Specialized Certificate Program

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The Loyola Pastoral Life Center (LPLC) is the continuing education division of the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM).  It offers three specialized certificates: Pastoral Life and Administration  ♦  Christian Spirituality  ♦  Catechetical Leadership Upon successful completion of all coursework, the student earns a Specialized Certificate in Pastoral Life and Administration from the Loyola Pastoral Life Center (LPLC).

Admission Requirements

Entrance into the program requires one of the following:

  • An earned master’s degree (or master’s degree candidacy) in pastoral studies, religious studies, religious education, or a closely-related field of study;
  • A Certificate in Pastoral Studies (C.P.S.) or Certificate in Religious Education (C.R.E.) from Loyola University New Orleans;
  • A bachelor’s degree plus three or more years of documented ministry leadership experience; or
  • No degree, but the ability to do advanced-level readings/study, plus in-depth and documented, practical ministry leadership experience (five years or more).

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Course Requirements

To successfully complete each course in the specialized certificate curriculum (via distance education), a course participant must ordinarily:

  • attend and actively participate in all class sessions (usually 15 contact/class hours, often taught over a two-day schedule),
  • complete a post-class, directed reading assignment,
  • complete a brief written response to the readings she/he has completed, and
  • turn in written work in a timely manner.

Successful completion of a certificate program course, by a properly enrolled continuing education student, will result in the reception of two (2) continuing education units (ceus).

In the specialized certificate extension program, twenty (20) contact hours per course — the equivalent of 2 ceus — will normally be calculated by combining fifteen (15) contact/class hours, plus five (5) contact hours for supervised, self-directed study through reading assignments and written responses.

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Specialized Certificate in Pastoral Life and Administration (On Campus or Extension)

This certificate program consists of six courses, each earning two CEUs: on-campus students who qualify may also take the courses for graduate credit:

  • The Dynamic Parish Today
  • Effective Leadership and Pastoral Administration
  • Canon Law and Civil Law for the Pastoral Minister
  • Stewardship and Financial Management in the Local Faith Community
  • Presiding Skills in Parish Prayer and Worship
  • Cultural Diversity and Parish Ministry 

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Specialized Certificate in Christian Spirituality (Extension)

This certificate program consists of six courses, each earning two CEUs:

  • Christian Spirituality through the Ages
  • Spirituality, Prayer, and Everyday Life
  • Discernment Skills for Christian Life and Ministry
  • Spiritual Companionship: Methods and Approaches
  • Spirituality, Discipleship, and Justice
  • Emerging Forms of Christian Spirituality

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Specialized Certificate in Catechetical Leadership (Extension)

This certificate program consists of six courses, each earning two CEUs:

  • Foundations of Catechetical Ministry
  • Catechesis for a Worshipping Community
  • Developing and Managing Catechetical Programs
  • Essential Skills for Catechetical Leaders
  • Catechetical Methods and Approaches
  • One of the following: Cultural Diversity and Catechesis; Catechesis for Justice and Social Transformation; Canon Law and Civil Law for Catechetical Leaders

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