Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an action/reflection process of theological education that is grounded in a person-centered approach to spiritual ministry.

It is a process of learning by doing, with in-depth evaluation and reflection.

It is through the action/reflection process that the effectiveness of an individual's style of ministry in relation to theological perspectives, religious traditions and the needs of the persons are evaluated.

The insights and pastoral skills generated through this process are integrated into new experiences of ministry and learning.

Goals

The goals of the program are linked inexorably with the Carondelet values of Integrity, Compassion and Unity in an effort to integrate the academic with the practical, thinking with the feeling, theological with the psycho-social and one’s personal identity with one’s professional identity. These goals are achieved through a curriculum that includes:

• Verbal and written reports of on-call duty
• Theological Seminars based upon public worship experiences
• Didactic Seminars of medical knowledge and pastoral skills
• Interpersonal peer group interaction
• Case study verbatim presentations
• Individual supervision
• Patient/resident, family and staff ministry
• Evaluation of relationships by self, peers, staff and supervisor

Educational Experience

In this educational and clinical setting, CPE Chaplain Interns/Residents experience spiritual care for patients (in acute care), residents (in Long Term Care), families and the caregiver staff. As a member of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team a CPE student’s educational experience involves providing spiritual care to persons, families and staff who are in crisis. The ministry experience is then examined within the context of an ecumenical peer group, and in consultation with an experienced chaplain supervisor. Clinical study of pastoral relationships and small group discussions are the primary learning instruments for this action/reflection experience.

CPE Chaplains serve as a bridge to the community, as they meet with area clergy. They also serve the vital function of caring for the parishioners away from the comfort and security of their own homes, families and churches.

Most of all, the sharing among members of the CPE group makes Carondelet Health’s program especially meaningful as interns/residents learn how to give care and how to receive caring.

Programs

The Spiritual Care Services department of Carondelet Health offers varied programs of CPE that have been accredited by The National Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. The programs presently being offered through Carondelet Health CPE Center are:

Three-month Intensive CPE

This program provides an opportunity for the CPE Chaplain Intern to develop pastoral skills that can be adapted to a variety of pastoral settings. The focus of the program is the personal and professional maturation of the person as faith leader. This program requires the full time involvement of the intern:

Qualifications: Seminary students, faith leaders, clergy, religious and lay people with equivalent qualifications.
Tuition: $300.00
Stipend: none
Dates: June – August (equals one unit)

Thirty-week Extended CPE

This program involves one day per week in a classroom setting with the peer group, at least three on-call night duties, and is designed to serve the continuing education needs of faith leaders, to sharpen their skills in spiritual care, update their knowledge in ministry issues, and integrate their personal and professional maturation as leaders.

Qualifications: Faith leaders, clergy, pastors, students and new graduates of seminary or Bible college or lay people with equivalent qualifications.
Tuition: $300.00
Dates: October through May (equals one unit)

Twelve-month Residency CPE

This program provides an opportunity for the participant to serve as a member of the Spiritual Care Services staff, sharing spiritual care responsibilities with other members of the department. The residency year offers on-going personal and professional development. For those of varied levels of experience, Level I and Level II programs are offered concurrently.

Qualifications: Persons involved in ministry, seminary graduates and lay people with equivalent qualifications.
Tuition: $1200.00
Stipend: $20,022.00
Dates: September through August (equals four units)

Supervisory Education CPE

Supervisory Education provides an opportunity to learn the art of supervision and to move toward becoming an NACC or ACPE certified supervisor of CPE. The focus is on providing specialized skills regarding the process, strategies and methods of education of others in spiritual care ministry. This program is only for those persons with a well-defined sense of ministry and a compelling commitment to theological education. In addition to sharing, with staff chaplains, the spiritual care responsibilities, the supervisory resident will supervise full-time and extended unit programs of CPE. The minimum contract is for one year.

Tuition: $1200.00
Stipend: $21,328.00