About the program
The Diocese of Greensburg, in cooperation with the Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF), offers a robust formation
program for adults interested in growing in faith, deepening their knowledge of the faith, and in developing skills for ministry in faith formation. The Institute for Ministry Formation offers the highest quality of graduate education through courses taught by professors that are highly experienced and acclaimed for their excellence. This formation program, in collaboration with the Diocese of Greensburg, builds on the IMF’s Certificate in Catechesis (for more information see here) and provides some additional advantages:
- Formation workshops
- Fellowship and mutual support through a cohort of local participants
- Support from diocesan staff for integration into the pastoral priorities and mission of the Diocese
- Local offerings for retreats and spiritual direction
- Financial support
The successful completion of the Diocese of Greensburg program yields a certificate of completion in addition to the IMF’s Catechetics certificate. Graduates will be well positioned for official and unofficial participation in the evangelization and catechetical ministry of the Diocese of Greensburg.
Program Format: Online and In-Person
The program is offered with both online and in-person elements for the Diocese of Greensburg. Courses for the IMF’s Catechetics certificate are offered in a live, online format. Students are expected to log in and participate fully in weekly, interactive video-conferenced lectures as well as view shorter recorded lectures and complete discussion posts, write papers and take exams. There are also some courses that are offered in person across several Saturdays from 9am to 3pm with a break for lunch. These courses are hosted at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA.
Time Commitment and Schedule for Completion
The entire formation program requires two years to complete. Courses are scheduled for Thursday evenings in two successive time slots — 6:30-7:45pm and 8:00-9:15pm — in the fall and spring semesters on dates that follow the St. Vincent College calendar (the current calendar can be found here–roughly the last week of August to the first week of December and the third week of January to the first week of May). Some courses are also offered on some Saturdays during those semesters. Some Saturday Workshops and weekend retreats are also required as part of the additional formation offered by the Diocese of Greensburg.
Application for the program
Those interested in the Diocese of Greensburg Catechetical Formation Program should submit their application first to the Institute for Ministry Formation using the IMF’s secure online application. They must be sure to check the box for Diocese of Greensburg Catechetical Formation Program. After initially processing the application, viable candidates will be sent for an interview with the Diocese of Greensburg’s Office of Faith, Family and Discipleship. Upon acceptance, new students will be registered for fall classes and begin their journey to a deeper faith with the IMF and the Diocese of Greensburg.
Need Additional Financial Aid?
Once accepted to the Enlighten! program, keep in mind that Anselm Funds will be applied to cover 50% of your tuition each semester. If you are in need of additional funding, the IMF can offer a limited amount of need-based scholarship aid. To receive IMF financial assistance, you must complete an application EVERY semester that you take classes. Please consider your Anselm Funds contribution when requesting aid from the IMF (do not base your request on the full price of tuition when you are already receiving a 50% discount). To apply for financial aid, click here.
Further Information
Interested in joining Enlighten! in August 2025? Want to know more?
Join us for an informational session:
- Thursday, April 3 @ 7:00 PM Zoom only
- Sunday, May 4 @ 1:00 PM Zoom only
- Thursday, May 29 @ 7:00 PM in person at Saint Vincent Seminary or by Zoom
To register for one of these info sessions, please email Bobbie Anne Abson at bobbie.abson@stvincent.edu
For more information about the Diocese of Greensburg Catechetical Formation Program please contact:
Fr. Dan Carr (Phone: 724-837-0901 or email: dcarr@dioceseofgreensburg.org) or
Mrs. Elizabeth Haberstroh (Phone: 724-837-0901 or email: ehaberstroh@dioceseofgreensburg.org).