Intro
CMFP info
The mission of the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) is to serve the Diocese of San Bernardino and its parishes by providing quality education and formation to adults, those seeking personal faith enrichment, ministerial leadership, and those inquiring about Permanent Diaconate. Based on both the “Diocesan Vision” and the USCCB “National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service,” the institute aims to prepare all to be true Disciples of Christ and faithful representatives of the Church.
PMFP
The Parish Ministers Formation Program also known as PMFP is a six month program. PMFP is the basic theological formation program created by Most. Rev. Bishop Gerald R. Barnes in 1998.
CMFP
The Continuing Ministry Formation Program, also known as CMFP is an advanced theological formation program. Created in 2002 by Most Rev. Bishop R. Gerald Barnes.
Institutional Partnerships
As of 2019, the Ministry Formation Institute became certified through the U.S. Conference of Bishops subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service.
As of February 2020, the Ministry Formation Institutes, CMFP program became accreditated by AETH.
AETH (Association for Hispanic Theological Education), a network of people and institutions. They promote and certify the quality of Hispanic theological educational programs and contribute to the development of the leadership of women and men who strengthen our communities.
For individuals wishing to pursue a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministries, Santa Clara University is pleased to offer an online blended program where courses are taught through a combination of face-to-face, video conferencing, and online experiences.
Many of our diocesan employees, parish staff, and parishioners have taken advantage of this wonderful program.
For more information, please contact
Lynne Lukenbill at (408)554-4831
The Diocese of San Bernardino has partnered with Loyola Marymount University's Center for Religion and Spirituality. Whether you are a minister, social worker, or catechist, the LMU Center for Religion and Spirituality has something for you.
INTRO to CMFP
The introductory and intermediate formation course also known as Intro to CMFP began in the summer of 2017. The program runs every summer for 8 weeks.
LEM
In the Diocese of San Bernardino
graduates from CMFP at the “Ministerial
Leadership” level with one advanced
specialization are eligible to be “certified” and “called” by the local Bishop to “Lay Ecclesial Ministry” in one of two categories.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Daniel Arellano
PMFP Student
Bishop Barnes, thank you for being instrumental at creating a wonderful and prayer-filled experience. Words alone cannot express the appreciation I have for this outstanding program!
Mirza D Barrera Pastrana
Intro to CMFP
It has been a pleasure to enroll in this program. My learning platform has grown so much that I have decided to pursue my advanced specialization as I enroll in CMFP.
Fernando Martinez
CMFP
As a ministry leader and an active participant in the Church, CMFP for me was a beautiful continuous revelation that God gifted me through my formation.