Meet Our Students

Dedicated to meeting the educational needs of the community and supporting the work of the Church, College of Notre Dame of Maryland is pleased to offer a Pastoral Spanish program through its Office of International Programs.

The Pastoral Spanish Program at College of Notre Dame of Maryland recognizes a growing population, capitalizes on the strengths of the College and supports the work of the Church. The program was designed in consultation with the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office for Hispanic Ministry and the Division of Clergy Personnel.

Features of Notre Dame's Pastoral Spanish Program

• exploration of the culture, history and faith expressions of the diverse Latino population
• teaching of conversational Spanish and language skills for pastoral care
• discussion of the complexities of ministry to Hispanic communities.
  

Hispanics in the U.S.

• Latinos are the largest ethnic group in the United States.
• Baltimore City has more than 11,000 and Baltimore County has nearly 14,000 residents of Hispanic origin (2000 Census).
• Recent sources estimate that 40 percent of U.S. Catholics are Hispanic, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the next 20 years (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops).
  

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - SPRING 2010

Download the Spring 2010 Application

Fees for courses:
$400; Group rate: $1,000 for three participants (before 2/2/10)
$425; Group rate: $1,075 for three participants (after 2/2/10)

Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings (Part 1)
No prior experience in Spanish is necessary.

February 23 - May 4, 2010 (excluding 3/16 and 4/6)
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Feeley International Center

This course is for professionals or volunteers who currently work with or will work with Hispanic communities in parishes, schools, hospitals or other pastoral settings. There is a language and a cultural component. The language component enables one to learn basic conversational skills and elemental phrases to better communicate with Spanish-speaking persons. Good pronunciation, listening and speaking skills are emphasized. The cultural component emphasizes the spirituality and faith expressions of Hispanics.

Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings (Part 2)
Prerequisite: Part 1 of the course or equivalent.

February 22 – May 3, 2010 (excluding 3/15 and 4/5)
Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Feeley International Center

This follow-up course to Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings (Part 1) continues to emphasize good pronunciation and speaking skills. It provides greater emphasis on grammar, especially the past tense, in order to increase conversational skills. There will be a continued cultural component to deepen understanding of the Hispanic community.

For application materials or more information, contact:
Linda Stilling, SSND
Pastoral Spanish Coordinator
410-532-5306
lstilling@ndm.edu