Diocese of Greensburg Catechetical Formation Program

About the program

The Diocese of Greensburg, in cooperation with the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF), offers a robust formation program for adults interested in growing in faith, 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 including:

• Formation workshops
• Fellowship and mutual support through a cohort of local participants
• Support from diocesan staff for integration into the pastoral priorities and mission of the Diocese
• Local offerings for retreats and spiritual direction

The successful completion of the Diocese of Greensburg program yields a certificate of completion in addition to the IMF’s Catechetics certificate. Graduates will be well positioned for official and unofficial participation in the evangelization and catechetical ministry of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Program Format: Online and In-Person

The program is offered with both online and in-person elements for the Diocese of Greensburg.  Courses for the IMF’s Catechetics certificate are offered in a live, online format. Students are expected to log in and participate fully in weekly, interactive video-conferenced lectures as well as view shorter recorded lectures and complete discussion posts, write papers and take exams. There are also some courses that are offered in person across several Saturdays from 9am to 3pm with a break for lunch. These courses are hosted at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA.

Time Commitment and Schedule for Completion

The entire formation program requires two years to complete. Courses are scheduled for Thursday evenings in two successive time slots — 6:30-7:45pm and 8:00-9:15pm — in the fall and spring semesters on dates that follow the St. Vincent College calendar. Some courses are also offered on some Saturdays during those semesters. Students also attend a yearly in-person retreat on the second weekend of March to continue to build community together and dive in deeper topics discussed in the workshops. This retreat is required as park of the additional formation offered by the Diocese. 

Certificate Requirements 

20 credits

Saint Vincent Seminary offers two options of coursework. 

1. A Certificate is a crediential that indicates you have completed a graduate program of study for academic credit. 

2. Letter of Completion is a credential that indicates that you have completed the program of study on a non-academic-credit basis. 

Additionally, a certificate may be paired with a Theology Certificate to earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Ministry Degree. 

Cost

Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is approximately $690 per credit hour for graduate level credit. Students also incur a $150 Technology & Sundry fee per semester. Students in the Enlighten! program receive significant financial aid by the Diocese of Greensburg and may also be eligible for the limited financial aid through the IMF. Please contact the Office of Faith, Family, and Discipleship for information regarding the discounted rate for eligible Diocese of Greensburg participants.  

Further Information

For more information or to apply to Enlighten!, please contact, 

Diocese of Greensburg
Office of Faith, Family, and Discipleship
724.837.0901

Mr. Vincent Reilly: [email protected]
Mr. Ryan Coyne: [email protected]