Pastoral Studies Certificate

Since 1998, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, in partnership with the Institute of Lay Ministry, Diocese of Winona has offered students in the Institute of Lay Ministry, Diocese of Winona, the ability to register for undergraduate credit through Saint Mary’s University for classes taken within the institute. Ministry formation requirements and hiring practices at the local level have made it necessary for lay ecclesial ministers in the Catholic Church to be able to demonstrate specific accomplishment of academic and pastoral training through certification of formal study and praxis. Saint Mary’s University now offers a certificate in pastoral studies. The certificate is designed to provide current and future ministers within the Roman Catholic Church accredited theological and pastoral training. Enrollment for undergraduate credit is optional to participation in the Institute of Lay Ministry; however only those students enrolled for undergraduate credit are eligible for the certificate.