Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

Place your talents at the service of the Church.

"We're enthusiastic about this new joint venture, a new path for volunteers to gain dynamic ministry training and learn more about their Catholic faith, while strengthening our service to the Diocese of Dallas."
-Theodore Whapham, Ph.D.

The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (CPM) Program, a collaborative venture of University of Dallas and the Diocese of Dallas, is designed to meet the educational and formational needs of adults who serve their parishes, schools or other Catholic organizations on a volunteer basis.

The CPM program requirements encompass a broad range of topics and are designed to provide foundational theological and pastoral resources for those entering professional or volunteer ministry. The CPM courses are offered in several convenient locations across the Diocese of Dallas and via Zoom and typically meet once a week for two hours in five-week segments. Also offered in Spanish!

Learn your faith and discover how to share it.

The CPM program focuses on key areas of intellectual, pastoral, human and spiritual formation. Courses cover a broad array of topics including Christian anthropology, ministry in a multicultural church, morality and social justice, new testament and prayer and spirituality. Read the course descriptions >>

Focus your service.

In addition to a series of core courses, the program offers elective courses in five specific areas to help those involved in the following ministries: catechesis, liturgical ministry, marriage and family life, pastoral care and youth and young adult ministry. Students can focus in one concentration area or take electives in any area.

Take the next step.