Certificate in Evangelization (CE)
“You must not hide your talent in a napkin, or your light under a bushel. I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold, and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it. I want an intelligent and well-instructed laity… I wish you to enlarge your knowledge, to cultivate your reason, to get an insight into the relation of truth, to learn to view things as they are, to understand how faith and reason stand to each other, what are the bases and principles of Catholicism.”
- St. John Henry Newman, Present Positions of Catholics in England
Included in St. Bernard's Certificate Programs is the Certificate in Evangelization, which aims to equip Catholics to be luminous witnesses to Christ in the world through deepened conversion of the mind. It is comprised of six courses and is carried out over two years, featuring three courses each year. Students sign up for courses one at a time; students who elect to continue through the full program will belong to a cohort that begins each fall. The program is led by priests of the Saint John Society, a congregation founded in Argentina two decades ago to preach afresh the Good News, in partnership with St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.
Program Overview
New cohorts of certificate students begin each fall. While we encourage students to take courses with their cohort, we welcome those who need to complete the program at a different pace or who would only like to take individual courses.
Courses will include a mixture of lectures, discussions, readings, and writing assignments. Course participation can be completed synchronously or asynchronously via Zoom videoconferencing. Discussions are held synchronously via Zoom. Volunteer Missionaries and Mercy Missionaries of the Saint John Society meet with their discussion groups in person.
We take Newman’s comments as a mission statement and humbly add the summons to go forth boldly on Christ’s behalf! We hope that this certificate serves as an instrument to form well-instructed missionary disciples who will be salt and light in the world, both by their witness of life and through their explicit proclamation of the New Life in Christ.
Fall 2026 Course:
CE203 – Kerygma: Content and Proclamation (Fr. Ignacio Llorente, S.T.L., with the Saint John Society)
During this class we will study the basic stages of the history of salvation: creation, fall, redemption (including the redemptive death of Jesus and his victory and glorification through his resurrection), and our response to what God has done for us in Jesus (faith and sacraments). These four stages entail what it is known as the kerygma, the essential content of the Christian proclamation. The kerygma is also the kernel of the Christian worldview.
(1 academic credit)
Online
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Is This Program Right for You?
The CE is designed for those discerning or actively engaged in missionary work, evangelization, parish ministry, catechesis, and other forms of service to the Church. It is ideal for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith while developing the theological and practical foundation needed to share the Gospel effectively in today’s world. The program is especially suited for those considering missionary service, further graduate studies, or a greater role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. -
Is This Program Accessible for Distance Learners?
Yes! The program is accessible to students worldwide through St. Bernard’s streamlined distance education platform. Courses are taught live once weekly, and feature engaging professors, expert guest lecturers, and opportunities for faculty/student discussion and interaction, all supported by user-friendly technology.
Core Courses and Requirements
The required courses meet for 10 consecutive weeks. The First Year begins with an introduction to evangelization, examining the Church as a missionary body in dialogue with the core tenets and approaches of the Catholic faith. The Second Year applies and deepens the principles developed in the first, and relates the transformational impetus of the missionary call to the person and mission of Jesus Christ.
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CE101 – The Missionary Church (Fall, 1 Credit)
In many ways the heart of the certificate program, this course begins from the adage: “The Church does not have a mission, but the mission has the Church.” This course provides the theoretical and practical foundations for the apostolate of the New Evangelization. It presents: (1) the final end of the mission of the Church (kerygmatic proclamation that leads people to faith and life in Christ), (2) the stages of the mission of the Church throughout history, (3) a theological and practical understanding of the process of conversion, (4) the need for and significance of developing a Christian worldview, and (5) the core elements essential for the mission of the Church (preaching, teaching, personal influence, and the unique features of the mission of the layperson in the world). -
CE102 – Christian Anthropology (Winter, 1 Credit)
The encounter with Christ is the most powerful agent of change there is. It is what enables a person to enter a new situation in Christ. Yet, entering this new situation does not mean that one’s natural self is left behind – rather, grace builds upon nature. In order to grow spiritually and to bring the gospel to others, it is important to understand how human nature functions and is receptive of the higher gift of life in the Spirit. Accordingly, this course will first present the different powers of the soul, focusing particularly on the interaction between reason and passions. It will then describe the different existential states of human nature – original, fallen, redeemed, and glorious. Finally, it will articulate the contrast between Christian personalism and secular dualism, analyzing their respective implications in the different aspects of human life -
CE103 – Christology (Spring, 1 Credit)
This course explores the person of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. True God: attributes of the divine essence; the divine missions and the missions of the Son. True Man: the Incarnation; how to speak of Christ; the human nature of Christ; the grace of Christ; knowledge and love of Christ; the weaknesses of Christ; Christ as head and mediator; the mysteries of the life of Christ; the many ways in which Christ saves us. 1 Credit. -
CE203 – Kerygma: Content and Proclamation (Fall, 1 Credit)
During this class we will study the basic stages of the history of salvation: creation, fall, redemption (including the redemptive death of Jesus and his victory and glorification through 29 his resurrection), and our response to what God has done for us in Jesus (faith and sacraments). These four stages entail what is known as the Kerygma, the essential content of the Christian proclamation. The Kerygma is also the kernel of the Christian worldview. -
CE201 – The Morality of the New Life (Winter, 1 Credit)
This course explores the morality of the New Life in Christ, following the kerygma, looking first at how we are created in God’s image and what that means for our fullness of life, how the reality of sin impacts our becoming who we are, and how Jesus Christ is both the ideal and the source of this New Life we receive in Him. It will explore how we make moral decisions and the virtues that lead us to fullness of life. -
CE202 – Introduction to Sacred Scripture (Spring, 1 Credit)
Students will learn the practical building blocks and essential theoretical principles for a Catholic theological approach to the interpretation of Sacred Scripture. Topics treated include biblical geography, biblical history, biblical languages, biblical narrative, the framework of theology, textual criticism, historical criticism, biblical canon, patristic interpretation, the four senses of Scripture, philosophical hermeneutics, and Dei Verbum. -
St. John Henry Newman (Summer, Non-credit)
In addition to completing the six courses noted above over a two-year period, students are required to attend the St. John Henry Newman Symposium, offered each summer, in both years of the program. Although the Symposium is non-credit, participation in both years is an essential requirement for completing the Certificate in Evangelization.
Frequenty Asked Questions
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1. What is the Certificate in Evangelization?
The Certificate in Evangelization is a two-year theological and missionary formation program offered by St. Bernard’s in partnership with the Saint John Society. It is designed to help Catholics deepen their faith, grow in theological understanding, and become effective witnesses of the Gospel. The program consists of six courses spread over two years. -
2. Why should I choose the Certificate in Evangelization program?
You should choose this program if you want to strengthen your understanding of Catholic theology, grow spiritually, and learn how to share the faith effectively in everyday life. The program emphasizes both education and personal formation, aiming to develop “missionary disciples” and “luminous witnesses” of Christ. -
3. What is the application process for the Certificate in Evangelization?
Applicants complete the online application form available on St. Bernard’s web-site. After submission, they receive an email confirmation with instructions to fin-ish the application process, and the Director of Admissions contacts them with next steps. -
4. What documents are required for the Certificate in Evangelization application?
Prospective students must include the following when submitting their application:
· A completed online application
· A personal statement
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5. What are the deadlines for admission to the Certificate in Evangelization program?
September 17th is the application deadline for Fall 2026. -
6. What are the eligibility criteria for the Certificate in Evangelization?
The program is intended for individuals interested in Catholic theological formation and evangelization. It is also open to adults seeking deeper faith formation and missionary training. -
7. What is the St. John Henry Newman Symposium?
The Symposium is a half-day gathering of Certificate in Evangelization students and others who are interested in exploring a topic related to the thought St. John Henry Newman. It is held in June in a location near Portland, OR. Attendance is optional for CE students.
The Certificate in Evangelization aims to provide an opportunity for theological and missional formation at a reasonable cost to the participant. The cost per course is $200 plus a $20 technology and registration fee, totaling $220. In sum, the entire certificate will cost the participant $1,320. Auditing is available at a lower cost, but students are permitted to audit only a single course, given that the audit option is conceived as a means of discerning participation in the program.
Students interested in applying for this program can complete the online application by clicking below. Applicants interested in starting this program in Fall 2026 must apply by September 17th, 2026.
