About the Program

The Archdiocese of Baltimore received a grant for the formation of pastoral associates in the Archdiocese. The goal is to develop well-formed lay ecclesial ministers to continue to serve in the Archdiocese. This grant is open to parish ministers who have served in parish ministry for at least two years and who do not have a Master in Theology or a related pastoral degree. Grant recipients will be expected to complete the degree in the time specified by the Archdiocese.

The Pastoral Associate Formation Process will follows the guidelines for Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation, as stated in Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord (USCCB, 2005). This formation process is a collaborative effort between the Archdiocese and one of the approved academic institutions: the Archdiocese is responsible for coordinating formation in the spiritual, human, and pastoral dimensions, while the academic institution is responsible for academic dimension.

Application Process

The application process consists of two separate applications: one application is to the Archdiocese and one to the academic institution. Please review the acceptance process and deadlines:

• Application form
• Current resume
• Baptismal certificate issued within the last three months
• An essay explaining how being part of the Pastoral Associate Formation Program will impact your future in parish ministry
• One academic recommendation (A representative of the Institute for Evangelization will contact the person you indicate)
• One recommendation from your pastor (A representative of the Institute for Evangelization will contact your pastor with instructions)
• Copy of transcripts from each college or university which you have attended
• Interview with application committee – this will be scheduled once all the above are received and have been reviewed by the Executive Director of the Institute for Evangelization

Please mail the completed application and supporting documentation to:
Pastoral Associate Formation Program
Institute for Evangelization
Archdiocese of Baltimore
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Application to the institution should be done concurrently with the application to the program, following the instructions given by the academic institution. Please note that the application to the partnering institutions will also require transcripts and recommendations. Please review the application requirements for the Academic Institute that you wish to attend.

Partnering Academic Institutions

St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute (in person or online) – 48 credits / 16 courses
Schedule of Courses
Rev. Brent Laytham, Ph.D.
Professor of Theology
Dean, St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute
St. Mary’s Seminary & University
(410) 864-4201 email: blaytham@stmarys.edu

St. Joseph College (online) – 36 credits / 12 courses
Dr. Steven L. Bridge
Professor and Program Chair of Theology | Director of Online Programs
(207) 893-7953 email: sbridge@sjcme.edu

Franciscan University of Steubenville (online) – 36 credits / 12 courses
Tom Weishaar
Director of Online and Graduate Enrollment (740) 283-4410 email: tweishaar@franciscan.edu

Loyola University – Chicago (online – Spanish) – 36 credits / 12 courses (closed curriculum)
Peter L. Jones, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, Institute of Pastoral Studies pjones5@luc.edu
Felipe de J. Legarreta, PhD
Faculty, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Liaison to Spanish Speaking prospective students flegarr@luc.edu