This class examines the pastoral principles underlying leadership in the Church. Particular attention will be given to various models of leadership, administration and supervision appropriate to a parish. Aspects of communication, decision-making, team ministry, evaluation, and conflict resolution will also be explored. MCP 619 Pastoral Counseling The course will teach students to recognize and appropriately refer various pathologies and dysfunctions. Issues that often arise in parish ministry will also be addressed. There are three additional courses required. The candidate chooses one from each of the other areas of concentration: DRE, Liturgy, and Community Pastoral Care (MCP 109/609 or MCP 110/610 taken for Advanced Ministry Certificate credit). MCP courses adapted to Standard Three (National Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers). Annual Study Week replaces geographic locations. Retreat created for Standard One. 2005-2008 Sister Maureen Abbott MCP retreat created for Standard Two. MCP Practicum created for Standard Four. Parish- based offerings in Southern Oregon. MCP Workshops/CEU Standard Five. Parish-based offerings expanded. All Basic Ministry Certificate classes available online. 2008-2012 Jerilyn E. Felton Set up Community Pastoral Care two Basic/Advanced Certificate level classes. Use email as notification tool for upcoming Archdiocese events. Continue relationship with MAPM through the University of Portland. Open file with USCCB/CCA for accreditation of the Ministry Formation Program. Engage new instructors into the Program. Develop handbooks for Students and Faculty. Define role for Intern to assist with liturgical planning. New National Certification Standards approved by USCCB s commission, November, 2011

Program Policies HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 19 Class Attendance For Credit students will be expected to attend every class and submit the paper or project required by the instructor. For special circumstances, the instructor can excuse a student from a class. All class notes and assignments will be the responsibility of the student. While attendance is not mandatory for those who are Audit students, it is hoped that the audit student will attend every class, prepare the readings assigned and enter into class discussion. The final paper/ project is not required of an Audit student. Attendance at parish prayer events and other retreats in the local area in an effort to encourage development of the spiritual aspect of a student s formation, attendance at parish events for prayer and the Personal Poverty Retreat will be strongly encouraged, though at this time, not required. Grading System Student Reports are based on class work and theological reflection papers/projects submitted by those students who are taking a course for credit. The grading scale is as follows: Pass/Honors: the student has demonstrated through class discussion and the course project, a level of excellence that exceeds the expectations for the course. Pass: the student has demonstrated through class discussion and the course project that he/she has met the requirements as stated in the course syllabus. Incomplete: the student has arranged with the instructor to submit the final project at a date beyond the expected date for completion of the course. This grade appears as INC on the student record. The student will have 6 months from the last class meeting date to complete the final project if the instructor is willing to accept a late project. Retry: the student receives a Retry if the final project is not completed within the 6 month window of time allowed. The Retry grade means the student must retake the class and pass in order to receive a for credit grade for the course. Tuition for a retry course is levied at the full rate, less any scholarships that are applicable. Director of Liturgy Concentration Requires completion of the courses listed below as well as attendance at the Called to Serve Retreat, completion of professional practice standards, and completion of the Practicum Project. This leads to the awarding of the Advanced Ministry Certificate in Liturgy. MCP 305: Church at Prayer I: Eucharist This course will provide an overview of the historical development, structure, theology, and pastoral issues of the two tables of the Eucharistic celebration the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In addition, it will consider the various ministerial requirements required for a full celebration of Eucharist as well as its ethical demands. MCP 306 Church at Prayer II: Sacraments and Rites Sacraments of commitment and healing will be detailed, as well as a brief view of the sacraments of initiation (see Christian Initiation MCP 204/308). The course will examine the historical development, theology and pastoral issues of these sacraments. It will also pay special attention to the celebration of Christian funerals with its attendant rites, and take a brief look at the Book of Blessings. MCP 307 Church at Prayer III: Liturgical Year This course will introduce students to the notion of sacred time and its relationship to human life. Special emphasis will be placed on the primacy of Sunday and the centrality of the Triduum, as well as the seasonal and sanctoral cycles of the Christian year. The place and celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours will be considered as well. MCP 204/308: Christian Initiation This course will present a historical, theological, and pastoral study of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist as sacraments of initiation, and it will explore how the rites of Christian Initiation for adults and children/ youth interface with the initiation process itself. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ritual book will be the basic text used to review the formation and preparation necessary for each phase of Christian initiation.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 15 The Advanced Certificate Religious Education Concentration Requires completion of the courses listed below as well as attendance at the Called to Serve Retreat, completion of professional practice standards, and completion of the Practicum Project. This leads to the awarding of the Advanced Ministry Certificate in Religious Education. MCP 201 Foundations of Catechesis This course is a prerequisite for the other catechetical specialty courses. This course will survey the development of catechesis and explore the understanding of catechesis as described in recent Church documents such as the General Directory for Catechesis and Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. Of particular importance will be issues concerning the future of religious education, e.g., adult formation programs and the training of catechists. MCP 202 Catechetical Content and Methodology This course will deal with the faith and moral development of people at various ages and stages of life as it will impact methodology and curriculum in the catechetical programs as well as lesson planning, discipline, learner outcomes, learning styles and various methods for effectively engaging persons with faith material. Specific attention will be given to critically evaluating catechetical models and materials for catechetical programs and sacramental preparation for all ages. MCP 203 Role and Ministry of the Catechetical Minister (DRE) This course is designed to illustrate the role of the Director of Catechetical Ministry as an administrator and as a person who engages in the ministry of the Word. Some of the key areas that will be addressed are the principles and steps for effective planning, communication, and work with staff, teams and committees as well as the recruiting and training of catechists, record keeping, budgets and time management. MCP 204/308: Christian Initiation This course will present a historical, theological, and pastoral study of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist as sacraments of initiation, and it will explore how the rites of Christian Initiation for adults and children/ youth interface with the initiation process itself. The Rite of Christian Initi -ation of Adults ritual book will be the basic text used to review the formation and preparation necessary for each phase of Christian initiation. Audit students are not expected to turn in any written assignments and thus, do not receive a student report. Audit students do not receive credit toward a certificate of completion for the class taken. For further information regarding audit status, contact the Office of Ministry Formation. Withdrawal and Credit/Audit Changes To withdraw from a course or to change from for credit to audit status, a student must notify the Program Director through phone or email. Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to the instructor does not constitute official notice of withdrawal. Student Reports Requests need to be directed to the Program Director who will send a hard copy or email a copy to the student. If an official copy of a student report is needed, the student should send a written request to the Program Director with a stamped envelope indicating the address to whom the official copy is to be sent. At the current time, there is no fee assessed for this service. Unofficial transcripts (Student Reports) can be requested from the Program Director and are emailed or snail mailed within two (2) weeks of the request. Course Evaluation At the end of each term, the students will be asked to complete a course evaluation of their experience in the completed course. These evaluations are summarized by the Program Director and given to the instructor for course/instructor improvement. Participation in this process by the students is greatly appreciated by the instructors and the Program Director. Confidentiality of Student Reports Every attempt will be made to treat student records in a confidential manner. The normal means of grade gathering and submission is through the Archdiocese email system. Upon receipt by the Program Director of a written request, copies of grade reports will be sent to the student through the Postal Service rather than emailed. Completion Deadline In order to receive a certificate at the conclusion of Study Week in August, all course work, practicums, retreats and workshops for the certificate must be completed by June 30th of that year.

HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS PAGE 17 Catholic Theology Courses The Curriculum The Basic Certificate MCP 101 Church: Nature and Mission Participants will examine biblical and other foundations; the development, structure and mission of the Church with particular attention give to the ministries of the ordained and non-ordained. MCP 102 Christian Moral Life This class provides a framework for understanding moral experiences in light of Scripture and the Church's understanding of the nature of the human person. Particular attention is given to questions of conscience, freedom, and moral action as well as the realities of grace, sin and natural law. MCP 103 Jesus Christ: God and Man This course will consider the person and work of Jesus as Son of God and Son of Man. The course will focus on the historical emergence of Christology in the New Testament, patristics, conciliar and contemporary teachings. MCP 104 Liturgy and Sacraments The theological and anthropological dimensions of liturgy are examined. Topics include symbol, ritual, the relation between Word and Sacrament, liturgy as revelation and worship, and liturgy as participation in the paschal mystery. MCP 105 Old Testament This introductory class to Scripture focuses on methods of interpretation through examination of biblical texts, themes and the concept of revelation in the Hebrew Scriptures. MCP 106 New Testament This class provides an introduction to the New Testament focusing on the development of the Gospel through key texts and themes. The primary goal is to assist students in integrating these Scriptures into their ministry. MCP 107 Vatican II: Its Impact and Direction This course will describe the thinking and actions that led to Vatican Council II, especially with respect to our understanding of what it is to be human and a community. The course will also examine the impact of the Council on the work of theologians, the laity, and the relationship to other churches and faiths. Vatican II documents as well as subsequent documents will be examined. MCP 108 Church History This class explains how, throughout the centuries, the Catholic Church carried out Jesus' command to teach all nations. MCP 109 Community Pastoral Care Skills Supplemental Class at Basic Level; Advanced Class for Pastoral Associates (MCP 609) This introductory class will enable students to discover the theological underpinnings of the ministry of visitation and to enhance their skills in visiting the sick, aged and infirmed. MCP 110 Sacraments of Healing Supplemental Class at Basic Level; Advanced Class for Pastoral Associates (MCP 610) This survey class will explore the Sacraments of Healing the Anointing of the Sick and Penance providing the learner with further insight into not only the theology of these sacraments but also how these sacraments have been ritualized and celebrated in small and large communities of faith. Growth in the Spirit Retreat offered in the even number years With Completion of the Requirements: Graduation with a Basic Ministry Certificate