Montreal Dio is pleased to announce the launch of a revitalized Certificate in Bilingual Ministry program that develops the proficiency of English-speaking students in French or bilingual ministry and spiritual care settings.

“At Dio, we believe strongly in the importance of context-specific ministry and French is, of course, a crucial aspect of our context in Quebec,” said the Rev. Canon Jesse Zink, principal of the college. “This program is meant to help clergy, lay leaders, church staff and others improve their language skills so that we may all work together to share the gospel in this unique context.”

The program is coordinated by Clara Maranzano, a professional French translator and French-language tutor who also has a Master of Divinity degree, giving her unique insight into the language needs of students in this program.

Upon application, students have their current French skill evaluated. Depending on the results of this evaluation, they may be given guidance and direction on areas for improvement. All students take the week-long French for Ministry intensive offered each spring in Montreal. The intensive is designed to give students a focused time of immersion in the French language with a particular focus on the grammar, vocabulary, and other skills that are used in pastoral encounters, preaching, worship leadership, and theological reflection. Successful completion of the program depends on demonstration of French competency in a series of oral and written tasks.

The Certificate in Bilingual Ministry is open to lay people and clergy, as well as chaplains and spiritual care workers. The program is rooted in the Protestant tradition but is broadly applicable to Christians from a range of backgrounds. It is suitable not only for clergy in ministry but also for lay leaders, parish administrators, and others who encounter French in their work.

More information is available on our website or by contacting Clara Maranzano at [email protected] or Jesse Zink at [email protected].