School for Pastoral Ministry

Apply for St. Francis de Sales School for Pastoral Ministry

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or couples who wish to grow in missionary discipleship as they encounter Jesus Christ through study, prayer, and service.
Lay ministers who would like to deepen their knowledge of God’s self-revelation, cultivate a robust spiritual life, and build their practical ministerial skills.

Catholic School teachers who want to enhance their Catholic identity through a deeper engagement with our spiritual and theological traditions.

Catechists and those interested in applying as Master Catechist candidates. Please check with the Diocese if interested in pursuing this certificate.

Registration Process

The School for Pastoral Ministry application is a three-step process:

Complete the application form (online form below OR print and submit a paper application)
Submit three letters of recommendation (download the form and provide it to each of the three individuals you list in your application):
- One personal recommendation
- Two from people in leadership positions in your parish or diocesan agency who would be able to comment about your potential for ministry (e.g. parish staff, parish council members, director of religious education, school principal, etc.) One of these letters must be from your pastor or parochial administrator.
- The recommendation letters submitted on your behalf must match the names of the three individuals you list in your application. Please give the Recommendation Form to each of them and have them email it directly to: spm@oakdiocese.org
Submit your qualifying documents:
- Email a copy of your Basic Catechetical Formation Certification received from Serra Catechetical Institute or Equivalent Basic Certification to spm@oakdiocese.org
- Email your signed Letter of Intent and Learning Covenant form to spm@oakdiocese.org

Cost & Payment Policies

When & Where

All classes take place at Holy Names School in Oakland.

Course begins: October 11, 2025
Course ends: September 2026

SPM meets one Saturday per month for three years. Using an adult-learning model, students take classes, which include lectures, discussions, reading, and theological reflection. They also pray together and participate in the sacraments and liturgies of the Church. Courses are tailored to meet the needs of the working professional. As participants engage with the course content, they are challenged to grow in intentional discipleship and missionary passion.

Program Withdrawal & Refund Policy

If you withdraw from the program up to sixty days after the class begins, you are eligible to receive a refund of any fees paid, minus a $100 non- reimbursable registration fee, and all associated credit card transaction fees. You also agree to return any unused books and pay for any books that you have marked on, or wish to keep.

You also agree to inform the Coordinator of the program of any difficulty in meeting the required payments, and that you will make the necessary arrangements to remedy the situation.

Scholarship Application

Become a Missionary Disciple

Saint Francis de Sales School for Pastoral Ministry (SPM) aids the formation of the Faithful of the Diocese of Oakland to help them realize the universal call to holiness. Centered on the constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and shaped by the vision of Pope Francis for the New Evangelization, this integrated set of courses is newly designed to form students to be “missionary disciples.” It provides formation in Christ-centered spirituality and prayer, a style of teaching that flows from and inspires transformation in Christ, and a missionary outlook focused on witnessing to the Gospel within our families, parishes, and the wider world.

The courses are designed to complement and build upon each other. In Year One, students deepen their knowledge of God and human existence through an exploration of biblical revelation; they also receive formation in Christian spirituality and prayer. Year Two moves on to explore the theological tradition and worship of the Church. Year Three prepares students to engage in the mission of evangelization within and around their parish communities.

program basics

Who: Any adult can register. Classes are presented in English and Spanish.

When: Once a month on Saturdays (except December and July) 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., beginning Oct. 11

Why: This three-year program covers scripture, church history, the creed, sacraments, moral theology, Catholic social teaching and more.

Cost: A $25 nonrefundable registration fee is due with application. The course fee of $550 is due at the first class session. Financial assistance is available.