YMCP Frequently asked Questions
- How does the Certificate Program work? The Youth Ministry Certificate Program
is a nationally recognized ministry program presented by the Center for
Ministry Development (www.cmdnet.org)and hosted locally by the
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (www.snows.org). It consists of
eight courses split into two cycles. Here at the Shrine we offer courses
four weekends per year. After completion of all eight courses, you may
complete the homework and pay a one time fee of $25 to the Center for Ministry
Development to have your paper read and evaluated to receive a certificate
in youth ministry studies. Homework is due by September 15 following
completion of your eighth course. - Do I have to take all eight courses at once or in any particular order?
While there is a Cycle I and a Cycle II the courses are designed so that
you may join at anytime. Some students finish in two years, while other take
longer. Remember, your homework is not due until September 15 following your
last class. - What if I miss a class? You may wait until the class is offered again at the Shrine
or you may go to the CMD's website (www.cmdnet.org) to find the same course
at another site. This is a national program and there are host sites all
around the country. - How do I register? Print a downloadable form and mail to: Shrine Youth Ministry, 442 S. DeMazenod Dr. Belleville, IL 62223
- Why register in advance? The Center for Ministry Development requires that we order our books at least two weeks in advance. To insure that we have enough books and a large enough meeting space for all participants we ask that you register early.
- How soon should I register? As soon as possible, but at least 3 weeks before the class when we order books.
- What is the cost to attend a course? Cost: $215.00 includes tuition, books, handouts, continental breakfast and Sunday lunch. If additional participants from the same school/parish choose to share books, the fee for the first additional participant is $145 and $60 per participant after that. Again, individuals do not have to take all eight courses. This pricing scale for parish teams is to encourage you to occasionally bring members of your parish team to a course that may suit their particular area of ministry interest.
- My parish is paying for part of my tuition. Can I just send in their portion as my deposit? Sure, just as long as we receive at least $50 for the deposit. Some participants prepay their entire tuition.
- Can I register after the three-week-prior-to-class registration deadline? We must cut off registration at 40. It is most likely that there would be room in the class, but books and handouts may not be available to you. If you register late and we need to order more books after the regular order has been placed, you may be charged for rush postage and handling.
- When is the rest of the tuition due? The balance of the tuition is due the Saturday morning of class. Checks should be made out to "Shrine of Our Lady of Snows". We regret that we cannot bill you or your parish/school. If you want to pay with a credit card, please call our administrative assistant at 618.394.6272 and she can take your payment over the phone.
- What's included in the tuition? Professional classroom instruction, books, handouts, binders, continental breakfasts, and Sunday lunch.
- I need a room for the weekend. Is that extra? How do I make those arrangements? While some students commute to class each day or stay with friends, many students stay at the Shrine Hotel. This is not included in the tuition. To reserve a room, call the Shrine Reservations department at 618.394.6300 or 1.800.682.2879. Be sure to identify yourself as a YMCP Participant to get a discounted rate. At certain times of the year our hotel is often full so it is best if you register early.
- What about meals? Continental breakfasts and Sunday lunch are included in your registration. Saturday lunch and dinners are on your own. Many students eat at the Shrine Restaurant where they serve an excellent Soup & Salad bar and a selection of entrees starting at around $7.50. Participants may also bring their own lunch and enjoy a picinc on our beautiful grounds or there are fast food places nearby. You are also welcome to bring snacks and drinks to class for yourself and/or to share.
- What do I need to bring? Notepad, pen/pencil, personal cup or mug for drinks, and if you like snack/drinks. You may also want to bring a sweater or sweatshirt for the conference room as temperature may vary.
- What are the class times? Each weekend runs from 8:30 am-4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday morning, plan to arrive around 8:00am to get registered and settled in with continental breakfast before class begins. Individual instructors may suggest modifications to the schedule with participants' input.
- Is there Sunday Mass? Participants are welcome to attend the Shrine's 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening. During the last course each Spring we do offer a private Mass to celebrate with those students who have completed all eight courses. We do include a brief commissioning prayer during the Mass. Participants are encouraged to attend in support of their classmates. Families of the students who have completed eight courses are invited to attend this mass as well.
- Where are the classes held? The Banquet Center of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Snows in Belleville, IL. Driving directions.