Staff Level Certification
This level is of certification is designed for those who serve as liturgical staff, baptism/wedding staff, youth ministry or religious education staff, evangelization or communications staff, evangelical charity leaders or staff., etc.
Candidates should demonstrate formation consistent with a disciple who is prepared to serve their parish or organization in a staff position contributing to the mission of making disciples, and raising up new leaders.
For a detailed check list of the requirements for Staff Level Certification click here.
Who can be certified?
Candidates for Staff level certification must meet the following qualifications:
- A fully initiated Catholic in good standing
- Someone currently volunteering or employed at a Catholic parish, school or organization IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT under the supervision of a priest, principal, DRE or other delegated staff member
- Has a valid baptismal certificate, background check and completion of Protecting God's Children on file at the parish, school or organization at which they work or volunteer
- Has completed required formation and able to receive the required reference from supervisor
Choose a Sponsor
A sponsor is a priest or lay ministry staff member with whom you collaborate regularly or who can attest to your pastoral formation. This person must be:
A fully initiated Catholic in good standing
Employed or a stable volunteer at a Catholic parish or organization who is certified by the Archdiocese (NB - those certified in previous versions of certification are automatically renewed until June 30, 2028. If you have questions about this standard contact [email protected])
Someone with whom you regularly interact or who is in a position to know your strengths and challenges in ministry
Willing to complete the Sponsor Reference Form (online)
Intellectual Formation
Standard: Complete the Certificate of Catholic Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary or it’s equivalent.
If you have not already begun the certificate program, contact [email protected]. For more information about the program visit https://www.shms.edu/certificate-catholic-theology. If you are in another program at SHMS but have completed the same courses, that is sufficient. You will be asked to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript during your application process. Transcripts can be downloaded by visiting your SHMS Populi account, or by visiting www.shms.edu/transcripts
If you believe you have an equivalent credential, you should have this approved before applying for certification. Those inquiries should be directed to [email protected]. Note, equivalencies must be similar in content and length from an accredited Catholic college, university or seminary, and have been taken for credit and passed. Order official transcripts and have them sent to [email protected] by mail to Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification - Office of the Registrar, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 West Chicago Blvd., Detroit, MI 48206
Pastoral Formation
Standard: 10 hours AOD/SHMS Formation or ministry specific training (evidence: certificates of attendance, letters of verification from presenters). Note: this must include the online workshops listed below.
- Detroit Model of Evangelization
- All Belong: Inclusion in Ministry
- Pastoral Formation on the Challenges of Gender Identity
The required workshops can completed at http://equip.shms.edu
Spiritual Formation
Standard: Participation in the Sacramental life of the Church, as well as Spiritual Direction, regular retreats or spiritual growth opportunities.
Human Formation
Standard: The candidate nurtures healthy professional and personal relationships and maintains balance between personal life and ministry
The candidate, their priest and sponsor will all reflect on questions related to the candidate's spiritual and human formation in their respective forms. These questions are listed in the Staff Level Checklist.
