Church Ministry Institute

MissionThe Church Ministry Institute of the

Archdiocese of Philadelphia is a three year certificate program that

provides lay men and women with a foundation in Theological Studies, Pastoral Skills, and

Spiritual Development, integrated with preparation for ministry and service.

In the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, this formation program assists adults in living out their

Baptismal Call. 

Church Ministry Institute seeks:To form disciples in a personal relationship with

Jesus Christ through ongoing conversion and holiness of live;

To foster a greater knowledge and deeper appreciation of the Catholic Church and her teachings;

To prepare lay men and women for ministry and service to their parish or other apostolates;

To promote active participation in the saving mission of Christ by building up the Body of Christ in the home, workplace and the world.

Theological Formation!

CMI offers 14 courses over a three year period,two semesters a year.

Each course is six weeks long and in the following order:

Year 1New TestamentChristian PrayerChurch HistoryMinistry Skills I: Gifted by God

Year 2Foundations of FaithLiturgyChristian Spirituality Laity: Mission and MinistryMinistry Skills II: Called by

Jesus

Year 3 SacramentsChristian MoralitySpirituality and

MinistryMinistry Skills III: Sent by the Spirit

Cost: $250.00 a semester

Spiritual Formation

Mentoring!After each six week course, participants

meet in small groups with experienced guides to deepen the learning of the past weeks using Theological Reflection.

Theological Reflection is a method of searching for God’s will in all the events of life. It helps to make connections between faith and life in light of scripture and church teaching which leads to action.

As part of the mentor sessions, participants ponder the Sunday scripture readings, and have an opportunity to faith share with the group.

Retreat DaysDuring years one and two, a Retreat Day

is scheduled for the second semester. Retreat will take place on a Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The themes of the retreat day is taken from the Bishop’s Pastoral Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium.

In year three, participants make an over night retreat. Students make arrangements.

Book Sharing!

Each summer, during the month of August participants gather one evening at the Archdiocesan Office Center (222 N. 17th Street) to share their reflection on a spiritual book. This sharing takes place in the context of the mentor group. After the sharing, students gather together to enjoy a social.

Pastoral Formation

Ministry Visits!One of the goals of Church Ministry

Institute is to prepare lay men and women for ministry and service in their parishes and other related apostolates. The Ministry Visit provides participants an opportunity to continue the development of ministerial skills. Students are invited to move beyond their present ministry experience and be open to the diverse needs of the Church.

Projects in MinistryDuring the third and final year of the

Church Ministry Institute, all participants are required to complete a Project in Ministry. This project gives evidence of the participant’s ability to bring all the elements of the Program together: theological studies, pastoral skills, and spiritual development.

In response to their Baptismal call by attaining a deeper knowledge of their faith, participants have become better able to actively participate in the saving mission of Jesus Christ.

Requirements!Course AttendanceCourse Make-Up Police

Misses 2 sessionsMisses 3 or more sessions

Mentoring (Reflection Form)Retreat DaysSummer Book SharingMinistry Visit (years 1 and 2)Project in Ministry (year 3)Yearly Reflection/Evaluation From

Graduation!At the conclusion of the three-year

program, participants receive the Church Ministry Institute Certificate from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Liturgy and Awarding of Certificates takes place at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

(All paper work and fees must be submitted before Graduation!)