The SSAP is only for students of diocesan initial formation
programs (lay or diaconate) who partner with STEP to provide
the theological component of the formation program. Its
aim is to provide diocesan formation directors a strong
assessment of the theological competency of their candidates
for ministry.
The SSAP employs a portfolio method of evaluation.
Select STEP courses are identified in the course catalog
as portfolio courses. In addition
to the course requirements, portfolio courses will include
an additional essay question. The essays must be three to
five pages in length. A complete assessment requires that
the student complete 10 essays over the duration of their
formation program.
The students will complete the required
courses and essays according to a schedule created by the
Diocesan Director in consultation with the Director of STEP.
There is some flexibility in this schedule, though, STEP
recommends a minimum number of essay questions from each
of the following course categories:
- Catholic Doctrine:
A minimum of two essays.
- Christian Life:
A minimum of one essay. Christian Conscience and Ethical
Dilemmas recommended.
- Church History: A
minimum of two essays. The History of Christianity:
The First Five Centuries recommended.
- Liturgy: A minimum
of two essays. At least one of the essays should be from
An Introduction to Sacraments or Eucharist:
Source and Summit of the Christian Life.
- Scripture: A minimum
of two essays. At least one essay from an Old Testament
course and at least one essay from a New Testament course.
Each essay submitted will be reviewed
and evaluated by either STEP’s Director, Associate
Director or Assistant Director. The evaluator’s comments
for each essay will be sent to the student electronically.
A copy of the comments can also be forwarded to the diocesan
director.
The essay and the evaluator’s comments
will be kept on file for the duration of the student’s
formation period. Once ten essays are compiled, the complete
file with a cover letter will be sent to the diocesan director.
The cover letter, which will be signed by STEP’s Director,
will include a recommendation of the candidate’s theological
competency. The candidate will be: 1) recommended; or 2)
not recommended.
In the case of lay ministry candidates, STEP evaluators
will use the National Certification Standards for Ecclesial
Lay Ministers as a guide. The primary focus will be
Certification Standard Three: Catholic Theology. In the
case of Diaconate Candidates, STEP evaluators will use the
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life
of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Overall,
general standards of grammar and style will also be evaluated.
It is the student’s
responsibility:
1) to know that they are going to be
assessed for theological competency;
2) to complete the required number
of courses and associated essays;
3) to e-mail or mail the essay to STEP
before the agreed upon deadline for each essay.
The fee for this assessment service is $525 per student.
The fee will be included in the first year’s invoice
but can be paid over the course of the relationship. A Memorandum
of Understanding will accompany the first year’s invoice.
It will be a double-signed document outlining the contours
of the relationship between STEP and the affiliated diocese.
To discuss the SSAP and other components
of diocesan affiliation, please contact:
Mr.
Thomas C. Cummings,
Director of STEP
Telephone: 574 631-8207
Toll-free: 866-425-STEP
