Applying for Certification
The following procedures facilitate the certification process. Consult the Office of Pastoral Associates of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for clarification.
A. Applicants for certification must possess a Master’s degree
and have a
minimum of three years in full time pastoral ministry. They may be
employed as a Pastoral Associate in a parish or may be responding to
an
advertised position. All applicants participate in an initial discernment
and
interview process.
B. Application is made to the Office of Pastoral Associates
C. Applicants receive:
- Application form
- Sample interview questions
- Pastoral Associate Certification process checklist
- Sample guidelines for writing a resume (if requested)
D. Applicants submit the following:
- Completed and signed application form
- Verification of good physical health
- A Reflection Paper addressing the Pastoral Associates’ understanding
of
their ministry and how they perceive themselves in compliance with the
standards - One copy of current resume
- Copies of transcript/s of the required Master’s Degree
- Description of continuing education experiences in the last five years
- Copies of certification, recognition or approval in various ministries
as
appropriate - Current job description/responsibilities
- Name, address and phone number of
- a person who can provide √ a reference for employment within last ten years
- a person who can attest to pastoral, spiritual and personal maturity
- current pastor
- former pastor
- Copies of sacramental records.
E. Applicants must complete a psychological screening and assessment
F. Requests will be reviewed by a selection committee established
by the
Archbishop
G. Applicants will be asked to read and sign policy statements of the
Archdiocese
H. Formal interviews:
- When references have responded and applicant’s file is complete,
an
interview is scheduled. - The interview team is comprised of a pastor/priest, a representative
from
the Pastoral Associates Advisory Board, a representative from the Office
of Pastoral Associates, and a Pastoral Associate. - Applicants will be informed of status:
- Certification
- Conditional certification may be granted for
a designated time limit
established by the interview team. Granting of full certification may depend on fulfillment of requirements stipulated by the interview team and or the Office of Pastoral Associates - Certification may be denied if all requirements have not been met
I. The Office of Pastoral Associates will be in contact with the pastor when
appropriate during the certification process.
J. Notification in writing will
be sent to applicants (and the pastor when
applicable) that certification is granted, or granted conditionally.
K. If certification cannot be granted, the title Pastoral Associate will no longer
be used. In those cases, titles such as “pastoral assistant,” “pastoral
Minister,” or coordinator of ________________” may be appropriate.
The Archdiocese recognizes that while some may not qualify for the title of
Pastoral Associate, they may have experience and training that qualifies
them for select ministerial roles in parishes.
L. Those who qualify to be certified and are awaiting certification may be
recognized as Pastoral Associates.
M. Certification is valid for five years. It can be renewed through a
re-certification process.
N. Applications for certification are accepted any time throughout the year.
O. A designated Archdiocesan committee will oversee procedures for:
- Renewal of certification
- Policy review and evaluation
- Changes in policy procedures when deemed necessary
P. The Office of Pastoral Associates will follow-up with those working toward certification.
N. B. Each Arch/diocese will determine the composition of the interview team. The Diocese of San Bernardino will include a representative of the Human Resource Department on its interview team.
