Ministry
Mission
The
ministry program aims to prepare students for a fuller and more effective
participation in the Church’s mission, i.e., to bring about the kingdom of God.
It invites people to a deeper response to their baptismal call to the ministry
and to a greater development of their personal gifts. In the context of a
liberal arts education in a Christian community, the ministry major offers opportunities
for personal growth in spirituality and in theological understanding. It
encourages an integration of academic learning with experiential learning
through reflection, dialogue, and cooperation with other church groups and
programs.
Assessment
Standards
The
religious studies and philosophy department of Viterbo University uses the
National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers as the foundation
for its assessment implementation and evaluation. The National Certification
Standards were developed by the National Association for Lay Ministry, the
National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and the National Federation for
Catholic Youth Ministry and approved by the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation, April 2003.
Goals
- Develop the skills of theological
scholarship.
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension
of historical and contemporary theological scholarship and applied skills in – sacred
scripture, social justice, liturgy/worship, Christology, ecclesiology,
sacraments, and world religions.
- Articulate and analyze a Catholic
understanding of theology, scripture, tradition, and doctrine.
- Based on knowledge and comprehension of
outcomes one and two, identify and analyze current issues in theology in light
of the Gospel.
- Development of Christian spirituality.
- Demonstrate personal witness to an
integrated Christian spirituality formed by – sacred scripture, theological
reflection, and communal and private prayer.
- Exhibit an understanding of Christian
discipleship through service.
- Identify and relate reverently with a
diversity of persons, age groups, cultures, and religious traditions.
- Program goal – development of skills
for pastoral ministry.
- Articulate a baptismal foundation for
all ministries.
- Develop a personal model of ecclesial
ministry, collaboration and leadership based on the example of Jesus.
- Demonstrate skills in ministerial
collaboration and leadership.
- Utilize servant leadership skills in
ministry, including visioning, planning, communication, decision making,
delegation, and conflict management.
- Demonstrate skills and proficiency in
catechesis and catechetical leadership.
- Identify the signs of physical, sexual,
and psychological abuse.
- Recognize the signs of need for
professional help in an individual.
- Articulate resources for assistance in
crisis including adhering to civil and ecclesial procedures for reporting abuse.
- Articulate the professional code of
ethics for lay ministry as prescribed by – National Conference for Catechetical
Leadership, National Association for Lay Ministry, and National Federation for
Catholic Youth Ministry.
- Conduct self in a manner consistent
with the professional codes of ethics in ministry and provisions of civil and
Church law.
- Define
and apply an ecclesiology of domestic, parish, arch/diocesan, and universal
church to personal practice of ministry.
Ministry Minor
The total credits of the
minor requirements is 21. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions
could modify these credit totals.
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry
The
Pastoral Education program called The Next Step is a program sponsored
conjointly by the Diocese of La Crosse and Viterbo University. It provides
academic credit and skills for students who have completed introductory
diocesan programs or have some college credit and pastoral experience. The
Certificate in Pastoral Ministry requires 26 credits.