Website: http://www.stbernards.edu St Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry offers two graduate degrees and a Certificate program for individuals preparing for church ministry in the Catholic tradition. While a small number of our graduates come from denominations other than Catholic and will be ordained priests, most of our graduates assume non-ordained positions in Catholic parishes and agencies. While most people are aware of declining numbers of Catholic priests, few realize that lay ministry jobs have increased by 54% nationally over the last ten years. This trend affects the Rochester area as well, with 18 diocesan parishes now led by someone other than ordained clergy. Right now, over 800 men and women work in leadership positions in parishes throughout the area, most of them graduates of St. Bernard’s. This general trend promises to continue and even to expand in the years to come. A byproduct of this phenomenon is that as St. Bernard’s graduates assume this totally new career in the church, the whole region is assisted by the more attractive and vibrant church life that results from their work. Thus the general quality of life is enhanced for those already living in the region as well as those who may be considering a move here.