Programs of Study

Graduate Studies:
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry's Graduate Studies program offers courses leading to three degrees. The following degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting (Association of Theological Schools) and are registered with the New York State Department of Education:
 

  • Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

  • Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies

  • Master of Divinity

 

Degree programs prepare women and men for a variety of careers, including lay and ordained ministries, teaching, and the permanent diaconate. A full slate of courses (not exceeding a total of 15 per year) with the exception the Graduate Colloquium is also offered at our extension site in Albany.


For additional information about our graduate programs, please contact admissions@stbernards.edu (Rochester) or Kitty.Hanley@rcda.org (Albany).


Certification Program:
Students at St. Bernard’s Rochester location may pursue the non-degree Certification Program. This program provides an opportunity for students to explore the important issues of the Church today and to develop practical skills needed to effectively minister in important parish positions and ministries.

Students can enroll in one of four courses of study that will certify them in different areas of parish ministry:

 

 

Matriculate into a certificate program by downloading the Certification Program Application and Pastor/Pastoral Administrator Recommendation Form.  Return the completed forms to  Christina Schmidt, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid along with a payment of $20 made out to St. Bernard's.  


To obtain further information about the Certification Program please  contact Fr. George Heyman at (585) 271-3657 ext. 292, or email at gheyman@stbernards.edu.  

 

 

Continuing Education and Special Programming:

St. Bernard's continuing education offerings are designed to meet the needs of diocesan and parish staffs as well as ministers wishing to brush up on personal and professional skills. The Preaching Institute  offers opportunities to develop preaching skills through a variety of workshops and convocations. Other special events and guest speakers are hosted by The Brennan Goldman Institute, the Dioceses of Rochester and Albany and other community organizations.

 

For current offerings, please click here.

 

 

Permanent Diaconate

Working with the Diocese of Rochester, St. Bernard's offers a four-year formation program for men studying for the permanent diaconate.  The formation program consists of courses in scripture, theology and pastoral studies, spiritual and formational experiences, and field education.

Learn more:

Diaconate in the Diocese of Rochester

St. Stephen's Diaconal Community Association 

Formation at St. Bernard's


Contact Deacon John Brasley, Director of Deacon Formation, Office of Deacon Personnel, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, New York 14624; Phone 585.328.3228 ext. 1237, or email jbrasley@dor.org, or contact the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, admissions@stbernards.edu
 


Instituto Pastoral Hispano 

The mission of the Instituto Pastoral Hispano is to provide a formation program that is holistic, focused on all levels of human development, inclusive of all Spanish-speaking communities of the Diocese of Rochester, and comprised of a variety of academic and pastoral instruction.

 

Ofrecer un programa de formación que es a su vez integral, orientado a todos los niveles de desarrollo, inclusivo de todas las comunidades hispanoparlantes de la Diocesis de Rochester y consta de una variedad de preparaciones academicas y pastorales.  

 

2012 Course List/Lista de Cursos

 

For more information please contact Lynette Saenz, Director of the Instituto Pastoral Hispano at (585) 328-3228 ext. 1318 or Br. Juan Lozada, Coordinator of Hispanic Family Life at (585) 328-3228 ext. 1358.  You may also call and leave a message at (585) 271-3657 ext. 278.

 

To register for classes, please click here. 

 

Para registrarse en el Instituto Pastoral Hispano.