Christifideles
A Program of Formation and Graduate Education for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Responding to Archbishop Etienne’s call to revitalize the crucial role of lay ministers in the Church, the Archdiocese of Seattle is calling forth qualified candidates, assisting in their discernment, providing human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation, and supporting them with continuing formation. We are collaborating with Catholic institutions to offer the opportunity to grow in their ability to serve the Church, and this program is supported through a generous grant from the St. Joseph Foundation of the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Certificate Programs
Christifideles offers in-depth 100 hour certificate programs in specific pastoral areas. These programs offer human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation, while examining ministry within our local context.
In January 2027, Christifideles is offering three certificate programs which include a mix of online and in-person classes, a retreat, opportunities for direct ministry, and more.
Parish Leadership
The 12-month Certificate in Parish Leadership is designed to equip leaders with the practical knowledge, leadership skills and spiritual foundation necessary to lead thriving parish communities. Participants will develop the competencies needed to strengthen parish operations, foster healthy ministry teams, steward resources responsibly and advance the Church's mission of evangelization and discipleship with confidence, wisdom and faithful leadership.
Pastoral Juvenil
(Taught in Spanish) This 12-month Certificate in Pastoral Juvenil is designed for participants to develop practical skills to conduct effective youth and young adult ministry in a Hispanic/Latino context within the Archdiocese of Seattle. Building on key learning from the rich experience of Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the U.S., this 100-hour curriculum integrates human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation, as well as a practicum to prepare participants for this ministry.
Learn more English | Spanish
Hispanic Ministry
(Taught in Spanish)
This 12-month certificate program equips participants with the practical skills and abilities necessary for effective ministry in a Hispanic context within the Archdiocese of Seattle. Drawing from key insights emerging from the rich Hispanic/Latino Ministry experience in the U.S., the curriculum includes formation in human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral skills as well as a pastoral practicum component.
Learn more English | Spanish
Certificate in Discernment and Pastoral Care
(Currently runs through November 2026) The Archdiocesan Certificate Program in Discernment & Pastoral Care is designed for individuals interested in deepening their call for missionary discipleship. Participants will engage the Christian Tradition to cultivate their pastoral, intellectual, spiritual, and human formation. Additionally, opportunities to minister in various pastoral settings and among diverse populations will be available during the summer months. The Archdiocese of Seattle accredits this 100-hour certificate program, which follows the initial programming of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. It runs from January through November 2026.
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Christifideles program offers a blended in person and online Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree through a partnership between the Archdiocese of Seattle and Saint Martin’s University.
During the 2-3 year course of study, students receive additional formation, connecting their academic coursework to the ministry context. This includes in-person days, a retreat, practicum experience, a final project, and more. Alongside an MTS degree, students earn a 100-hour certificate in Lay Ministry.
Next Cohort begins in January 2028 - Application opens early in 2027.
Partnership with Saint Martin's University
President William Brownsberger, STD – Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, DD, STL – Abbot Marion Q. Nguyen, OSB (Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography)
The Archdiocese of Seattle and Saint Martin's University embarked on a new partnership to support efforts in forming lay ecclesial ministers in our archdiocese in light of Partners in the Gospel. A record-number of graduate applications were received and the Christifideles Program welcomed 22 students to the MTS program at Saint Martin's University in January 2026.
Read the Northwest Catholic article here.
Questions
Kimberly Abadir