Pastoral Associate Formation 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.

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

Application to the Archdiocese

• application form (see link)
• 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 (the Director of the Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation will contact the person you indicate) /
• one recommendation from your pastor (the Director of the Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation 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 Director of the Division of Catechetical and Pastoral Formation

Application to the institution ** to be initiated AFTER the application to the Archdiocese has been completed, including the interview. *follow the instructions given by the academic institution

If you are interested in this program, please contact Dr. Ximena DeBroeck at ximena.debroeck@archbalt.org, 410-547-5470. The application and other information is available here and in the quick links at the left.