Clinical Pastoral Education

Testimonials

Here is what some Pine Rest CPE Students have to say about the program.

“CPE was a wonderful healing experience for me. It opened windows into my soul that allowed me to look in and discover who I truly am. I shared many painful experiences in the covenant group and with my compassionate supervisors. I felt safe in their presence. Because of this experience I can listen to the struggles and pain of others and help them on their journey. I see a great need for Catholic priests and students in ministry to take CPE. It gives you a much clearer view of how the persons coming to you feel in all their vulnerableness, woundedness and pain. I enjoy working as a mentor with CPE interns and helping them in the process. After having experienced the process, I recommend CPE for all those in ministry.”

“I don’t know how I would ever have been able to complete 20 years of inner city type ministry without having gone through the CPE course. The classroom education, the practical application, the fellowship of staff and other students were extremely invaluable to me in my responsibilities as a pastor, but equally so as a husband and father.”

“I have benefited both personally and professionally from each unit of this educational process. I have observed wonderful growth in myself and in my fellow participants during each unit. I know of no other activity that offers such a unique combination of exposure to clinical issues and focus on developing appropriate pastoral interaction with those involved in such issues.”

"CPE has been an important part of my ministry for the past three years…CPE has been a place for soul-growth for me. CPE has been a place and an occasion for me to reflect and work on my identity as a person and a pastor. CPE has provided a place for me to deepen and grow…At times I have underestimated the impact of CPE in my ministry. I have come to realize through experience that when I begin to change and heal and be renewed it has an impact on those whom I serve. The leadership of my congregation are supportive of my work in CPE in large part because they see that it makes a difference in the life of the congregation…They find themselves believing that all pastors should have something like this…To incoming students I would give this advice: you will grow in CPE in surprising ways, and this growth will bless the people you serve."

“CPE was key for my personal formation both as I see myself and my gifts as well as how I relate to others. Through CPE I was supported and challenged as I worked in the clinical setting and also in the CPE group. Being able to combine the education, group work, chaplain mentoring, and practical ministry experience all together created an education-rich setting in which I learned and grew far more than I would have in any one alone. I am very grateful for my unit of CPE and know it will have a positive impact on my ministry for years to come.”

“CPE is one of the best educational opportunities I have found in and for my ministry development both personally and professionally. I have grown so much through this process of CPE. I feel that I am becoming the minister God called me to be—whole and holy. I hope that more Catholic lay ministers would take at least one unit as part of their ongoing formation in ministry.”