Theology Careers

Theology Careers

Youth Ministers work with student groups in junior high or high school helping them to express their faith in service, prayer, and learning.

Many parishes hire Pastoral Ministers to coordinate the religious education program for grade school children.

Part of this responsibility is supporting the volunteer teachers and working with the parents.

Parishes usually have opportunities for Adult Christian Formation. An important responsibility is coordinating the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) for those in the process of joining the Catholic Church. There may also be adult prayer and study groups.

Service is an essential aspect of church life. There is a role for Pastoral Ministers in Catholic social and charitable organizations. Parishes also have outreach programs that a minister may coordinate or initiate.

Liturgy Planning and Music Ministry is an area that requires some special talent and training. Planning and leading the community worship enriches parish life.

A Parish Administrator has the responsibility for overseeing the daily life, religious formation, and financial stewardship of the parish. A priest would come in as the Sacramental Minister.

Pastoral Care in a hospital, nursing home or hospice setting is a ministry opening up to lay people and is greatly needed.

To be a part of a hospital Pastoral Team a person also needs to take CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), and a degree in ministry or theology is usually required for that program.

Careers

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Pastoral Ministry Certification

Pastoral Ministry Required Courses

Theology Required Courses

USM’s Pastoral Ministry program focuses on the formation of laity for full time work in the Church. Taught out of the Catholic heritage, it is open to students from other Christian traditions.

“USM’s Pastoral Ministry program is student-centered, freeing students to think, critically and express themselves freely.”

Brian Hughes, Professor
Pastoral Ministry