Diocesan Certificate Program

For many years the Diocese of Trenton has offered training in various ministries through the Pastoral Offices of the Diocese. Some of these certificates were in place so long that they had several names – for instance, the catechetical certificate called CPA became CPC. We had the long-standing Youth Ministry Certificate, the recently created Pastoral Care Certificate, the certificate in Annulment Advocacy, the training the trainers for ministering to Maturing Adults, the Intensive Evangelization certificate, etc. etc. These opportunities for training were amazing, but they stood alone. Upon becoming our Bishop, Bishop O’Connell had three desires regarding the certificates– to continue the good work that had been done in the past, to standardize the theology under them and to have them reformulated to eliminate duplication of services.

To that end, the Department of Lay Formation has created an umbrella structure: the Diocese Certificate Program that will provide CORE theology (online and in person) and will then partner with the various diocesan offices to give SPECIALIZATION training in nine ministries (pdfs are in a brochure format):

• Catechetical Leadership (.pdf)
• Catholic Social Services (.pdf)
• Diocesan Tribunal Advocacy (.pdf)
• Liturgy and Music (.pdf)
• Marriage and Family Life (.pdf)
• New Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation (.pdf)
• Pastoral Care (.pdf)
• RCIA Ministry (.pdf)
• Youth Ministry (.pdf)

Application Process

To apply for any one of the Diocesan Certificates, complete the Application and mail to:

Department of Lay Formation – Diocesan Certificate Program
701 Lawrenceville Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

or fax to 609-406-7436 or email to jkremp@dioceseoftrenton.org . The Pastor Reference must be completed and submitted by your pastor using the same contact information above.

What does CORE mean?

Each certificate will be based upon a foundation of basic theology. This foundation will be delivered in two ways: through online courses from Notre Dame STEP and through in-person workshops here in the Diocese of Trenton. To see a schedule of CORE offerings, click here.  A certificate candidate does not need to take CORE in order. However, all pieces of CORE need to be completed before a Certificate will be awarded.

WHAT IS “SPECIALIZATION”?

Each Certificate focuses on a specific ministry. Training for that ministry has been developed by and will be offered by the corresponding Diocesan Office or Department. This training is called “Specialization.” Please see the respective brochures for Specialization details.