The National Certification Process Carol Walters April 5, 2016

 It prevents mediocrity in ministry  LEMs are required to have and maintain a level of professional competence (Co-Workers, p. 8)  We have an obligation to acquire appropriate formation to fulfill our role (Code of Canon Law, Canon 231) Why Be Certified?

 1. Establish standards of quality for ministry leadership  2. Establish a means to measure and acknowledge competence  Remember, certification is not an “end” unto itself, but a “means” directed to ensure faithful, effective and fruitful ministry with God’s people. The Standards and Certification Process

 Intrinsic value—anything worth doing is worth doing well.  Affirm and grow your gifts and talents  Open new doors and opportunities Does certification have a value to me?

 Certification is a credential you earn by demonstrating compliance with standards for professional competence What is Certification?

People NOT Programs Certification is…  A credential earned by a PERSON who has demonstrated competence within established professional standards Certification is NOT…  Accreditation—a credential earned by a PROGRAM offered through an educational institution, service center or diocese that meets established educational standards

Certification is…  A PROCESS through which you demonstrate your competence in relation to established standards for professional competence  An enhancement of your qualifications because it demonstrates you can integrate academic knowledge into competent ministry practice Certification is NOT…  An EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM the completion of which results in the issuance of a certificate that states certain requirements have been fulfilled (attendance, participation, grades, etc.)  A replacement or substitute for an advanced degree

Certification is…  Open to those who do not have advanced degrees  Accessible and relevant for those from a variety of cultural backgrounds Certification is NOT…  A one-size-fits- all approach that demands one standards formation program

What are Standards and Competencies? Standards  Standards align with the four pillars of formation set out in Co-Workers:  Human  Spiritual  Intellectual  Pastoral Competencies  Specific skills, knowledge and practices that are required to be considered competent in a given standard

 Cover the particular needs for the ministries for which one can be certified:  Pastoral Associate  Director of Worship  Director of Music Ministries  Catechetical Leader  Youth Ministry Leader Specialized Competencies

 Standard One: Human  1.0 Lay ecclesial ministers demonstrate the qualities of human maturity needed for fruitful ministry with the people of God. Core competencies: A lay ecclesial minister will: 1.3 Engage in programs or practices of continuing ministerial formation and lifelong personal growth. Standards and Competencies

 Are examples of what a particular competency might look like in practice  Standard One: Human  1.0 Lay ecclesial ministers demonstrate the qualities of human maturity needed for fruitful ministry with the people of God.  Indicators include but are not limited to:  A. Participate in ministry formation opportunities  B. Develop one’s knowledge and appreciation of cultures other than one’s own….  D. Be a member of or take part in the formational offerings of one’s local and national ministry associations. Indicators

 Do you have these qualifications:  At least 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time experience in the role for which you are seeking certification  The required number of hours of training and formation (for Pastoral Associate, Master’s degree preferred, but at least 300 clock hours or 30 credits)  Ability to document your training and formation  Ability to articulate your knowledge, skills and attitudes and show how these are demonstrated in your work Am I certifiable?

Questions?????????????

 Visit  Available for download:  Standards  Indicators  Application and other details about the process  Applications and portfolios are submitted online through this site To learn more…