Core classes (or equivalent competency) needed: (applicable also toward deaconate)

• Approx. 12 undergraduate credits in Scripture, Liturgy, Spirituality, Morality, Introduction to Theology and Parish Life -- offered at schools listed under Pastoral Ministry.
• Approx. 12 credits (or equivilant compentency) in general education requirements, which may be taken at a Community College.
• Letters of reference, interview, parish experience.

The Archdiocese of Detroit certifies. Gather transcripts, references, etc. and contact the Office for Pastoral Ministry for application.

What is the purpose of Certification?

• To ensure appropriate education and formation for ministry.
• To encourage professional qualities in lay ecclesial ministers; to be recognized as professional ministers in the Church. (Pastors are encouraged to hire certified ministers and/or to encourage those in ministry to seek certification.)
• To recognize those who have the classes, credentials, experience and competence necessary for lay ecclesial ministry.
• To recognize persons who comply with the Archdiocesan professional standards as set forth by the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM), the National Conference for Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).

What kinds of certification are there?

1. Pastoral Ministry Certification may be in General Pastoral Ministry or with specialization in one or two specific ministries such as Family Life, Liturgical Ministry, Christian Service/Social Ministry, Youth Ministry, Catechesis, etc.
2. Director of Religious Education Certification. (process accredited by United States Catholic Conference; Office for Catechetics/Religious Education certifies.)
3. Youth Ministry Certification. (process approved by United States Catholic Conference; Office for Family and Youth certifies.)
4. Christian Service/Social Ministry. (Department of Christian Service certifies.)
5. Catechist Certification (Office for Catechetics/Religious Education certifies.)
   A. Certification of High School Religion Teachers
   B. Catechist Certification

Who should become certified?
All who are ministering in the Church.

Why become certified?
Receive recognition as a Profesional Pastoral Minister in the Church,
build a professional support system and network,
qualify as a Pastoral Minister locally and nationally,
receive archdiocesan up to date information quickly,
receive information and discouns on Pastoral Ministry workshops.

The certification process ensures appropriate formation for those engaged in pastoral ministry.

Will previous classes and experience count toward certification?
Previous classes and experience may apply to certification. This is determined by the office through which a person is applying for certification.

Each of the five types of certification have specific requirements and some have levels of certification. A person becomes certified depending on continuing education credits, undergraduate or graduate classes/degrees and ministry experience. Additional classes may be required before certification is given.

Where does a person go to take academic classes or to earn continuing education units that could be applied to certification?

Any schools in the Consortium: Sacred Heart Major Seminary (tuition Assistance may be available), Marygrove Pastoral Ministry Program, University of Detroit Mercy, Madonna University, SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake. Other institutions such as: Assumption, Windsor; St. Mary’s College at Ave Maria University; Catholic Theological Union, Chicago; University of Dayton.

What is required for each type and level of certification? What classes and formation are required for the certification process?

Contact the Archdiocesan offices for certification requirements.

• Those seeking certification should keep track of continuing education credits and academic credits used toward Archdiocesan certification. Also keep track of course or workshop title, instructor/presenter and clock hours. You will need them for certification and recertification.
• Pastors and/or office personnel distribute information that pertains to opportunities for academic classes and continuing education units toward certification. (For example: the summer Scripture Institute held annually at St. John Center is applicable to certification. The brochure comes in the Archdiocesan parish mailing.)