Pastoral Studies 95
Curriculum
Required Theological Courses (21credits): GPAST 610 Biblical Studies GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ GPAST 630 Theology of the Church GPAST 640 Theology of the Christian Sacraments GPAST 650 The Foundations of Christian Ethics GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry GPAST 796 Directed Research and Oral Examination
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Students are required to take 9 additional graduate-level credits through the Department of Counseling and Psychology. The specific courses in which the student enrolls are individually tailored to meet the individual student’s ministerial aspirations and are approved by the Director of the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies in consultation with the Chair of the Department of Counseling and Psychology. Required Concentration Courses (9 credits): GCOU 6xx GCOU 6xx GCOU 6xx
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An additional 6 credits are required of the student. The specific courses in which the student enrolls can be offered through either the Pastoral Ministries Program or the Department of Counseling and Psychology. Again, the specific courses are selected based on the individual student’s ministerial aspirations and are approved by the Director of the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies. Elective Courses (6 credits): GPAST/GCOU 6xx GPAST/GCOU 6xx
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III. MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL STUDIES
(Concentration in Religious Education) The Religious Education concentration consists primarily of graduate work in Catholic theology along with a professional background in various aspects of teaching and education. As such, this concentration is designed to prepare individuals to assume roles as Directors of Religious Education, RCIA Coordinators, catechists for parish Religious Education programs, and teachers of religion in Catholic schools.
Objectives • • •
To provide a solid theological foundation for all areas of catechetical ministry; To foster in students the ability to incorporate theological reflection within ministerial experiences; To develop and enhance the student’s ability to effectively teach children, adolescents, and adults the rich theological tradition of the Church;
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To foster the desire and the ability to pursue ongoing scholarly theological research and study, as well as religious education and catechetical formation; To develop the pursuit of the integration of theology, spirituality, life experiences, and professional training necessary for lay ministry of quality and endurance.
Curriculum
Required Theological Courses (21 credits): GPAST 610 Biblical Studies GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ GPAST 630 Theology of the Church GPAST 640 Theology of the Christian Sacraments GPAST 650 The Foundations of Christian Ethics GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry GPAST 796 Directed Research and Oral Examination
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Students are required to take 9 additional graduate-level credits through the School of Education. The specific courses in which the student enrolls are individually tailored to meet the individual student’s ministerial aspirations and are approved by the Director of the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies in consultation with the Chair of the School of Education. Required Concentration Courses (9 credits): GEDU 6xx GEDU 6xx GEDU 6xx
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An additional 6 credits are required of the student. The specific courses in which the student enrolls can be offered through either the Pastoral Ministries Program or the School of Education. Again, the specific courses are selected based on the individual student’s ministerial aspirations and are approved by the Director of the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies. Elective Courses (6 credits): GPAST/GEDU 6xx GPAST/GEDU 6xx
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IV. PERMANENT DEACON FORMATION PROGRAM
Interested individuals must first apply for admittance into the Permanent Deacons Formation Program through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Upon the individual’s acceptance into the Formation Program, candidates and their spouses who have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college have the additional option of applying to the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies. Upon the successful completion of the academic portion of the Diocesan Permanent Deacon Formation Program, candidates and their spouses will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, detailed above. Candidates who so choose may then enroll in the Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies and pursue a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies, detailed above.