Endorsement Programs
Beginning Fall 2024, the School of Theology will offer three endorsements in the Lay Ecclesial Formation program. These reduced-credit options are designed for students interested in aspects of pastoral ministry who do not wish to pursue the full Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Three endorsements will be available, each corresponding to the current needs reported by pastors and parishes in the Archdiocese: Liturgy & Worship, Pastoral Accompaniment and Religious Education & Evangelization.
The Endorsement in Liturgy & Worship is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of the Catholic worship for those who assist with the liturgical celebrations within their parish. Students will develop an understanding of how the Catholic liturgy is rooted in, and is an expression of, Catholic theology. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.
Courses are offered at the main campus and at one satellite location which rotates throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on a two-year basis.
Admission
Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Endorsement in Liturgy & Worship requires 11 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 20 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Church History: 2 credit hours
- H 370 Church History (2 credits)
- Systematic Theology: 3 credit hours
- S 341 Basic Doctrine (2 credits)
- S 411 Ecclesiology (1 credit)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 6 credit hours
- P 101 Theological Reflection I
- P 102 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 300 Field Education (20 hours)
- P 401 Using Scripture in Pastoral Ministry (1 credit)
- P 402 Liturgy/Prayer (2 credits)
- P 470 Introduction to Sacred Music (2 credits)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the full Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the CPM program. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.
Apply Here
The Endorsement in Pastoral Accompaniment is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of applied Catholic theology for those who wish to assist fellow parishioners on their spiritual journey. Students will develop an understanding of how to best approach various pastoral issues and offer appropriate support and spiritual guidance. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.
Courses are offered at the main campus and at one satellite location which rotates throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on a two-year basis.
Admission
Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Endorsement in Pastoral Accompaniment requires 11 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 20 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Moral Theology: 2 credit hours
- MT 300 Introduction to Moral Theology (2 credits)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 9 credit hours
- P 101 Theological Reflection I
- P 102 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 222 Tribunal Training Course (2 credits)
- P 300 Field Education (20 hours)
- P 401 Using Scripture in Pastoral Ministry (1 credit)
- P 402 Liturgy/Prayer (2 credits)
- P 417 Formation for Discipleship (2 credits)
- P 441 Pastoral Communication (1 credit)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the full Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the CPM program. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.
Apply Here
The Endorsement in Religious Education & Evangelization is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of the Gospel message for those assisting in parish youth groups, prayer groups and catechesis. Students will develop an understanding of the central beliefs of the Catholic faith and how to share that faith with others. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.
Courses are offered at the main campus and at one satellite location which rotates throughout the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on a two-year basis.
Admission
Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Endorsement in Religious Education & Evangelization requires 11 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 20 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Biblical Studies: 2 credit hours
- B 201 Introduction to the New Testament (2 credits)
- Church History: 2 credit hours
- H 370 Introduction to Church History (2 credits)
- Systematic Theology: 3 credit hours
- S 360 Christology (2 credits)
- S 411 Ecclesiology (1 credit)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 4 credit hours
- P 101 Theological Reflection I
- P 102 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 300 Field Education (20 hours)
- P 417 Formation for Discipleship (2 credits)
- P 441 Pastoral Communication (1 credit)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the full Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the CPM program. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.
Apply Here
The Graduate Endorsement in Liturgy & Worship is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of the Catholic worship for those who assist with the liturgical celebrations within their parish. Students will develop an understanding of how the Catholic liturgy is rooted in, and is an expression of, Catholic theology. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.
Admission
Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Graduate Endorsement in Liturgy & Worship requires 12 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 35 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Biblical Studies: 2 credit hours
- B 601 New Testament (2 credits)
- Systematic Theology: 6 credit hours
- LS 6000 Theology of Liturgy (2 credits)
- LS 6120 Sacramental Theology (2 credits)
- S 6110 Ecclesiology (2 credits)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 4 credit hours
- P 501 Theological Reflection I
- P 502 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 600 Field Education (35 hours)
- P 716 RCIA and Sacramental Preparation (1 credit)
- P 731 Basic Canon Law (2 credits)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry or to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the GCPM or MAPM programs. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.
Apply Here
The Graduate Endorsement in Pastoral Accompaniment is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of applied Catholic theology for those who wish to assist fellow parishioners on their spiritual journey. Students will develop an understanding of how best to approach various pastoral issues and offer appropriate support and spiritual guidance. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.
Admission
Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Graduate Endorsement in Pastoral Accompaniment requires 13 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 35 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Moral Theology: 2 credit hours
- MT 5000 Fundamental Moral Theology (2 credits)
- Systematic Theology: 5 credit hours
- S 6110 Ecclesiology (2 credits)
- S 613 Ecclesiology of the Domestic Church (1 credit)
- S 614 Foundations of Lay Ecclesial Ministry (2 credits)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 6 credit hours
- P 501 Theological Reflection I
- P 502 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 600 Field Education (35 hours)
- P 731 Basic Canon Law (2 credits)
- P 741 The Art of Effective Communication (1 credit)
- P 748 Parish Seminar (2 credits)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry or to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the GCPM or MAPM programs. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.
Apply Here
The Graduate Endorsement in Religious Education & Evangelization is a non-accredited program that focuses on an understanding of the Gospel message for those assisting in parish youth groups, prayer groups and catechesis. Students will develop an understanding of the central beliefs of the Catholic faith and how to share this faith with others. The course of study reflects a focused portion of the courses comprising the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.
Admission
Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor’s degree. Prospective students must submit the School of Theology Application for Formation Programs and a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
Requirements
The Graduate Endorsement in Pastoral Accompaniment requires 12 credit hours of course work (detailed below), 35 hours of supervised field education, theological reflection and a student-led project or activity at a parish or ministry site.
- Biblical Studies: 2 credit hours
- B 601 New Testament (2 credits)
- Church History: 2 credit hours
- H 570 Church History (2 credits)
- Moral Theology: 3 credit hours
- MT 6000 Catholic Social Doctrine (2 credits)
- MT 650 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology (1 credit)
- Systematic Theology: 2 credit hours
- S 5600 Christology (2 credits)
- Pastoral and Professional Studies: 3 credit hours
- P 501 Theological Reflection I
- P 502 Theological Reflection II (1 credit)
- P 600 Field Education (35 hours)
- P 715 Catechesis: Vision, Content and Methods (2 credits)
Stacking Endorsements
All endorsements can be “stacked” on one another so that students can earn a second or third endorsement while building on the courses they have already taken. With the exception of field education components, students do not need to take courses that they took in a previous endorsement track.
Additionally, students can apply their endorsement credits to the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry or to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor if their intent is to eventually pursue the Certificate, who can provide a personalized schema for stacking endorsements and matriculating into the GCPM or MAPM programs. All credits applied to the Certificate must be no older than 10 years at the time of graduation.