The Pastoral/Professional Skills component is comprised of four areas: Communications, Leadership, Ministry, and Law. Workshops are designed to apply your growing theological knowledge to ministry experience and situations. You will have the opportunity to enhance and sharpen skills as you attend the fourteen different workshops. These workshops may be taken for certification only, or for academic credit.

Communications

Communications I: Listening

Develop reflective listening skills. Learn effective communication techniques.

Communications II: Ministerial Relationships

Define ministerial relationships and how they differ from friendship.
Review reasonable expectations for ministerial relationships.
Look at boundary issues and how they influence your ministry.

Communications III: Diversity

Understand and become sensitive to different cultures and learning styles.
Explore ways to increase your understanding of diversity within the parish system.

Communications IV: Group Dynamics and Facilitation Skills

Explore the stages of group development and community building.
Practice group facilitation skills. Understand the dynamics of group interaction.

   Leadership

Leadership I: Goal Setting and Mission Planning

Learn processes for goal setting and mission planning. Develop time management skills, prioritization, and problem-solving techniques. Practice effective administrative procedures.

Leadership II: Styles, Functions and Models of Leadership

Identify processes for planning, implementing and evaluating programs. Learn skills for record keeping and budget preparation.

Leadership III: Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building.

Learn to identify issues involved in a conflict. Become a positive influence on the resolution.

Leadership IV: Team Building, Problem Solving, Planning Changes.

Define areas of responsibility, collaboration, and methods for problem-solving. Develop the ability to seek information from multiple sources. Generate alternative solutions and implement a course of action.

Ministry

Ministry I: Calling Forth Gifts for Ministry

Explore your gifts for ministry. Become aware of the gifts others possess. Learn to appreciate, affirm, and call forth gifts of others.

Ministry II: Volunteers and Collaboration

Understand how to recruit, train, coordinate and supervise volunteers. Develop the ability to collaborate and consult appropriately with others.

Ministry III: Assessment and Intervention Skills

Identify local resources and how to assess when referral is needed. Distinguish between spiritual direction, therapy, counseling, etc. Become familiar with resources available through the various diocesan offices.

Ministry IV: Supervision Skills for Ministry

Identify and examine various supervisory styles. Acquire essential people skills necessary for effective and satisfying supervision. Learn how to handle criticism, enhance self-esteem, and deal with problems.

   Law

Law I: Canon and Civil Law for Ministry

Explore legal and ethical issues regarding relationships and roles. Understand diocesan policies. Become aware of diocesan, regional, national, and global Church structures.

Law II: Using Church Documents in Ministry

Develop a familiarity with the structure of Church documents (especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis). Learn how to use Church documents effectively.

Register online or call the Office of Ecclesial Lay Ministry to register for any workshop or to receive a descriptive brochure for an individual workshop.