Hispanic Ministry Certificate Approved by Board of Regents

A certificate of authorization from the University System of Ohio Board of Regents has officially authorized the Josephinum to grant a Hispanic Pastoral Ministry Certificate. The certificate program is open to both non-Hispanic and Hispanic seminarians, and equips them with the skills necessary for priestly ministry to Hispanic Catholics.

The Josephinum was one of the first seminaries in the country to develop a program for Hispanic Ministry formation, recognizing that future priests must be equipped with the skills necessary to be spiritual guides for the growing number of Hispanic Catholics in the United States.

 In addition to extensive Spanish language requirements, seminarians working towards the certificate must complete a summer immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country or Hispanic parish in the United States, in addition to one year of apostolic field work in a Hispanic parish/community in the Columbus diocese prior to diaconate ordination. They must also complete two courses  which focus on: administering the sacraments in Spanish; homiletics; Hispanic popular religiosity in the United States; hearing Spanish/bilingual confessions; presenting catechetical texts in Hispanic, bilingual, and bicultural contexts; door-to-door evangelization; speaking to Hispanic youth groups; establishing dialogue in family ministry; and prison ministry. The final requirement is one year of weekend diaconal ministry at a bilingual parish community in the Columbus diocese.

 “As the founder of two Hispanic communities in Columbus area parishes and as a volunteer working in these communities, I am acutely aware of the great need for priests who can minister to Hispanic Catholics in the U.S. in its multiple aspects,” said Dr. Amell. “Our program is unique in its focus on all the practical aspects of ministry to Hispanic Catholics in the United States and, as such, fills a significant gap in seminary education.”