Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation

Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology offers one of the first and most respected lay ecclesial formation programs in the United States. Participants come from all walks of life, maintaining work and family commitments while preparing for new opportunities.

Participants engage their hearts, minds, hands and spirits as they grow through:

  • Academic coursework in theology, doctrine, scripture and pastoral studies
  • Mentoring with an experienced minister to foster discernment and learning integration
  • Field Education that provides a supervised experience of skills development
  • Theological Reflection connecting lived experience with scripture, tradition and theology
  • Project/Capstone offering leadership experience in pastoral planning
  • Advisors who guide and support
  • A community of faith and learning that fosters prayer, spiritual growth and life-long friendships.

Graduates serve the larger Church as:

  • Parish staff members and volunteers
  • Teachers, catechists and informed parents
  • Permanent Deacons
  • Chaplains and volunteers in pastoral care settings
  • Non-profit agency staff members and volunteers
  • Everyday evangelists

Graduate degrees offered by Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM) is both academic and pastoral in approach, and provides the core theology courses from the MAT in conjunction with ministerial formation. This program is intended for people who want to integrate theology and practice. Program requirements include coursework, mentoring, supervised field education, theological reflections, and a capstone ministry project. Click here for more information.

The Graduate Certificate is offered at the main campus and includes core theology courses along with spiritual, ministerial and personal formation that integrate theology and practice. A 4-year undergraduate college degree is required for admission. It is an excellent option for those who want to engage in theological and pastoral studies at the graduate level, but who may not want or need to complete a full M.A. degree. Click here for more information.

The non-degreed Certificate is offered at the main campus and at satellite locations rotating through the Archdiocese on a two-year basis. It includes basic theology courses along with spiritual, ministerial and personal formation designed to integrate theology and practice. The Certificate requires a High School Diploma or G.E.D. for admission. Click here for more information.

Application Process

Admission to the M.A. Pastoral Ministry or Graduate Certificate requires a four year undergraduate degree in any area of study. Admission to the non-degreed Certificate requires a High School diploma or G.E.D.

Applicants should:

  • Participate regularly in the sacraments and life of the Church
  • Engage in daily prayer
  • Have a desire to serve others
  • Be emotionally mature with the capacity for growth
  • Value collaboration with priests, permanent deacons and other lay men and women
  • Be at least 25 years of age (age exceptions may occur for staff-level ministers and those holding an undergraduate degree in theology or pastoral studies)

The application process includes:

  • Initial interview and application form
  • Brief spiritual autobiography
  • References
  • College Transcript for MAPM and Graduate Certificate
  • Personality profiling and feedback
  • Application fee: $30/MBTI Personality Profiling fee: $150
  • Attendance at Orientation in August

The Admissions and Degrees Committee acts upon applications when complete. Applications for the fall semester should be completed by July 1. Applications for the spring semester should be completed by November 1.

Satellite Locations

Accessibility to School of Theology programs is a high priority. Graduate options meet at the main campus weeknights  and Saturday morning. The non-degreed Certificate option meets at the main campus and two-year satellite locations that rotate throughout the Archdiocese. Satellite locations for 2019-2021 include St. Christopher in Vandalia and Mercy West Hospital in Montfort Heights.