Loyola Institute for Ministry offers online, on-campus, and extension students certificates that earn continuing education units (CEUs). Options include two 36 CEU certificates, one 18 CEU certificate, one 12 CEU advanced certificate. Extension (onsite) students may also pursue the 18 CEU Spanish language certificate.
Certificate in Religious Education (CRE) ׀ Certificate in Pastoral Studies (CPS) ׀ Certificate in Theology and Ministry ׀ Certificate in Spirituality | Certificate in Spiritual Fitness and Resiliency | Advanced Certificate in Pastoral Studies ׀ Advanced Certificate in Religious Education | Certificado de Educación Continua en Teología y Ministerio | Request more information
CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CRE) 36 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
When speaking about the “beautiful profession" of teaching, Pope Francis notes that “[o]n a professional level it is important to update teaching skills [...], but teaching is not just a job: it is a relationship in which each teacher must feel fully involved as a person, to give meaning to the educational task towards their students” (Address to UCIIM). Lay ministers working in variety of religious education contexts work to promote within their students a sense of identity, reverence, and responsibility for life and the sacred. The Certificate in Religious Education provides educators with a broad and in-depth exploration of the field. The coursework combines the development of confidence and creativity in working out curricula and gives practice in crafting effective learning processes. Pursuing a Certificate in Religious Education provides individuals with a set of multi-disciplinary perspectives and methodologies to enrich their practice while at the same time earning a credential from an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and ministerial formation.
CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL STUDIES (CPS) 36 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Christians are called to ”[g]o into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) through their everyday lives at home, work, and the larger communities to which they belong. Lay people working in variety of contexts including parishes, schools, diocesan offices, secular workplaces, or in the helping professions of medicine and social work can develop the theological and spiritual grounding necessary to become wiser and more effective ministers and leaders as they proclaim the Good News through their words and actions. Pursuing a Certificate in Pastoral Studies allows adults to gain specific competencies in the focus area of their choice while earning a credential from an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and ministerial formation.
CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY ● 18 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
“[S]tudying theology means living on the frontier, one in which the Gospel meets the needs of the people to whom it should be proclaimed in an understandable and meaningful way,” wrote Pope Francis in 2015. The Certificate in Theology and Ministry helps students to understand and apply theology in a practical way to their ministry, enabling them to step out onto the frontier of which Pope Francis speaks. With a grounding in Scripture, foundational theologies, and sacrament, students deepen their own understanding of and relationship to God and are better prepared to serve others in their ministries.
CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUALITY ● 12 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
This Certificate in Spirituality offers specialty-level ministry education courses with engaging readings and reflective assignments on the subject of Christian spirituality, for persons currently engaged or soon to be engaged in ministry leadership and other types of service leadership roles in local communities – such as Catholic parishes, religious communities, school systems, and other ecclesial and secular (marketplace) organizations.
CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL FITNESS AND RESILIENCY ● 12 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Available only to members of the United States Air Force, the Certificate in Spiritual Fitness and Resiliency offers specialized courses designed to empower personnel with the tools needed to nurture spiritual well-being and resilience unique to the military context. It integrates faith-based support within and beyond traditional religious frameworks while addressing the diverse religious, spiritual, and non-religious practices of those in the Air Force community. Through this curriculum, Air Force personnel develop skills to support the holistic well-being of their fellow service members, enhancing their ability to nurture the spiritual fitness and resiliency of those they work with. For inquiries regarding the current or upcoming cohorts, please contact LIM Director Dr. Tracey Lamont at tlamont@loyno.edu.
ADVANCED CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL STUDIES ● 12 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Christians are called to serve one another over a lifetime as they partner with God to realize his kingdom in the here and now. Developing the skills and knowledge that accompany such lifetime service can be a challenge, especially as one’s ministry changes. The US Catholic Bishops note the value of "lay persons who have prepared for professional ministry in the Church" (Called and Gifted). The Post-Master’s Certificate in Pastoral Studies helps to prepare students to develop their understanding of themselves and particular areas of service as they deepen their spirituality and earn a further credential. Those who have already earned a 36 CEU credential from the Institute for Ministry or a similar credential may pursue this certificate.
ADVANCED CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ● 12 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
The Advanced Certificate in Religious Education is designed for teachers who have the theology degree needed to work in most Catholic high schools, but would like to know more about curriculum development and pedagogy. This 12-credit hour credential enables teachers, as well as parish directors of religious education or catechetical leaders, to be curriculum specialists and leaders in their schools or departments and serve as important resources for their colleagues.
CERTIFICADO DE EDUCACIÓN CONTINUA EN TEOLOGÍA Y MINISTERIO ● 18 CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Learn about this certificate program conducted for students in the extension (LIMEX onsite) program that is conducted wholly in Spanish GO»