South Canaan, Pennsylvania, November 2, 2023
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Prison ministry has long been part of priestly formation in the Master of Divinity program at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
And now, the seminary, a fully accredited institution of the Orthodox Church in America, is teaming up with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) to offer a new certificate program that “provides clergy and lay volunteers that are interested in prison ministry with the necessary knowledge and experience to effectively lead and support people in prison,” OCPM reports.
The program combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills “to ensure participants develop an Orthodox approach to the unique challenges faced in correctional settings.”
Graduates will receive a unique certificate, which will help them more easily find volunteer or career opportunities in correctional facilities.
The semester-long program covers five broad themes, with lessons delivered through in-person sessions, online lectures, virtual discussion, and practical discussions. The program also includes a 7–10-day residency component at St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary, which is located just minutes from a major prison.
Lessons include:
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Introduction to the Prison Landscape
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The Broken Person Seeking Truth
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Pastoral Care in Correctional Settings
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Family and Parish Trauma from Incarceration
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Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
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Immersive learning (residency)
During the residency, students will make daily visits to SCI Waymart to practice “the ministry of presence,” talking and praying with inmates.
Program instructors include Fr. Stephen Powley, Co-Director of Training and Spiritual Care for OCPM, who has been serving in prisons for nearly 40 years; Fr. John Kowalczyk, Director of Field Education at St. Tikhon’s, who also has nearly 40 years of prison ministry to his credit; and others.
Tuition for the prison ministry certificate program costs $2,800, plus a $1,000 residency fee (meals and housing), though financial aid may be available.
Visit the site of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry to learn more and apply for the certificate program.
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