Certificate in Intercultural Ministry

Overview

The Certificate in Intercultural Ministry was a two-year certificate designed to prepare participants to serve competently and effectively in contemporary ecclesial ministries and leadership, especially in Catholic parish ministries, religious education, spirituality and spiritual development, youth ministry and catechetical leadership. All courses were designed to attend to questions of ministry in intercultural contexts. All courses were offered in English and Spanish and were available online through weekly synchronous meetings.

Who is the Certificate for?

The certificate was particularly focused on giving Latina sisters the knowledge and skills to minister in the United States. The certificate program enabled 10 religious Latina/Latin American sisters serving in the United States to earn the certificate. The certificate program was open to religious sisters residing within the United States or preparing for ministry in the United States in the very near future. The certificate program was open to sisters who are members of AHLMA. For more information about AHLMA membership, please contact Sr. Giovana Fuentes Bendivez, IHM at hermanas.latinas.america@gmail.com or 210-731-3133.

Why was the Certificate developed?

Intellectual formation is foundational for ministry, and it is intrinsically related to spiritual formation. Sisters are expected to minister alongside priests, lay leaders, and deacons, as well as in other settings. Therefore, their intellectual formation must be effective and aligned with the local Arch/diocesan Pastoral Vision or Congregational Vision for an effective pastoral service in the Church.

How is the Certificate offered?

Thanks to generous support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and MACC’s scholarships, tuition cost for the Certificate in Intercultural Ministry Formation program was free to the participating sister. In addition, a $1,000 stipend was given to each sister to support her studies during the two-year program. Students took up to 15 credits, or 5 classes, per year including one during the summer. Sisters were responsible for books and/or other non-tuition required materials needed for the program.

What study areas are included?

The 30-credit plan included courses in:

• Scripture
• Theology
• Ministry
• Project proposal development, implementation, and reporting
• Pastoral application of theory and research
• Leading and financing pastoral projects

Students were normally required to take at least one intercultural competencies course before graduation. All courses were offered in English and Spanish and were available online through weekly synchronous meetings.

Admissions

Process and Documents

The certificate program previously admitted 10 religious Latina/Latin American sisters who were currently serving in the United States. Thus, Sisters had to apply for admission into the program.

• Application for Admission to The Certificate in Intercultural Ministry Program
  • Application Form – English
  • Application Form – Spanish
• Admission Essay
• High school diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, or transcripts from academic institutions
• Letter of permission from Superior General / Congregational Leader of your religious congregation
• Letter of recommendation from your ministry supervisor

Registration for Classes

Once admitted to the program, the participants were given instructions on how to register for classes.

Semester Schedule

No current schedule at this time.

Fees

Thanks to generous support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and MACC’s scholarships, tuition cost for the Certificate in Intercultural Ministry program was free to the participating sister. In addition, a $1,000 stipend was given to each sister to support her studies during the two-year program.

How can I find out more about the Certificate in Intercultural Ministry?

For more information about the former certificate program, please contact us at 210-731-3135, Mexican American Catholic College, 3115 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, Texas 78228-5104.