www.scs.edu

Certificate Program of Proficiency in

Pastoral Spanish

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

St. Charles Seminary is preparing men tomeet people in the culturally diverse communitieswhere they will serve as deacons and priests. TheCertificate Program of Proficiency in PastoralSpanish verifies competency in Spanish,understanding of cultural matters and expertise inpastoral work. This comprehensive programprepares deacons for pastoral work and aidsbishops in their placement of newly-ordainedpriests.

Fr. Gus Puleo is the SpanishCertificate Program Coordinator

“Whenever we encounteranother person in love ofGod and others, we learnsomething new aboutGod. We have to becomecourageous Catholicsand seek out those toevangelize who are theflesh of Jesus Christ.”

~ Pope Francis

Requirements

Students enroll at the beginning of II Theology. The following must be completed to obtain theProficiency in Pastoral Spanish Certificate:

• Beginning, intermediate and two advancedSpanish courses (or the equivalent), to include thePastoral Spanish course offered at Saint CharlesSeminary.

• A study abroad program in a Spanish-speakingcountry is required (or the equivalent).

• Participation in two Hispanic parish apostolates (orthe equivalent), performed weekly on Thursdays.

• A written comprehensive exam in language andculture, completed in the fall of IV Theology.

• An oral comprehensive exam (half hour in length)in Spanish language and culture with a giventheme, completed in the fall of IV Theology.

Goals

The Pastoral Spanish curriculum builds pertinentskills that help deacons and priests connect withpeople in real ways and through real life events.Upon completion, students are able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in all five linguistic skillsof reading, writing, speaking, listening andculture.

• Celebrate the Sacraments in Spanish.

• Preach in Spanish.

• Teach in Spanish for parish programs, such asRCIA, Bible study, Pre-Jordan and Pre-Cana.

• Connect to the faithful in written Spanish inChurch bulletins, letters of eligibility and parishwebsites.

• Understand reverent traditions that are pertinentto weddings, baptisms, presentations andquinceañeras.

Granting of the Certificate

To achieve the Proficiency in Pastoral SpanishCertificate, a minimum grade of 3.5 (B+) must beattained for each program goal, met throughoutthe academic career of the student during hisformation in the Seminary Theologate. Also, a3.5 (B+) grade must be earned on both thewritten and oral comprehensive exams.

With the Proficiency in Pastoral SpanishCertificate, deacons and priests will be able towork successfully in Hispanic parish ministry with“feligreses” through the celebration of the liturgyand Sacraments, and the many parish programsthat support the life of the local Church and thesurrounding community.

For more information about the Pastoral Spanishprogram or about how to apply, please contact:

Father Gus PuleoProgram CoordinatorTel: (610) 272-1408Email: guspuleo@yahoo.com