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School for Pastoral Ministry

More Formation Courses

SPM is sponsoring additional courses open to all (some prior study recommended). More information

Mission

The School for Pastoral Ministry is committed to forming lay people in their faith so that they might dedicate themselves to ministry in service to the world.

Recognizing that all are called to share their God-given gifts to build up the reign of God, the School for Pastoral Ministry is a three-year formation process in which participants not only learn about our faith and our Church, but also discern their gifts for ministry and learn how best to utilize those gifts.

Utilizing an adult learning model, students are engaged in the formation process in a variety of ways. Classes, which include lectures, discussions, reading and theological reflection, are tailored to meet the needs of the working professional. As students apply what they are learning, they are encouraged to focus on their own ministerial settings as the basis for these applications.

During formation, students will have the opportunity to specialize their studies in a particular area of ministry.


	A class on evangelization and catechesis (Year III) March 2007

Schedule Information

2010 Class Dates

Jan. 16(3rd Sat.)TENTATIVE
Feb. 13 (2nd Sat.)TENTATIVE
March 13 (2nd Sat.)TENTATIVE
April 10 (2nd Sat.) TENTATIVE
May 8 (2nd Sat.) TENTATIVE
June 12 (2nd Sat.) TENTATIVE
March 6, 2010 - 10 a.m.

The School meets one Saturday per month for three years, while taking a break during the summer months. Classes are held at Holy Names University in Oakland. The day usually begins with all year students gathering for Mass or a prayer service in the campus chapel at 8:00am. After Mass, refreshments are served and the students disperse to join their classmates at 9:30am. A lunch break is given from 12:00- 1:00pm and then the classes continue until 3:30pm.

In addition, students participate in retreat experiences annually and meet in small groups once a month.

Areas of Study and Formation

Vatican II
Foundations of the Lay Vocation
Gifts Discernment
Spirituality and Prayer
Sacraments and Sacramentality
Hebrew Scriptures
New Testament

Catholic Social Doctrine
Catholic Faith and Practice
Christian Moral Principles
Pastoral Ministry Skills
Parish Life and Ministry
Evangelization and Catechesis

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or couples interested in exploring their call to ministry
Lay ministers who would like to increase their knowledge of the faith and build their practical ministerial skills
Catechists and Catholic School teachers who wish for a more solid foundation in their faith

How to Apply

Classes begin each January. Applications are accepted beginning in September. Applicants will be notified in early January as to whether or not they have been accepted into the School.

Applications must be received no later than: December 10
Recommendations must be received no later than: January 10

Download an application packet or contact the Department for Evangelization and Catechesis at 510-267-8371 to request an application. Recommendation forms must be returned separately. Application fee: $25.

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Fees

The cost of the School for Pastoral Ministry is $550.00 per year, which includes all textbooks and other fees. Payment plans are optional and flexible and tuition assistance is available upon request.