Certificate in Evangelization
Renewing Minds for Mission
The Certificate in Evangelization aims to equip Catholics to be luminous witnesses to Christ in the world through deepened conversion of the mind. More than ever, we need a well-formed and mission-oriented laity capable of understanding the faith and sharing it with others.
The Certificate in Evangelization aims to:
Provide serious and solid intellectual formation
Develop a missionary mind and heart capable of dialoguing with a shifting world while staying rooted in the Catholic faith.
Unite theology and spirituality.
These studies deepen love for Jesus, creating a dynamic reciprocity of the intellectual and spiritual life.
Apply for the Certificate in Evangelization
HOW?
The certificate is carried
out over two years.
3 courses offered
consecutively each year.
Students can pursue the
whole program in sequence
or take individual courses.
10 meetings per course;
six lectures and four
discussion sections.
13 hours of content.
Participate in lectures synchronously
or listen to the recorded lecture.
“Timely, relevant, engaging. This program isn’t just an academic exercise. I’ve been impressed that while exploring these topics my faith has deepened and I’ve been prepared for greater ministry in the New Evangelization. We, the laity, will be the core of transmission of the faith in this apostolic age. If you are yearning for something more – for your head, your heart, and the ministries you touch – consider this certificate program.”
– Will Kalenius
PROGRAM
Year I · 2023-2024
The Missionary Church
The history of the New Evangelization. Evangelization and the Church. The intellectual, spiritual, and practical insights that drive the mission work of the SSJ. History of the missionary work of the Church. The proclamation of the Kerygma.
Christian
Anthropology
The Christian understanding of the human person. Intelligence, will, freedom, passions, sexual identity, social life, and culture. Personalism and dualism in anthropology. The consequences of the fall. The new identity in Christ.
Christology
True God: attributes of the divine essence. The divine missions and the missions of the Son. True Man: The Incarnation; how to speak of Christ; the human nature of Christ; the grace of Christ; knowledge and love of Christ; Christ head and mediator; the mysteries of the life of Christ; the many ways in which Christ saves us.
PROGRAM
Year II · 2024-2025
The Morality of New Life in Christ
Principles of Ethics. Natural and Revealed Morality. Conscience. Introduction to virtue ethics: virtues of the moral life and their place in attaining freedom for excellence. Principles to live by as a Christian in the world. Mission as character-shaping crucible and life-renewing adventure.
Sacred Scripture as Text(s) of Transformation
What is Scripture? Inspiration. How to read Scripture: The history of salvation in the light of the New Life that Jesus prepared in the Old Testament and made present in the New Testament. Study of the books of Luke and Acts in application of this “hermeneutic of personal transformation.”
Kerygma
Stages of salvation: creation, fall, redemption. The Paschal Mystery and our response – faith and sacraments. The Kerygma as the essential content of the Christian proclamation. The Kerygma as the kernel of the Christian worldview.
Apply for the Certificate in Evangelization
Frequently asked questions
Why?
This certificate is a response to the interest of lay faithful who, having decided to follow Christ, experience the desire to intellectually deepen in their understanding of the faith, which they have embraced and which they wish to live fully, in order to be New Evangelizers.
For what purpose?
Every Christian is a missionary in the measure in which he or she has encountered Christ, resurrected and alive, and come to know His love. Being formed for this mission is a desire that comes from one’s own deep, personal relationship with Jesus: If we want to share our faith, we have to know our faith! The Certificate is an opportunity for gradual and progressive growth along the path of faith and a way for drawing closer to the mysteries of Christ.
How does one take classes?
The classes are taught via Zoom, and can be taken synchronously or asynchronously. Each course has 6 lectures and 4 discussion sessions. Students sign up for a discussion group that fits their schedule. Courses also use a Canvas interface.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost per course is $200 plus a $20 technology and registration fee, totaling $220. The entire certificate (all six courses) will cost the participant $1,320 (not including the cost of the Summer Symposium).
Can I take only one class?
Although the certificate is thought as a coherent whole, you are allowed to take just one course.
Can I use my credits for further studies?
Yes. Those who complete the Certificate in New Evangelization will have earned six graduate credits in Theology, which can be used to continue a degree through St. Bernard’s or transferred to another institution.
This program is a partnership between the Saint John Society and St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.