School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization
Forming the next generation of parish leaders for service to God and His people.
Parish Ministry Programs
There are any number of universities where you can study theology and facts about the Church. But the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, founded in 1844, includes Mundelein Seminary, which means the formation of priests; and this makes all the difference. That’s because we will provide you with an integral formation that focuses on helping you grow spiritually, pastorally, intellectually, and in those human qualities critical for ministry. That’s the USML difference!
Are you passionate about serving your parish community and making a positive impact? We provide academic courses and formative experiences for those seeking to build the Kingdom of God in our world. A Certificate of Lay Leadership or Certification as a Catechetical Coordinator is your gateway to enhancing your skills, deepening your faith, and becoming a confident leader within the Catholic Church.
Our certificate programs are open to all individuals who are passionate about their faith and eager to contribute to the Church’s mission. Our certificates involves academic courses that are offered at various locations in the Archdiocese of Chicago and monthly formation days on the USML campus in Mundelein.
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Learn more about each of our Parish Ministry Certificates:
Lay Leadership Program
Forming Faithful Leaders for a Life of Service
The Lay Leadership Program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is a two-year journey of spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation rooted in the Catholic Tradition. Designed for adult learners, this program equips the laity with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve more effectively in ministry and deepen their understanding of the faith.
Whether you’re a parish volunteer, a lifelong learner seeking Catholic enrichment, or a religious novice preparing for future service, this program offers a rigorous yet accessible path toward personal growth and ecclesial leadership.
Graduates of the program earn a Certificate of Studies from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, affirming their commitment to the Church and readiness to lead with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
This program is designed for people seeking to:
- Grow in their faith and spirituality
- Grow as human persons in the Divine Image as a Missionary Disciple.
- Engage in deep, systematic study of the Scriptures, Church History, Catholic Doctrine, the Sacraments, and the Catechism
- Take classes with top scholars and Archdiocesan leaders, including faculty from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake
- Develop confidence and practical skills for active participation in the life of the Church
- Participate in a cohort, learning in a supportive community and building valuable relationships with other Catholics who are passionate about their faith
Academic Overview
Classes consist of lecture, small and large group discussions as well as written integration assignments. While this is a non-graded program, students are evaluated at the end of each course as to their successful completion and comprehension of the content, both academically as well as personally and pastorally.
Classes meet weekly on Monday evenings throughout the academic year. Locations include:
- University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein
- Various sites around the Archdiocese of Chicago
- Remote learning to be determined based on enrollment
Academic Courses include:
- Skills in Ministry – Year I
- Old Testament – Year I
- New Testament – Year I
- Church History – Year II
- Liturgical and Sacramental Theology – Year II
- Spirituality – Year II
Formation Component
Participants join together on one Saturday each month for a Formation Day of prayer, input, and reflection. Many graduates reflect upon Formation Days with fond memories of insightful conversation, intellectual growth, and a renewed sense of belonging. These monthly Formation Days begin with Mass at 8:30 am and conclude at 4:00 pm.
The formation process engages students in the four dimensions of ministry formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.
Catechetical Coordinator
Forming Faithful Leaders to Teach, Lead, and Inspire
The Catechetical Coordinator Program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is a one-year, in-person formation experience designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in parish catechesis and evangelization.
Building on the foundation of the Lay Leadership Program (or equivalent formation), this certification equips participants with the theological knowledge, pastoral skills, and spiritual depth needed to coordinate and lead effective faith formation programs at the parish level.
Ideal for those seeking employment or advancement in parish ministry, this program blends academic study with hands-on formation to empower lay leaders to form others in the Catholic faith with clarity, creativity, and fidelity.
Courses are offered in the following formats:
This program is designed for people seeking to:
- Grow in their faith and spirituality.
- Grow as human persons in the Divine Image as a Missionary Disciple.
- Engage in deep, systematic study of Christology/Evangelization, Ecclesiology/Mission, and Pastoral Theology.
- Take classes with top scholars and Archdiocesan leaders, including faculty from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
- Develop confidence and practical skills for active participation in the life of the Church.
- Participate in a cohort, learning in a supportive community and building valuable relationships with other Catholics who are passionate about their faith.
Academic Overview
Classes consist of lecture, small and large group discussions as well as written integration assignments. While this is a non-graded program, students are evaluated at the end of each course as to their successful completion and comprehension of the content, both academically as well as personally and pastorally.
Classes meet weekly on Monday evenings throughout the academic year. Central Location is TBD based on student location.
Academic Courses:
- Christology/Evangelization
- Ecclesiology/Mission
- Pastoral Theology
Formation Component
The formation process engages students in the four dimensions of ministry formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.
All students begin the year with an Orientation Day on August 25, 2024 and an Opening Retreat weekend September 13 – 14, 2024.
In addition to the annual retreat, participants join together on one Saturday each month for a Formation Day of prayer, input, and reflection. Many graduates reflect upon Formation Days with fond memories of insightful conversation, intellectual growth, and a renewed sense of belonging. These monthly Formation Days begin with Mass at 8:30 am and conclude at 4:00 pm.
About Us
At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, “Tradition” is deeply rooted in our long history as a center for Catholic theological education and formation. Established in 1844, it is one of the oldest Catholic universities and seminaries in the United States. The university’s tradition is characterized by its commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, and human formation of its students, preparing them for service in the Church.
The School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization (SPLE) offers lay leadership programs to help students grow in faith, knowledge, and Catholic intellectual tradition to prepare them for service in their parishes, neighborhoods, and families. Students at the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization learn about faith and go on to serve the church and its people in a ministerial or leadership role.
At the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization you’ll find:
Tradition
Established in 1844, USML is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States committed to the intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation of our students, preparing them for service in the Church.
Spiritual Growth
We provide a holistic approach to spiritual growth, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also spiritually enriched and ready to serve the Church and His people with a deep, vibrant faith.
Community
Being part of our community means joining a vibrant, faith-filled environment dedicated to the holistic formation of our university. As a student, you become part of a long tradition of excellence in Catholic theological education
Broad Horizons
Your intellectual curiosity, spirituality, and pastoral readiness will be cultivated while you prepare to make a lasting impact on the Church and its people, guided by the knowledge, faith, and experiences you gain.
Expert Faculty
Many of the same professors who teach seminarians also teach our students. You can be assured that what you learn at USML is in conformity with authentic Catholic doctrine from the heart of the Church.
Pathway to Service
At USML we honor the tradition of pastoral formation, equipping future priests and lay leaders with the practical skills and pastoral sensitivity needed to serve effectively in their ministries.
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