Study With Us - Teaching of Pope Francis

Explore the breadth of insights in Pope Francis' teaching

Certificate in the Teaching of Pope Francis (CTPF)

CPMM Flyer

Who is the programme aimed at?

This course is suitable for anyone interested in exploring the teaching documents of Pope Francis.

What are the entry requirements?

Open access

How long is the programme?

This is a 5 module distance-learning course.

Programme information (content & structure)

This course explores the breadth of insights in Pope Francis’ teaching, where in accessible language and vivid imagery, the truths of faith are presented as tools to authentic Christian living. Additional material from the Scriptures, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and selected magisterial documents are used to illustrate the consistency of the writing of Pope Francis with the teaching of Christ and the Church.

5 modules are studied over the year, each introduced by a webinar:

  • Evangelii Gaudium Study Guide
  • Laudato Si' Study Guide
  • Amoris Laetitia Study Guide
  • Gaudete et Exsultate Study Guide
  • Christus Vivit Study Guide

Assessment

A written assignment is submitted for each module, comprising of an essay of 1500 words.

Resources needed

  • A Bible
  • The Study Guide
  • The document

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate:
  • Deeper understanding of the contemporary teaching of the Church
  • Knowledge of the breadth and continuity of Church teaching
  • Personal growth in spiritual life and awareness of the vocation of all the baptised
  • Development of understanding of the mission and ministry of the Church

Course Fees

The level of course fees payable depends on whether you are a UK/EU or a non-EU student. Please ensure that you refer to the appropriate section on the course fees page.

How do I apply?

Please contact the Course Director for further information:


Accessibility

If you have a disability or any long-term condition that impacts on your day-to-day life, please download the Accessibility Form, open and edit it in Acrobat Reader, and email or post the completed document to the Accessibility Coordinator (address included on the form), to ensure we can give you the best possible support during your course of study. Disclosing a disability will not be a factor in Institute’s decision as to whether or not to offer you a place on the course. However, it is important that the Institute knows if you have any specialist needs in order to provide you with appropriate support and facilities. This information will remain strictly confidential. For further information, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator by using the contact button below:



Student Feedback

"Over a year ago I signed up for the Certificate in the Teaching of Pope Francis course, not knowing what to expect. But having completed the modules, I now have only the highest praise for the content & development of the course:

  • Excellent Study Guides;
  • Steeped in Sacred Scripture & the Tradition of the Church;
  • Extensive bibliography;
  • And, overall, current & forward looking.

The course helped me to be more focused in my reading, to listen deeper & be more discerning in my understanding of life in the 21st century. It helped me to sense that behind all the words there is a deeper reality, a goodness that can be missed without prayer & reflection. I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to come close to the mystery of things in the Letters of Francis, which are full of joy, welcome, love & the hope that ‘all will be well in a new heaven & a new earth."

CTPF Student - 2019

"Having completed the study of Gaudete et Exsultate, the study guide, the additional references to encyclicals, Scripture, the Catechism etc. I am left with a great sense of gratitude to be the recipient of such inspirational and renewing material. Pope Francis is a man of God and of Vatican II– authentic humble, joyful. He offers a refreshing vision of the Church in the 21st century, not overly laid down by doctrine, but nevertheless, enfolding all of us into the dream of God, where all will be one in the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the Church to which I am privileged to belong – a pastoral, listening Church, rooted in Christ and the Gospel, and the vulnerable, humble accompaniment of people who are broken and wounded."

CTPF Student - 2019

Comments from FE Retreat Day (July 2018)

  • "Loved all of the retreat, thank you for organising it. Praying with clay was sensational – delivered so expertly. It was deeply prayerful and surprised me how creative God ennobled me to be. I would love a whole day on this. The hand massage was relaxing, delivered by kind and gentle expert practitioners. Mass was beautiful. Thank you for delicious home-made food too.”
  • "I finished MCC last year and would highly recommend it to others. I’m considering Health Care Chaplaincy"
  • "Loved the time to pray and loved the clay prayer and also the message: 'Talking to other students'. Both my friends and I were happy with all of the day. The one to one is valuable, also the webinars are fantastic."
  • "Wow, what an amazing experience! Lovely welcome, then taking part in the clay/prayer. Not what you make, but the feelings and revelations it gives you. Fantastic lunch, thank you sisters. Free time to pray and talk. Wonderful foot massage – a real crowning day. Time with the Lord & Benediction. What more could we ask? When is the next one?"
  • "Both sessions were excellent. They were both peaceful and I feel calm and at peace and very relaxed. Thank you for all the information I had about the MCC assignment. It has given me hope to continue and finished the assignment."

FE Students - July 2018
© Maryvale Institute 2023 - Maryvale Institute is part of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust, Reg'd Charity No. 234216