Mission Statement:

The Institute for Pastoral Ministry (IPM) supports the Diocese of Orange in the mission of Evangelization. In a World where there are great diversities (cultural, generational, economic, social and spiritual), the importance of continuous formation of Lay Ministers is vital. Therefore, the Institute seeks to provide opportunities in Lay Ministry Formation leading to various certification programs. The Institute seeks to cultivate and support this formation through spiritual, theological and pastoral formation studies. It also seeks to equip the local communities of faith to broaden the impact of the Gospel through collaboration with other parishes, academic institutions and other dioceses.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to complete your Basic Certification or chose from a variety of workshops to recertification hours! Sessions offered during Summer Institute are open to all adults. We especially welcome Catechists, Catholic School Educators, Youth Ministers, Confirmation Coordinators, Faith Formation Ministers and Volunteers.

Scholarship Information

Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance. Scholarship can be applied to Basic Certification, Basic Recertification, courses at Marywood and Summer Institute session / courses. The deadline for scholarship applications for Summer Institute is June 4, 2012.

Click here for Scholarship Application.

Basic Certification & Recertification Information

Basic Certification Guidelines & Application 
  Basic Certification & Recertification   - Updated May 14, 2012

*The University of Dayton Online Course Equivalencies for Basic Certification are listed on page 2 of Basic Certification Guidelines.

Basic Recertification Guidelines

*Old forms used in certification and recertification process will no longer be accepted by the IPM Office. Non-compliance with these guidelines will result in delayed certification.

Master Catechist Certification Program Information

Master Catechist Certification Information

University of Dayton Online Classes

2012 Equivalencies 2012 UD Equivalencies for Basic Recertification

2012 UD Equivalencies for Master Catechist Certification

For the 2012 University of Dayton Schedule, click here.

The next cycle begins on May 20, 2012. Registration closes May 16, 2012.

2012 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress

2012 RE Congress Equivalencies for Recertification

*In order to receive credit for recertification, you must hold a valid certification. A copy of the 2012 Program Card / Ticket Stub or registration confirmation showing the workshops must be submitted to our office by mail to emailed to Cecilia Phi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by June 30, 2012.