94
Pastoral Studies Director: Fr. Jason A. Glover, S.T.L.
INTRODUCTION
The Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies derives its inspiration and raison d’être from the words of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Lay Apostolate”: The apostolate can attain its maximum effectiveness only through a diversified and thorough formation. This is demanded not only by the continuous spiritual and doctrinal progress of the lay person himself but also by the accommodation of his activity to circumstances varying according to the affairs, persons, and duties involved.... In addition to the formation which is common for all Christians, many forms of the apostolate demand also a specific and particular formation because of the variety of persons and circumstances” (§28). To this end, the Graduate Program in Pastoral Studies endeavors to provide sound theological education and professional training in order to adequately form lay ministers who will fulfill the varied and indispensible ministries that comprise the mission of the Church. There are two graduate offerings in Pastoral Studies: a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies. The former offers a solid foundation in academic theology and consists of 18 credits of graduate course study. The latter requires an additional 18 credits of graduate study in one of two areas of concentration: Pastoral Ministry and Religious Education. The Pastoral Ministry concentration focuses on the professional development of the laity, enabling them to engage in a wide range of ministerial endeavors. Several courses in this concentration are housed in the Community Counseling Program. The Religious Education concentration focuses on the professional development of the laity, enabling them to engage in the catechetical and educational mission of the Church. Several of the courses in this concentration are housed in the School of Education. The Graduate Program of Pastoral Ministry is also engaged in a cooperative effort with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie in the intellectual, academic, and theological formation of candidates for the permanent diaconate for service in the Diocese of Erie according to the norms established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Directory for the Formation of Permanent Deacons.
I. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
The Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies is intended to provide students with a solid foundation in academic theology. The curriculum for this Certificate offering is designed to intensify an individual’s personal faith development, to enhance an individual’s appreciation of the Christian theological tradition, and to deepen an individual’s understanding of Christian theology. The Graduate Certificate can serve as a foundation for further graduate and professional education and development. *Based on Gainful Employment requirements Federal Title IV aid (student loans) is not available for this Graduate Certificate, however, federal aid can be used as a resource by students pursuing a Master’s degree.
Curriculum
Required Courses (18 credits) GPAST 610 Biblical Studies GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ GPAST 630 Theology of the Church GPAST 640 Theology of Christian Sacraments GPAST 650 Foundations of Christian Ethics GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
3 3 3 3 3 3
II. MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL STUDIES
(Concentration in Pastoral Ministry) The Pastoral Ministry concentration consists primarily of graduate work in Catholic theology along with a professional background in counseling psychology. As such, this concentration is designed to prepare individuals to assume roles as ecclesial ministers in parish youth, young adult, and adult faith-formation groups, and in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other ministerial settings.
Objectives • • • • •
To provide a solid theological foundation for all areas of lay ministry within the Church; To foster in students the ability to incorporate theological reflection within ministerial experiences; To develop the personal and professional skills necessary for leadership and ministry within the local Church; To provide the student opportunities to learn ministerial skills through experience; To develop the pursuit of the integration of theology, spirituality, life experiences, and professional training necessary for lay ministry of quality and endurance