Program Overview
The Church Ministry Institute (CMI) is a three-year certificate program designed for adult learners to grow in the knowledge of their faith and deepen their skills and commitment to ministry in the Church. The program assists the laity in responding to their baptismal call by recognizing and affirming their gifts and talents.
The Program comprises: 14 six-week courses, mentoring sessions, day and overnight retreats, ministry visits, project in ministry and book sharing.
Courses
Year 1
• Old Testament
• New Testament
• Christian Prayer
• Church History
• Ministry Skills: Gifted by God
Year 2
• Foundations of Faith
• Liturgy
• Christian Spirituality
• Laity: Mission and Ministry
• Ministry Skills; Called by Jesus to Mission
Year 3
• Sacraments
• Christian Morality
• Laity and Spirituality
• Ministry Skills: Sent by the Spirit
Mentoring
After each six-week course, the students meet in small groups with an experienced mentor. The purpose of these gatherings is two-fold. First, the guide assists the students in a process of theological reflection, whereby the students reflect on Christian tradition, personal experience and contemporary culture, in connection with the course they just completed. Secondly, students read, reflect and faith share on the up-coming Sunday scripture readings.
Retreat Experience
During Year 1 and Year 2, students have an opportunity in the Fall and the Spring to come apart for a Day of Retreat. During Year 3, students are asked to make an overnight retreat on their own.
Ministry Visits
During Year 1 and Year 2 students have the opportunity to visit a ministry of their choice and share that experience with their classmates in their Ministry Skills course.
Project in Ministry
During Year 3, students are required to complete a Project in Ministry. This project gives evidence of the student's ability to bring all the elements of the Program together.
Book Sharing
In August, Year 2 and Year 3 students have the opportunity to meet and share a spiritual book and enjoy a summer social.
Admissions
Application to the Church Ministry Institute takes place during the summer months.
Components
• Application Form
• Pastor's Recommendation
• Personal Interview
• Orientation Day
Who Can Apply?
• Those involved in ministry and service in the Church
• Those desiring to bring a more conscious Christian dimension to the world
• Those who have a capacity for growth and change
• Those willing to study on an adult level
• Those 21 years of age and older
• Those who can make a three-year commitment
Certificate
• After completion of course requirements, students will be awarded a Church Ministry Institute certificate
Fees
• $25.00 Registration Fee
• $250.00 per semester (2 semesters per year)
• $30.00 folder fee (1 time a year)
• Additional costs for books
Do not let finances keep you away. Arrangements can be discussed.
Locations
The Church Ministry Institute is conveniently located in four sites throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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