General Information | Curriculum & Materials | Schedule 2011-12 | Registration

The application process for Basic Competency (first) Year Students

Those interested should contact their pastor or ministry supervisor (DRE).  The parish will verify that an applicant has the proper motivation and disposition to serve as a lay ecclesial minister. Also, it will help to co-sponsor the participant. They will then fill out an application available at the parish, online, or by contacting SLM. Participants should also seek their pastor’s signature.  Once completed, please and send it to The Pope John Paul II Institute, School of Lay Ministry, Catholic Center, 800 W. Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, TX 76108, before September 1, 2011.

Courses for the Basic Competency (first) Year, 2011-2012

*Assembly course

1. Introduction to Ministry (3 hours)
2. Introduction to Scripture (12 hours)
3. Christian Doctrine (12 hours)
4. Liturgy and Sacraments (6 hours)
5. Catholic Moral Principles (6 hours)
6. Catholic Social Teachings (3 hours)*
7. Prayer & Spirituality (3 hours)*
8. Contemporary Church Life (3 hours)
9. Principles of Ministry [Catechetical, Liturgical, Pastoral or Social] (6 hours)
10. “Why Catholic?” Catechetical and Evangelization Program (6 hours of credit)

Courses for the Commissioning (second) Year, 2011-2012

*Assembly course

1. Church History (6 hours)
2. Theology of Church (3 hours)
3. Canon Law (3 hours)
4. Prayer & Spirituality (3 hours)*
5. Current Moral Issues (6 hours)
6. Catholic Social Teachings (3 hours)*
7. Spirituality of Ministry (3 hours)
8. Ethics in Ministry (3 hours)
9. Methods in Ministry (9-12 hours)
10. Ministry Project & Theological Reflection (6 hours)
11. Gospel of John & Revelation (3 hours)
12. Ecumenism (3 hours)
13. "Why Catholic?" Catechetical and Evangelization Program (6 hours of credit)

Ministry Courses

The SLM curriculum offers various types of courses related specifically to ministry. In both the first and second year there are general courses such as “Introduction to Ministry” and “Ethics in Ministry.” Basic Competency (first) Year participants are required to take a “Principles” course of six hours in one of four areas (catechetical, liturgical, pastoral, and social). Commissioning (second) Year participants take a “Methods” course of approximately twelve hours in a specific ministry of the area in which they have taken a “Principles” course. If a participant desires a ministry for which SLM does not provide a “Methods” course, he/she may seek training elsewhere with approval of Fr. Mele.

SLM participants are also required to complete a ministry project and do a theological reflection during their second year. The project consists of ministry in a parish whose objective and scope are submitted to the SLM director for approval. After the project is completed, the student will do a theological reflection on her/his experience which is also submitted to the director.

Required Readings

Each SLM student should possess a copy of the following:

• The Bible
• The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
• Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (Available Here!)
• Reading from other books, journals, websites, etc. may be required, especially in the Certificate (second) Year

Books on Hand

SLM has several books which are required for the courses. They may be obtained for a donation. Please email cmele@fwdioc.org to reserve the book(s) you need.

• Holy Bible (suggested donation $20)
• United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (suggested donation $20)
• Lay Ecclesial Ministry: Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (suggested donation $8)
• What You Should Know About Church History (suggested donation $5)

Contact

Rev. Carmen Mele, O.P.
Director of the School of Lay Ministry
(817) 560-2452, Ext. 262
cmele@fwdioc.org