Institute for Ministry Formation at
Saint Vincent College & Seminary
Saint Vincent College & Seminary
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Catechetics Certificate
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The Catechetics Certificate provides a comprehensive foundation for catechists, pastoral ministers, and those engaged in evangelizing ministry who seek formation that is intellectually rigorous, spiritually grounded, and pastorally responsive to the Church’s mission today. Rooted in the kerygmatic and evangelizing vision articulated in the Directory for Catechesis (2020), the program emphasizes catechesis as an encounter with Jesus Christ that leads to conversion, discipleship, and participation in the life and mission of the Church.
An Alternate Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Track is available for students who intend to focus on catechesis with children. Building on the work of Sofia Cavalletti and Maria Montessori, this track integrates the contemplative, child-centered approach of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with graduate-level theological formation. Students complete a nationally recognized CGS-USA Level I formation course (six credits), including observation hours and an approved Level I album, alongside a modified selection of Certificate coursework. This track acknowledges the substantial integrated formation provided by CGS while ensuring theological depth and ecclesial coherence.
Through academic study, spiritual formation, and pastoral preparation, the Catechetical Certificate forms catechists who are missionary disciples—grounded in the faith of the Church, attentive to the needs of those they serve, and equipped to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, conviction, and hope.Participation in the Catechetics program can be at two different levels:
Catechetics Certificate for academic credit: All requirements of the program and the individual courses must be satisfied to receive a Certificate. Students must complete each course in the program with a passing grade. Students looking to advance for the M.A. in Ministry with a specialization in Catechetics must be accepted into the Catechetics Certificate Program for academic Credit to satisfy the admissions and credit requirements of the M.A degree in Ministry. Any courses not taken for academic credit would not apply towards the M.A. degree.
Catechetics Letter of Completion (LOC) without academic credit (Pass/Fail):All requirements of the program and the individual courses must be satisfied to receive a letter of completion. Students must complete each course in the program with a passing score (70%).
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learning outcomes
- Students will attain suitable biblical, theological, pastoral and pedagogical formation to be competent communicators.
- Students will gain knowledge of human formation through coursework and formation activities.
- Students will gain a working concept of theology and doctrine as they apply to practical ministry in catechesis.
- Students develop an understanding of kerygmatic or experiential catechesis, as well as an understanding of various methods of catechetical formation (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Intergenerational or Family Catechesis, Experiential Catechesis).
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admission requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university indicating an aptitude for advanced study (only necessary for those seeking credit).
- Two letters of recommendation from people who can assess your academic, professional/ministerial, and/or spiritual goals.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.
- Criminal background check.
- A letter from one’s pastor.
- A personal interview with the Associate Academic Dean, if requested.
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certificate requirementsThe Catechetics Certificate provides a foundation for a kerygmatic and evangelizing model of catechesis that is expected by the 2020 Vatican Directory for Catechesis, including the intellectual catechetical formation of adults. The alternate CGS Track provides practical skills and formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd model, acknowledging the six credit hours, or 90 hours of integrated formation provided by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 formation. This is a good option for anyone intending to do catechesis with children using any model.
Scripture (4 credits)- IMCA 631: Overview of the Old Testament 2 credits
- IMCA 632: Overview of the New Testament 2 credits
- IMCA 600: Principles of Prayer and Catholic Spirituality 2 credits
- IMCA 650: Sacramental Theology: Connecting Liturgy to Life 2 credits
- IMCA 660: Moral Theology for Catechists 2 credits
- IMCA 670: Christian Anthropology 2 credits
Pastoral and Pedagogical (4 credits)- IMCA 610: The Creed: I Believe, We Believe! 2 credits
- IMCA 780: Introduction to Liturgical and Kerygmatic Catechesis 2 credits
A grade point average of 3.0 Grand Total: 20 Credits
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additional requirements
- Directed Silent Retreat: Students are required to make a 3- to 5- day silent, directed retreat or 2 weekend silent, directed retreats at some point during the program. Students make arrangements for their own retreats. This requirement may be modified or waived by your diocese.
- Spiritual Direction: Receiving regular spiritual direction during course of studies is recommended.
- IMSD 601: The Art of Accompaniment: It is recommended that students take The Art of Accompaniment in addition to their required courses.
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alternate cgs track requirementsStudents complete all above Certificate requirement with the following modifications:
- Completion of a CGS-USA registered Level 1 Course (six credits): Prior to beginning or during the 1st year of this program, students will complete a nationally recognized Level 1 formation course and meet the expectations of CGS-USA for that course, including 10 hours of Observation and completion and approval of a Level 1 Album. The CGS-USA Level 1 Course (6 credits)
- Students complete all Certificate courses except IMCA 631: Overview of the Old Testament, IMCA 615: Church History: From Christendom to Apostolic Age, and IMCA 610: The Creed: I Believe, We Believe! (14 credits)
- IMCA 601: SD1: The Art of Accompaniment (2 credits)
A grade point average of 3.0 Grand Total: 20 Credits
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alternate cgs track additional requirements
- Directed Silent Retreat: Students are required to make a 3- to 5- day silent, directed retreat or 2 weekend silent, directed retreats at some point during the program.
- Spiritual Direction: Receiving regular spiritual direction during course of studies.
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special program in collaboration with the diocese of greensburgThe Diocese of Greensburg, in cooperation with the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF), offers a robust formation program for adults
interested in growing in faith, in deepening their knowledge of the faith, and in developing skills for ministry in faith formation. The Institute for Ministry Formation offers the highest quality of graduate education through courses taught by professors that are highly experienced and acclaimed for their excellence. This formation program, in collaboration with the Diocese of Greensburg, builds on the IMF’s Certificate in Catechesis and provides some additional advantages. Learn more about this by clicking here.
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a typical schedule of completion
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Year A
Fall:
IMCA 610: The Creed: I Believe, We Believe! 2 credits
IMCA 600: Principles of Prayer and Catholic Spirituality 2 credits
Spring:
IMCA 670: Christian Anthropology & Catechesis 2 credits
IMCA 650: Sacramental Theology: Connecting Liturgy to Life 2 credits
Summer:
IMCA 680: Catechesis in the New Evangelization 2 credits
Total Year A Credits: 10
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Year B
Fall:
IMCA 631: Overview of the Old Testament 2 credits
IMCA 780: Introduction to Liturgical & Kerygmatic Catechesis 2 credits
Spring:
IMCA 632: Overview of the New Testament 2 credits
IMCA 660: Moral Theology for Catechists 2 credits
Summer:
IMCA 615: Church History: From Christendom to Apostolic Age 2 credits
Total Year B Credits: 10
Total Program Credits: 20
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delivery method for the programThe primary means of delivery for coursework will be via online instruction, though, depending on the specific Certificate being sought or the combination of certificates being stacked, there might also be occasional in-person workshops or immersive experiences.
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