Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a Catholic liberal arts university, administered by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, which offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456. Thus, we are recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The Institute is a member of the Association of Graduate Programs in Ministry (AGPIM), the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM), and the National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA).

National Association of Catholic Chaplains

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries at IPM qualifies for certification standards of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. Click here for additional information.

National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

The National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM), the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL), and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) have developed competency-based certification standards for lay ecclesial ministers represented by their organizations. These standards were approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Certification and Accreditation in 2003.

The Institute in Pastoral Ministries designs its curricula in Pastoral Ministries and Pastoral Administration with strict attention to these standards. Our faculty provide alums, students, and administrators of the University with a statement of accountability to these National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers. This statement of accountability is updated annually around March 1. At that point faculty have completed their course-development for the upcoming academic year with careful reference to the standards. On request, the IPM can provide additional information to substantiate our faculty's assessments.

Students and alumni may use this statement of accountability to correlate their learning in IPM with specific requirements for evidence of professional and ecclesiastical competency by parishes, dioceses, and other pastoral agencies. Typically, students compile a professional portfolio to illustrate how their coursework and formational experiences satisfy academic and other requirements of the national standards. The certification-process is usually directed by diocesan authorities.

Academic coursework and formation are two among many sources of professional development. Other avenues to ministerial readiness include diocesan programs of study, qualified workshops, professional meetings, parish planning (administrative, liturgical, educational, ministerial), independent studies, publications, retreats, spiritual direction, and professional counseling.

To request a copy of IPM's statement of accountability to the national standards, please email Prof. Greg Sobolewski, Program Director, at gsobolew@smumn.edu.