Saint Gregory Pastoral Ministry Program

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“The government of souls is the art of arts.”

“Ars est artium regimen animarum.”

—Saint Gregory the Great, The Book of Pastoral Care, ch. 1

Established in 2026 through a partnership between the Saint Vincent Center for Catholic Thought and Culture, Saint Vincent Campus Ministry, and local dioceses, the Saint Gregory Pastoral Ministry Program invites students to explore vocations in ministry and lives of faithful service. Through specialized coursework, hands-on ministerial experiences, and generous scholarship opportunities, it inspires and equips students to serve the Church while discerning their unique gifts and vocation.

Special Programs

Program Highlights

Coursework

Saint Gregory Fellows complete a 27-credit Pastoral Ministry Certificate, a unique, interdisciplinary course of study designed to prepare them for meaningful service in the Church. Combining theological depth with practical ministerial formation, the certificate equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to minister effectively in a variety of settings.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the certificate allows students to tailor their coursework to their individual interests, strengths, and vocational goals in a way that is both professionally enriching and spiritually meaningful.

Ministerial Practicum

A cornerstone of the program is the Ministerial Practicum, a semester- or year-long internship experience at a parish within the Diocese of Greensburg. Through this hands-on opportunity, students move beyond the classroom and encounter the daily realities of pastoral ministry firsthand.

Guided by experienced ministerial mentors, Saint Gregory Fellows participate in parish life, engage in theological reflection, and complete a ministry-focused project that connects their academic studies with practical service. The practicum provides a unique setting to bring theological study to life, discern vocational strengths, and gain valuable experience in ministry.

Careers

The program prepares graduates for leadership and service in:

Catholic education
Diocesan leadership
Evangelization
Faith formation
Nonprofit organizations
Parish administration
Social services
Stewardship and finance
Youth and young adult ministry
Other ministry-related fields

At the same time, the program is about more than career preparation. It invites students to discern how God is calling them to serve the Church and the world, whether as lay leaders, parents, priests, religious, or dedicated members of their future faith communities.

Why Saint Gregory?

Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540–604) is a fitting patron for the program. Born into a distinguished Roman family, Saint Gregory rose to become Prefect of Rome, the highest civil office in the city. Yet he left behind a promising political career to enter monastic life. His desire for prayer and contemplation, however, was soon enlisted for broader service: he was ordained a deacon, sent on a diplomatic mission to Constantinople, and eventually—despite his own resistance—elected pope during a period of profound social and political turmoil. As pope, he helped stabilize Rome during a devastating plague, negotiated with invading barbarians, reformed ecclesiastical administration, and initiated the mission that brought Christianity to England.

In addition to being a monk himself, Saint Gregory authored the Life of Saint Benedict, the principal ancient account of the saint whose vision continues to animate the mission of Saint Vincent College. Gregory also wrote the Book of Pastoral Care, often regarded as the first systematic work on pastoral ministry. More than fourteen centuries later, its reflections on leadership, spiritual formation, and the diverse needs of God’s people remain strikingly relevant. Through his integration of theological genius, administrative acumen, and pastoral charity, Saint Gregory the Great provides an enduring model for students preparing to serve the Church.

Scholarships

Saint Gregory Fellows receive annual scholarships of $2,000. Available to both incoming and current students, these scholarships are awarded in addition to Saint Vincent’s merit-based and need-based financial aid. Students may apply annually and remain eligible to receive the scholarship for up to four years.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in the Pastoral Ministry Certificate, have declared at least a minor in Theology, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students from the Diocese of Greensburg may also be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities through the Diocesan Anselm Fund. To apply, students will write a 500-1000 word essay on their interest in or experience of the program.