2. Mission
The 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.

3. 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.

5. 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 1  Year 3
 New Testament  Sacraments
 Christian Prayer  Christian Morality
 Church History  Spirituality and
 Ministry Skills I: Gifted by God Ministry
 Year 2  Ministry Skills III:
 Foundations of Faith Sent by the Spirit
 Liturgy
 Christian Spirituality  Cost:
 Laity: Mission and Ministry $250.00 a semester
 Ministry Skills II: Called by
Jesus

7. 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.

8. Retreat Days
During 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.

9. 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.

11. 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.

12. Projects in Ministry
During 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.

13. Requirements!
 Course Attendance
 Course Make-Up Police
 Misses 2 sessions
 Misses 3 or more sessions
 Mentoring (Reflection Form)
 Retreat Days
 Summer Book Sharing
 Ministry Visit (years 1 and 2)
 Project in Ministry (year 3)
 Yearly Reflection/Evaluation From

14. 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!)