Loyola University Chicago

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an interfaith method of theological education through which a student exercises and learns pastoral skills within a context of responsible relationships to people and under the direct supervision of a certified pastoral supervisor. It provides a learning situation for a ministerial student and continuing education for ministers in which they may develop awareness of the theological and psycho-social concerns of persons in crisis. CPE addresses personal growth matters of self awareness and self reflection, a key ministry concern.

While enrolled in any of the IPS programs, persons may take CPE as an elective part of their academic program or simply in addition to their program. CPE is a required component of the M.Div. degree.

The objectives of the CPE program are:

• To become aware of oneself as a minister and aware of the ways in which one's ministry affects other persons
• To develop the ability to utilize the experiential method of learning
• To develop the ability to utilize the peer group for support, dialogue, and feedback in a way in which integrates personal characteristics with pastoral functioning
• To use individual supervision for personal and professional growth and for developing the capacity to evaluate one's ministry
• To grapple theologically with human experience and to enhance the interface between theology and the psychological sciences in understanding the human condition
• To become aware of how one's attitudes, values and assumptions affect one's ministry
• To develop an awareness of the pastoral presence in interdis- ciplinary relationships

Outcomes

The following outcomes for Level I CPE are used as the guidelines for evaluating students' progress toward their CPE learning goals in reference to the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Standards.

• 311.1 Articulate central themes of their religious heritage and the theological understanding that inform their ministry
• 311.2 Identify and discuss major life events and relationships and cultural contexts that influence personal identity as expressed in pastoral functioning
• 311.3 Initiate peer group and supervisory consultation and receive critique about one’s ministry practice
• 311.4 Risk offering appropriate and timely critique
• 311.5 Recognize relational dynamics within group contexts
• 311.6 Demonstrate integration of conceptual understandings presented in the curriculum into pastoral practice
• 311.7 Initiate helping relationships within and across diverse populations
• 311.8 Use the clinical methods of learning to achieve their educational goals
• 311.9 Formulate clear and specific goals for continuing pastoral formation with reference to one’s strengths and weaknesses

Application and Timing

Persons should apply to CPE programs by following the application procedures and requirements of the particular training center. A listing of ACPE accredited CPE programs is available on line at www.acpe.edu. See below for details. Applications for a full-time summer unit (ten 40 hour weeks) are best completed in during the pervious fall semester. Applications for an extended unit (twenty 20 hour weeks) should be made six months in advance. This procedure normally includes an interview by a CPE Supervisor. Feel free to interview at multiple sites. After completing an application (see below) contact the site supervisor and send in your application as requested. William Schmidt is a certified supervisor and member of the faculty who is available to facilitate CPE interviews for placements outside the Chicago area.

Each fall semester, IPS holds orientation sessions for CPE. Information will be posted in the IPSO Facto newsletter regarding the date, time and location of this orientation.

For any questions regarding CPE, please contact: Diane Maloney at dmalon1@luc.edu

Navigating the CPE Website
Directions for navigating the CPE Website at http://www.acpe.edu:

For general information:

• Click on Prospective Student Information and Frequently Asked Questions on the left hand side of the page. This FAQ section contains an excellent starting point for students to obtain general information about CPE.

• Click on Directories on the left hand side of the page
• Click on Accredited Centers
• On the map click on the words North Central Region
• Click on the Illinois (Northern) link at the top of the page
• Review the list of sites, noting that they are listed alphabetically by hospital system

• Click on Forms on the left hand side of the page
• Click on CPE Application under either the Adobe Acrobat Reader format or Microsoft Word format headers

• Click on Manuals and Standards on the left hand side of the page
• Click on 2005 Standards Manual
• Objective and outcomes are listed on pages 10-12 of the manual (sections 309-311)