Institute for Ministry Formation at
Saint Vincent College & Seminary
Saint Vincent College & Seminary
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Pastoral Care Certificate
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The Certificate in Pastoral Care is designed to form laity and clergy for competent, faithful, and compassionate accompaniment in ecclesial, human services, and healthcare settings. The program centers on the inherent dignity of the human person created imago Dei, called to communion with God and others. In fidelity to the principle that grace builds upon nature, the curriculum integrates psychological insight and pastoral theology. Coursework addresses human development, counseling foundations, legal and ethical responsibilities, clinical and functional assessment, trauma-informed care, addictions, family systems, and individual and group counseling, equipping graduates to respond skillfully to human suffering.
The certificate may be completed as a standalone credential or stacked with the Certificate in Theology toward the Master of Arts in Ministry. Master of Divinity students may apply six credits from their pastoral theology curriculum toward the certificate.
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Learning outcomes1. Foundational Counseling & Relational Skills
Graduates will be able to demonstrate foundational counseling and relational skills appropriate to ecclesial and pastoral care contexts, including empathic listening, pastoral presence, and maintenance of appropriate boundaries.
2. Theological Anthropology & Pastoral Accompaniment
Graduates will be able to articulate and apply a Catholic theological anthropology, grounded in Scripture, Magisterial teaching, and the Catholic tradition, to inform pastoral accompaniment of persons who suffer.
3. Pastoral Discernment in Suffering and Crisis
Graduates will be able to exercise pastoral discernment, grounded in the Paschal Mystery, when accompanying individuals and families experiencing trauma, addiction, grief, or mental distress, including appropriate recognition of limits and referral needs.
4. Ethical, Legal, and Ecclesial Practice
Graduates will be able to apply ethical, legal, and ecclesial norms to pastoral care situations with sound professional judgment, moral integrity, and reverence for the dignity of the human person.
5. Pastoral Identity & Ecclesial Mission
Graduates will be able to articulate a coherent pastoral identity as participants in Christ’s healing mission within the life and ministry of the Church, demonstrating clarity regarding role, vocation, and professional limits.
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admission requirements1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university indicating an aptitude for advanced study.
2. Two letters of recommendation from those who can assess the student's academic, professional/ministerial, and/or spiritual goals.
3. Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.
4. Criminal background check and mandated reporter training.
5. The score of a recent Graduate Record Examination, if requested.
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additional requirementsRetreat
Each student preparing for ministry will complete a five-day retreat. The retreat will foster intentional discernment in relation to one’s pastoral vocation. A theological reflection paper related to the retreat is to be included in the Portfolio
Portfolio
The portfolio provides direct evidence of competency and readiness for responsible service in pastoral care settings serving as the program’s primary integrative and summative formation assessment. The portfolio reflects competency expectations of the Association of Theological Schools and the National Association for Lay Ministers. The portfolio will include evidence of student mastery of the following:- Theological and Ecclesial Integration
- Theological reflection papers
- Ministerial identity statement
- Integration reflection
- Pastoral Care Skills
- Case study analyses
- Evaluated pastoral encounters or simulations
- Counseling or care intervention plans
- Skills integration reflection
- Ethical and Professional Practice
- Ethics case analysis
- Professional responsibility statement
- Referral or collaboration plan
- Ethics integration reflection
- Spiritual and Personal Formation
- Retreat reflection
- Personal spiritual growth plan
- Capstone Integrative Case Study
- Comprehensive pastoral care case integrating theology, pastoral response, and ethical reasoning
- Final Vocational Integration Essay
- Reflection on identity and readiness for pastoral care ministry
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schedule of completion
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Summer:
IMPC 600: Foundations of Counseling 3 credits
IMPC 601: Human Development Across the Lifespan 3 credits
Total: 6 credits
Fall:
IMPC 701: Theology and Practice of Pastoral Accompaniment 2 credits
IMPC 602: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling 3 credits
IMPC 603: Individual and Group Counseling 3 credits
Total: 6 credits
Spring:
IMTH 710: Christian Anthropology 2 credits
IMPC 602: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling 3 credits
IMPC/IMTH Approved Elective 2 credits
Readiness for Ministry Exam 0 credits
Total: 6 credits
Total Program: 18 Credits
Additionally, one two-credit elective will be offered each Summer and Fall semester.
Electives
IMPC 710: Trauma Informed Counseling 2 credits
IMPC 711: Family Systems Counseling 2 credits
IMPC 712: Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling 2 credits
IMTH 770: Pastoral Care of Sick, Dying, & Bereft 2 credits
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Are you ready to start your journey with the IMF?
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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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