Non-Degree and Certificates

FST offers a number of options for students who wish to advance their education without enrolling in a full degree program. These include certificate programs, individual courses, and a special program just for alumni.

See Apply to FST for more information about applying for our special programs.

 

Those seeking ordination will be required to earn a Master of Divinity plus a 19.5-unit Certificate in Priestly Formation in the sciences and skills necessary for ordination. Note that completion of the MDiv and Certificate does not entitle the recipient to ordination. Admission to ordination is the decision of local diocesan ordinaries or superiors of religious orders who may have further requirements or expectations.

Special Requirements for Admission

Ordination candidates must present:

  • A letter of approval from their ordinary or religious superior
  • A certificate of completion issued by the applicant’s ordinary or religious superior stating that the applicant has taken a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of undergraduate philosophy or its equivalent as prescribed by the USCCB Program for Priestly Formation

Curriculum of the Certificate in Priestly Formation

The objective of this program is to provide a culturally focused formation of pastoral leaders, both professional staff and volunteer lay, who serve the growing number of Asian Pacific Islander Catholic communities around the United States.

We will look at immigration histories, cultural and religious practices, and Catholic teachings and traditions, from the API perspective. We will also unpack the US Bishops’ document, Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters, to see what practical guidance it offers for those working on the ground with API communities.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will:

  1. Know the immigration history, religious practices, and sociological challenges of API Catholics in the US;
  2. Have a broad overview of Catholic teachings and theology as well as church history and  structure, scripture, liturgy, catechesis, and API immigration history in the US;
  3. Be able to more effectively understand the needs of API Catholic communities;
  4. Be better equipped to implement culturally effective ministerial strategies for various API communities.

Click this link to register.

Program Dates: January 2025-November 2025

Course Modality: Online meetings twice per month +­­ one in-person closing session in Oceanside, California in November 2025.

Certificate Completion Requirement: 

    • Attend the in-person gathering

    • Attend all on-line meetings

    • Complete all course assignments. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a final pastoral project proposal, addressing a topic of API ministry, to be chosen by the student and approved by the program directors.

­­Tuition:

$1,200 (includes accommodations for the in-person gathering in November)

Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Schedule:

Thursdays @ 5-6:30pm (PT)/8-9:30pm (ET)

    • Topic 1: Thursday January 9 & 16

    • Topic 2: Thursday February 6 & 20

    • Topic 3: Thursday March 6 & 20

    • Topic 4: Thursday April 3 & 10

    • Topic 5: Thursday May 1 & 15

    • Topic 6: Thursday June 5 & 19 (no July meetings)

    • Topic 7: Thursday August 7 & 21

    • Topic 8: Thursday September 4 & 18

    • Topic 9: Thursday October 2 & 16

    • Topic 10 will be during our mandatory IN-PERSON gathering on November 2-5, 2025 at Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center in Oceanside, California.

Click here to view last year’s topics and course schedule (2023-2024)

Program Directors:

  • Fr. Linh Hoang, OFM, PhD
  • Ms. Eunice Park, MTS, MAMC

Are You Longing to Grow in Your Catholic Faith?

This program is designed to provide a culturally focused formation of Latino/a Catholics as pastoral leaders, who serve the growing number of Hispanic communities in Southern California. Emerging from the directives of the V Encuentro and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, it will provide a foundation in Catholic teachings and traditions, cultural and religious practices, and the Church’s role in our present times. Students will be given opportunities to grow in their faith through reflection on their experiences in light of the teachings of the church, in a supportive and welcoming community of faith.

WHO SHOULD COME?

  • Latino/a adults of all ages over 18 in the San Diego area
  • No previous experience necessary
  • Sessions will be in English; conversations can be in English or Spanish

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. Articulate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the Catholic faith.
  2. Reflect on life experiences through the teachings of the Church and Scripture.
  3. Engage in dialogue on the role of the laity in Church ministry today.
  4. Build community with others on a similar path.

WHEN AND WHERE

Tuesdays twice a month starting September 2024

Click here to view the course curriculum and meeting dates

6:30-8 pm at the Diocese of San Diego Pastoral Center: 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117

MODALITY

  • Presentation combined with small group conversations
  • Participants will be provided with all needed materials plus references for further exploration

COST

  • $100, payable $50 at registration and $50 due January 31, 2025
    • Participants under 40 years of age pay only $75 ($50 at registration and $25 by January 31, 2025)

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ, PhD.

Clelia Sallaberry, M.A.

For more info email: hispanicministry@fst.edu

Click here to register