INTRODUCTION: ARCHDIOCESE OF LOUISVILLE MINISTRY INSTITUTE (ALMI
ALMI is a joint training effort among archdiocesan agencies in response to the expanding need for ministry training. Through collaborative multi-dimensional training ALMI’s purpose is to:
- provide an understanding of the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings.
- provide the history and sacramental life of the Church, while celebrating its multicultural dimensions.
- provide basic ministerial skills.
- provide spiritual formation.
- develop a deeper understanding of the theology and practice of ministry.
- assist persons in identifying their call to ministry as a vocation rooted in baptism.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants could include parish ministers, liturgical ministers, catechists, parish volunteers, youth ministers, business managers, principals, or any adults who are interested in one or more of the following:
- developing their ability to be in ministry to others.
- learning more about their faith.
- pursuing further training in a specialized ministry.
- earning a degree in pastoral studies or religious education.
PROCESS AND FORMAT
Prayer, instruction, skills development, dialogue, and theological reflection are offered in a way that respects each person’s spirituality and life experience. Qualified persons from archdiocesan agencies, parishes, and educational institutions will present specific topics. The use of small and large group dynamics, modeling the communal dimension of church, encourages deepening levels of trust and provides an opportunity for the articulation and sharing of one’s faith story. ALMI has a variety of options to assist today’s learner. In addition to a core curriculum for the development of foundational theology and skills, specific training for particular specializations will be offered to better concentrate on the theory and skills needed for that particular ministry. Depending on the specialization, a combination of weekly day and/or evening sessions, Saturday workshops, self-directed study, and supervised internships will be available. Adults may take one or more classes without a specialization. Opportunities are available to earn an academic degree leading to a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies or Religious Education from Loyola University, or to take undergraduate or graduate courses for a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Spalding University.
SPECIALIZATIONS
- Discipleship
- Liturgical Ministry
- Multicultural Ministry
- Parish Administration
- Pastoral Care
- Social Ministry
- Spiritual Direction
- Spiritual Companioning
- Youth Ministry
To register for any of the specializations, core curriculum courses, or the Loyola University degree or certificate programs, call Meredith White-Zeager at (502) 636-0296, ext. 211, or E-mail: ALMI@archlou.org.
CORE CURRICULUM
The core curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of Catholic theology and foundational training for a variety of common ministry skills. Classes and workshops are open to everyone. Participants can select one or more of the opportunities listed below depending on their learning objectives or specialization requirements.
CLASSES
- CC 101-102 Scripture
- CC 103-105 Liturgy & Sacraments
- CC 106-107 Christology
- CC 108 Theology of Church
- CC 109-110 Church History
- CC 111 Multicultural Ministry
- CC 112 Images of God
- CC 113 Faith Development
- CC 114 Theology of Ministry
- CC 115 Spirituality
- CC 116 Prayer
- CC 117 Morality, Ethics, Social Justice
Each class is 2.5 hours. Both day and evening options are available.
WORKSHOPS
- CW 101 Communications
- CW 102 Inculturation
- CW 103 Evangelization & Faith Formation
- CW 104 Discipleship
- CW 105 Legal Issues in Ministry
- CW 106 Leadership in Ministry
Workshops are on Saturdays and last 7 hours, including 1 hour for lunch.
RETREATS
- OR 101 The opening overnight retreat is an opportunity to explore the concepts of vocation and call, explore ministrial identity and discernment, and provide time for prayer, reflection, and community building.
COST
$250 (includes all core classes, workshops, and the overnight retreat. Classes may be taken individually at a cost of $10. An individual workshop is $25, and an individual retreat is $65.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Ministry & Spirituality (Sal Della Bella)
(502) 448-8581, ext. 1340/Email: ALMI@archlou.org
DISCIPLESHIP SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in discipleship focuses on the spiritual and faith formation of the person while providing an intentional process for gift discernment and theological reflection to help develop ways to live out one’s faith.
Prayer, dialogue, skills development, faith sharing, and personal reflection are offered in a way that respects each person’s spirituality and life experience. The use of small cohort groups models the communal dimension of church, encourages deepening levels of trust, and provides for the articulation and sharing of one’s faith story. Each group is supported by a facilitator who provides continuity and rootedness, models leadership skills, provides prayer experiences, and offers one-to-one support to the participants. Discernment of gifts and call is an important part of the process and is addressed specifically throughout the program.
PARTICIPANTS
All adults wanting a deeper relationship with God, a deeper prayer life, greater self awareness for their on-going personal and spiritual development, and a desire to apply their faith to daily life.
REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated competency in or completion of the core curriculum (see Core Curriculum section) from the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute. This can be done concurrently with the specialization.
- Two small group (cohort) gatherings per month (17 in total) for dialogue, role/real play, and theological reflection.
- Two days of reflection.
- Two conferences.
- Required reading material and completion of reflection papers.
- Closing overnight retreat.
COST
$500 (includes cost of core curriculum if all courses are needed.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Ministry & Spirituality (Sal Della Bella)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 235/E-mail: ALMI@archlou.org
“The Church needs a well-educated inquiring, and vocal laity if the new evangelization is to achieve its full potential.” - Called & Gifted for the Third Millenium, U.S. Catholic Bishops 1995
SOCIAL MINISTRY SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in social ministry will focus on Catholic social tradition and teachings in response to social, economic and political issues. A variety of current issues will be discussed in the context of church and society to heighten awareness of the realities of human poverty and social injustice. Participants will be asked to develop and implement an internship in the area of social concerns. Supervision will be provided.
PARTICIPANTS
All adults who wish to learn more about and actively engage in the area of social concerns.
REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated competency in or completion of the core curriculum from the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute.
- Demonstrated competency in or completion of the requirements of the discipleship specialization.
- Completion of a supervised internship: within the context of a 12-month period, meet 6 times with a supervisor and complete a minimum of 60 contact hours in direct ministry experience.
- Completion of the following training which will be offered by Catholic Charities and which will include prayer, dialogue sessions, skills workshops, faith sharing, and personal reflection:
- Catholic Social Doctrine
- Selected documents of Vatican II, encyclicals and pastoral letters
- Communities of Salt & Light
- Social Analysis and Theological Reflection
- Community Organizing Skills
- Scripture: Justice Themes
COST
$800 (includes cost of required core curriculum if all courses are needed and discipleship specialization.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Catholic Charities (Steve Bogus)
(502) 637-9786, ext. 157/E-mail: charities@archlou.org
“Catholicism does not call us to abandon the world, but to help shape it. This does not mean leaving worldly tasks and responsibilities, but transforming them.” -Everyday Christianity: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice, U.S. Catholic Bishops, November 1998
PARISH ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in parish administration will equip pastoral ministers with skills for leadership and administration in a local faith community.
PREREQUISITES
Participants in this specialization are required to have a minimum of 5 years experience in parish ministry in addition to formal education in one of the following:
- A master’s degree in pastoral ministry, religious education, religious studies, or a related field.
- A bachelor’s degree plus an additional certificate in ministry or completion of a comprehensive, established formation program (e.g. Diaconate, Ministry Formation, or ALMI Discipleship Specialization.)
REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrated competency in or completion of the following classes:
- PA 101 Presiding Skills for Prayer and Worship
- PA 102 Canon Law and Civil Law for the Pastoral Leader
- PA 103 Stewardship and Financial Management
- PA 104 Human Resource Management
- PA 105 Leadership for Parish Ministry
- PA 106 Culture Diversity and Multicultural Ministry
- PA 107 Emerging Issues in Parish Life
FORMAT
Program will be offered in seven 2-day courses over a two-year period. In addition to the course work for the specialization, participants must complete a 15-hour externship that will focus on an area of ministry or parish administration. This externship will be supervised by an experienced minister in that area of ministry.
COST
Tuition for each course - $100 (Required texts are additional.)
Externship fee - $250
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Ministry and Spirituality (Sal Della Bella)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 235/ -Email: ALMI@archlou.org
“So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God’s message, we must do it according to the faith that we have. If it is to serve, we must serve. If it is to teach, we must teach. If it is to encourage others, we must do so. Whoever shares what they have with others, must do it generously; whoever has authority, must work hard; whoever shows kindness to others, must do it cheerfully.” -Romans 12:4-8
PASTORAL CARE SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in pastoral care will provide necessary skills, formation, a process for theological reflection, ongoing supervision, continuing education, and peer support for all aspects of pastoral care ministry, e.g., visitation to homebound, critically and chronically ill, as well as nursing home, rehabilitation and hospital residents, and patients.
PARTICIPANTS
All individuals who are new to or already engaged in the ministry of pastoral care and are interested in developing their skills in adult learning situations are encouraged to pursue this specialized training.
REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated competency in or completion of the core curriculum from the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute.
- Demonstrated competency in or completion of the requirements of the discipleship specialization.
- Completion of a supervised internship within a 12-month period at program venues for pastoral care ministry. The internship program venues require periodic meetings with supervisors, peer collaboration, team building, and verbatims with case presentations. The pastoral care ministry training venues require the completion of 100 hours in direct ministry experience. The program venues include Hospital Pastoral Care Team Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry (skilled care, rehabilitation, assisted living) and Parish Pastoral Care Visitor Ministry in parish settings.
- Completion of the following courses offered by the Office of Pastoral Care:
- Self-Awareness in Ministry
- Grief and Loss
- Death and Dying
- Spirituality of Aging
- Life Transitions
- Health and Illness
- Sharing Prayer and Sacrament
- Focus on the Homebound
COST
$950 (includes cost of required core curriculum if all courses are needed and discipleship specialization.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Pastoral Care (Fr. Paul Scaglione)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 233/E-mail: OPC@archlou.org
“The concern that Christ showed for the bodily and spiritual welfare of those who are ill is continued by the Church in its ministry to the sick. This ministry is the common responsibility of all Christians, who should visit the sick, remember them in prayer, and celebrate the sacraments with them. The family and friends of the sick, doctors and others who care for them, and priests with pastoral responsibilities have a particular share in this ministry of comfort. Through words of encouragement and faith they can help the sick to unite themselves with sufferings of Christ for the good of God’s people.” -Pastoral Care of the Sick, 1999
YOUTH MINISTRY SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in youth ministry will provide training so that youth ministers will have a clear understanding of what it means to be a “public minister;” recognize and model the fact that faith development and spiritual growth are lifelong endeavors; and strengthen their competencies to meet the standards for effective ministry proposed by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
PARTICIPANTS
The specialization in youth ministry is for adults who would like to empower young people to live as disciples, draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community, and foster the personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
REQUIREMENTS
-Demonstrated competency in or completion of the following classes in the core curriculum from the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute (can be done concurrently with specialization):
- CC 101-102 Scripture
- CC 106-107 Christology
- CC 111 Multicultural Ministry
- CC 113 Faith Development
- CC 114 Theology of Ministry
- CW 104 Discipleship Workshop
-Completion of a field project.
-Completion of the following seminars offered by the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education:
- Adolescence, Faith, and Youth Ministry
- Foundations of Youth Ministry – U.S. Bishops
- Principles of Youth Ministry – National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
- Questions of Faith and Adolescents
- Media Literacy and the Shaping of Identity
- Adolescents and Society
- Application of Theological Issues in Youth Ministry – Part I & II
- Foundations of Catechetics
- Adolescent Catechesis – Part I & II
- Pastoral and Administrative Issues in Youth Ministry
- Final Seminar – Presentation of Projects
COST
$240 (includes cost of required core curriculum if all courses are needed and workshop.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Lifelong Formation & Education (Carole Goodwin)
(502) 448-8581, ext. 132/E-mail: olfeyouth@archlou.org
“Today we need to assure that the Church knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. They will learn that following Jesus is a viable life choice if the Church becomes a traveling companion for them and designs programs that speak to their hearts.” -World Youth Day 1995, Pope John Paul II
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRY SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in multicultural ministry will help those who are in pastoral ministry work to create a Church that serves all and is welcoming to all. It is designed to benefit anyone interested in developing a more inclusive and culturally diverse church.
PARTICIPANTS
Those who are priests, deacons, religious men and women, volunteers, ministry leaders, catechetical ministers, or educators.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Recommendation from a pastor or pastoral associate.
2. Demonstrated competency in or completion of the following classes from the core curriculum in the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute:
- OR 101 Opening retreat
- CC 103-105 Liturgy and Sacraments
- CC 106-107 Christology
- CC 108 Theology of Church
- CC 109-110 Church History
3. Completion of a practicum.
4. Completion of the following 6-hour courses offered by the Office of Multicultural Ministry:
- MM 101 Multicultural Ministry
- MM 102 Understanding Culture
- MM 103 Spirituality and Prayer: Cultural Traditions
- MM 104 Inculturation: Liturgy, Sacraments, and Aesthetics, Part I and II
- MM 105 Foundational Transformation: Ministering in Multicultural Communities
- MM 106 Opening the Doors and Changing Church Paradigms
- MM 107 Biblical Justice
- MM 108 Catholic Ethics: The Sin of Racism and Solidarity with the Poor
- MM 109 Church History (Pluralcultural Perspective)
- MM 110 Challenge and Gifts of Diverse Realities
- MM 111 Answering the Call: Leadership, Evangelization, and Diversity
Evening and weekend options are available.
COST
$740 (includes cost of required core curriculum if all courses are needed and opening retreat.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Multicultural Ministry (Annette Turner)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 225/ -Email: OMM@archlou.org
“We belong to one human family and are meant to walk and work together in mutual respect, understanding, trust, and love. Each people preserves and expresses its own identity and enriches others with its gifts of culture, tradition, and custom.” -Pope John Paul II
SPIRITUAL COMPANIONING AND DIRECTION SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in spiritual companioning and direction provides an opportunity for identifying and developing the gifts and competencies for these ministries. It also provides professional support and feedback through group supervision and a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the adult learner.
PARTICIPANTS
For those who are currently in ministry who by their position are companioning people (i.e. pastors, pastoral associates, DREs, RCIA team members and/or sponsors, etc.) or those who have discerned the call and gifts for the ministry of spiritual companioning or direction.
PREREQUISITE
Currently receiving spiritual direction for at least two years.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Demonstrated competency in or completion of the core curriculum from the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute.
2. Demonstrated competency in or completion of the requirements of the discipleship specialization.
3. Completion of a 12-month supervised internship:
- Group supervision once a month.
- Completion of verbatims.
- Practice:
- For those interested in spiritual direction: meeting once a month with at least one directee.
- For those interested in spiritual companioning: at least one hour a month spent in a ministry setting.
4. Completion of the following training which will be provided through prayer, dialogue sessions, skills workshops, faith sharing, and personal reflection. Training is provided by the Office of Ministry and Spirituality:
- Traditions and Models of Spiritual Companioning and Direction
- Self-Awareness in Ministry
- Models of Spirituality
- Contemplative Stance
- Models of Conversion
- Intimacy and Sexuality
- Community
- Dynamics of the Spiritual Life
- Cosmology
- Dynamics of Prayer
COST
$1150 (includes cost of core curriculum if all courses are needed and discipleship specialization.)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Ministry & Spirituality (Denise Ruiz)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 234/E-mail: ALMI@archlou.org
“Everyone admits that, to get to this point [a good beginning in the spiritual life], direction is indispensable in the same way as a master’s help is required for initiation into any art...” -Father Leopold Beaudenom, French Convent Chaplain
LITURGICAL MINISTRY SPECIALIZATION
The specialization in liturgical ministry provides a course of study on the Roman Catholic liturgy. This program offers the participants the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the rites and rituals of the Church. In addition it gives the foundation and preparation for all areas of liturgical ministry.
PARTICIPANTS
This course of study was designed to benefit worship directors, worship committee members, liturgy preparation teams, musicians, clergy, lectors, sacristans, Communion ministers, DREs, teachers and catechists, and all interested in learning more about the liturgy.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Demonstrated competency or completion of CC 101-CC 117 from the core curriculum of the Archdiocese of Louisville Ministry Institute (can be done concurrently with specialization).
2. Completion of the following courses offered by the Worship Office:
- LM 101 Ministry of the Word
- LM 102 Liturgy of the Word/Psalms
- LM 103 Introductory/Concluding Rites of the Mass
- LM 104 Liturgy of the Eucharist
- LM 105 Sacraments of Initiation
- LM 106 Liturgical Year
- LM 107 Season of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
- LM 108 Liturgical Music
- LM 109 Liturgical Space/Built of Living Stones
- LM 110 Sacraments of Healing
- LM 111 Multicultural Liturgies
- LM 112 Season of Lent/Triduum I
- LM 113 Triduum II/Easter Season
- LM 114 Liturgy Preparation/Liturgy with Children
- LM 115 Liturgy of the Hours
- LM 116 Funeral Liturgies
- LM 117 Wedding Liturgies
Optional recommended offerings (can be taken through ALMI’s core curriculum):
-
OR 101 Opening Retreat
-
CW 101 Communications
-
CW 102 Inculturation
COST
$340 (includes cost of required core curriculum if all courses are needed but not optional offerings.)
OTHER LITURGICAL MINISTRY SPECIALIZATIONS
Training is available in other areas to prepare ministers to serve as lectors, cantors, leaders of prayer, or children’s liturgy planners in their parishes.
CANTOR MINISTRY
The specialization offers participants the preparation needed to serve in the role of cantor. It examines the cantor’s role in the Mass, psalm preparation, and practical techniques. This is open to those who prepare cantors as well as those who serve or wish to serve as cantors. The cost is $60, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
LEADERS OF PRAYER
Leaders of Prayer is an 8-week program focused on leadership of liturgical rites where a lay person is permitted to fill this role. The study of the techniques for public prayer, liturgical principles, and the specific rites and rituals provide the foundation to ensure a confident leader of prayer. The Leaders of Prayer program is for those who lead funeral vigils, committal services, Communion services, and Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. It is also beneficial for Communion ministers to the homebound, RCIA coordinators, catechists, and chairpersons of committees. The cost is $80, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
LECTORS
The specialization examines the role of lector in Roman Catholic worship and the spiritual and technical preparation required for this ministry. This course includes an introduction to Scripture and the literary forms of the Bible; the techniques of liturgical proclamation; the Liturgy of the Word; and the Ministry of the Word. It is designed for those who presently serve their parishes as lectors, anyone wishing to be trained as a lector, and those who train and/or coordinate lectors. The cost is $50, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
LITURGY FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CATECHISTS
The specialization provides elementary school teachers and catechists with information that will assist them in preparing liturgies and the celebration of sacraments. This program examines the individual parts of the Mass, the various ministries within the liturgy, liturgies with children, the liturgical year, and the celebration of sacraments, specifically Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. The cost is $60, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP COMMITTEES/LITURGY PLANNING TEAMS/ART AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
The specialization provides members of worship and art and environment committees with the assistance they need in their ministry. The cost is $80 for Worship Committee Formation and $90 for Art and Environment Committee Formation, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Worship (Judy Bullock)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 261/E-mail: worship@archlou.org
LITURGY FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND CATECHISTS
The specialization provides elementary school teachers and catechists with information that will assist them in preparing liturgies and the celebration of sacraments. This program examines the individual parts of the Mass, the various ministries within the liturgy, liturgies with children, the liturgical year, and the celebration of sacraments, specifically Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. The cost is $60, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
LITURGY FOR WORSHIP COMMITTEES/LITURGY PLANNING TEAMS/ART AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
The specialization provides members of worship and art and environment committees with the assistance they need in their ministry. The cost is $80 for Worship Committee Formation and $90 for Art and Environment Committee Formation, which includes the cost of the required core curriculum courses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Office of Worship (Judy Bullock)
(502) 636-0296, ext. 261/ -Email: worship@archlou.org
To register for a specialization, core curriculum courses, or the Loyola University degree or certificate programs, call Meredith White-Zeager at (502) 636-0296, ext. 211 or E-mail: ALMI@archlou.org.
Archdiocese of Louisville
Ministry Institute
1200 South Shelby Street
Louisville, KY 40203-1200
Departments & Services 
