Since 1983 the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries have been preparing women and men to enter professional ministries in Church and society.
The programs offer the Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries in face-to-face, online, and online-blended teaching formats. By completing the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries students will demonstrate:
- Theological Foundation: Knowledge of the broad intellectual foundation for ministry in the areas of scripture, systematic and contextual theology, and spirituality; and incorporate theological reflection to enrich their ministerial practices across varying contexts. Foundational areas are Fundamental Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Theological Ethics, and Sacraments and Liturgy.
- Pastoral Proficiency: Familiarity with ministerial practices in various manifestations of church life, expressed in concrete pastoral applications which include discernment, compassion, and ministries of accompaniment.
- Servant Leadership: A commitment to identify injustices and developing skills to work individually and in collaboration with other ministers in accompanying those in need and in service to the poor, the marginalized, and the alienated, both within and outside the Church.
- Diversity Fluency: Awareness of and critical engagement with how one’s own culture influences ministry, and then be able to engage in ministries that build the community of Christ and are sensitive to and respectful of all cultures and traditions, and individuals who vary by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and dynamics of wealth, poverty, and power.
Students and graduates of the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries serve in parishes, education, diocesan offices, and non-profits in a variety of roles such as:
- Catechists
- Directors of Religious Education
- Retreat leaders
- RCIA teachers
- Liturgy & Music directors
- Non-profit and social services program directors
- Permanent Deacons
- Campus Ministers
- Hospital Chaplains
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Catechists directing programs for children
- Restorative Justice program facilitators
- Students preparing for doctoral work
- Youth and Young Adult Ministers
The Program offers courses during the academic year from September through June, as well as during several summer sessions. The student body is richly comprised of Roman Catholics and Protestants, international students, laity, as well as priests and religious men and women.
Our mission is to prepare women and men to be compassionate and competent professionals working to transform lives, schools, and communities.