Certificate in Catholic Evangelization to Launch New Cohort in Fall 2020  

Cardinal Joseph Tobin celebrates with graduates from the Catholic Evangelization program.

With the Holy Father's words in mind, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) continues its collaboration with St. Paul Inside the Walls Catholic Center for Evangelization in Madison, New Jersey, offering a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Evangelization. Accepting applications for its 2020-2023 cohort, the program seeks to transform Catholics into effective evangelists, equipping them to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to their homes, parishes and local communities.

"With my background in psychology and sociology, I always thought I would return to that field of study in my secondary degree," says Eniola Honsberger, graduate of the program and director of family life for the Diocese of Paterson. "But the more I worked in my role within the Diocese of Paterson, the less I felt called to psychology. It was Father Paul Manning, director of St. Paul Inside the Walls, who recommended I go through the certificate program. I didn't take his advice right away, as I didn't feel called to that either at first. But the Holy Spirit ultimately moved me to want to start the program. I knew it was my time."

"This education has formed me spiritually, which has helped me with how I run my office, how I evangelize, and how I interact with my family." 
– Eniola Honsberger

The collaboration between ICSST and St. Paul Inside the Walls allows for either non-credit or credit bearing options. Six courses (18 graduate credits) vary in scope and focus on such topics as "Prayer, Discipleship and Community," "Biblical Call Narratives," and "The Parables of Jesus." Classes meet at St. Paul Inside the Walls on Tuesday evenings, with four Saturday sessions per year.

Should students decide to continue beyond the certificate, as Honsberger did, all 18 credits may be applied toward a Master of Arts in Theology or a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.

"My studies at ICSST inspired me to be a better person and a better thinker and gave me tools I wouldn't have grasped on my own without the wisdom and insight from the professors," says Honsberger. "This education has formed me spiritually, which has helped me with how I run my office, how I evangelize, and how I interact with my family."

The program plays an important role in the New Evangelization, which, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, calls all Catholics to "re-propose" the Gospel to those who have experienced a crisis of faith, while renewing their own relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Pope John Paul II was the first to urge Catholics to partake in this movement, and both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have followed in his footsteps.

To learn more about the program or to apply, click here or contact Elizabeth Vacchiano at [email protected]. And to view ICSST's full list of Fall 2020 courses, click here.

Categories: Faith and Service