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Degree Programs

Certificate programs are open to ordained clergy, seminarians, religious, and lay students. These are 1-2 year programs leading to a graduate certificate. They are designed to equip students with core theological, spiritual, pastoral formation for use in active ministry or to pursue more advanced graduate studies. The programs are flexible so as to accommodate those working in active ministry and/or the working professional. Courses are mainly online and can be taken in any sequence unless otherwise specified. Students may elect to complete their studies with a certificate, or they may elect to apply these credits as a specialization in the Master of Arts in Ministry degree program.

As the Association of Theological Schools states:

Schools are welcome to offer these credentials before or within graduate programs as they wish and may include such credentials as a stackable option, as long as the school attends to the Commission’s expectations regarding non-degree programs (Standard 3.15) as well as the expectations of the particular graduate degree program. (Guidelines for Reduced-Credit Master’s Degrees, 2020.)

Currently the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary offers the following certificate programs:

Spiritual Direction Formation Program

The Spiritual Direction Formation Program is open to clergy, religious and lay students seeking to help others grow in faith through offering them the one-on-one ministry of spiritual direction.  This is a two-year program. The curriculum consists of three major areas of study: spiritual direction dynamics, foundations in theology and psychology, and a mentored practicum. The primary purpose of the program “is to equip persons for competent leadership in some form of specialized ministry in congregations and other settings.”— (The Association of Theological Schools Bulletin 50, Part 1, 2012, G-45, B.1.1).

Participation in the Spiritual Direction Formation program can be at two different levels:

Level 1—Non-Credit Participation (audit). These students are not required to have a Bachelor’s degree and they do not need to complete all the coursework.  They must complete all the requirements specified below, however, including full participation in the interactive online class sessions and a basic assessment of participation will be required for those who wish to complete the Spiritual Direction program and receive a Letter of Program Completion. This may include completion of some assignments, quizzes, written/oral exams so the professor can determine a basic level of comprehension.

Level 2—Academic For-Credit Participation. These students are required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree and they must complete all the coursework with a passing grade.  They must complete all the requirements specified below to receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment for Spiritual Direction Formation

  • Students personally develop a strong prayer life through committed practice and also develop a broad familiarity in the spiritual heritage of the Roman Catholic tradition in such a way that they become experts on Christian prayer; (Measures: Readiness for Ministry Exam, assessment by supervisor from practicum, grade/assessment from Spiritual Theology and Sacred Scripture courses, reflection paper from silent retreat.)
  • Students develop an in-depth self-knowledge through the application of the course material to their own committed experience of receiving spiritual direction throughout the course of studies; (Measures: assessment by supervisor from practicum, reflection paper from silent retreat.)
  • Students appropriate the doctrinal heritage of the Roman Catholic Church with particular familiarity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and acquire the capacity to communicate this heritage and apply it to the spiritual life through academic courses in theology and Sacred Scripture; (Measures: grade/assessment from Spiritual Theology, Systematic Theology and Scripture courses, assessment from practicum.)
  • Students develop skills and competency for listening to others deeply through a vulnerable attentiveness so as to listen together to the Holy Spirit without seeking to manipulate or control others, as taught in spiritual direction dynamics courses and mentored practica; (Measures: grade/assessment from practicum.)
  • Students learn to recognize some basic psychopathology to know when and how to refer directees to psychotherapy professionals; (Measures: grade/assessment from psychology course and practicum.)
  • Students develop a relationship with a spiritual director mentor who can personally encourage, support and recommend that student for giving spiritual direction; (Measure: grade/assessment from practicum.)
  • Students will develop a commitment to life-long learning, rooted in the Word of God and integrated with their spiritual lives especially through giving and receiving spiritual direction. (Measure: Readiness for Ministry)

Admission  Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with indication of aptitude for advanced study (only necessary for those seeking credit along with their Letter of Program Completion);
  • An experience of regular spiritual direction for at least one year immediately prior to application;
  • A recommendation from the applicant’s spiritual director or the applicant’s pastor;
  • A personal interview with the Program Director, if requested by the Director, for academic assessment and spiritual readiness for the program.

Program Requirements

Core curriculum

Spiritual Theology (IMSD 600-629):………………………………………………………….. 7

Sacred Scripture (IMSD 630-649):…………………………………………………………….. 3

Systematic Theology (IMSD 650-669):……………………………………………………….. 4

Psychology and Practica (IMSD 670-699):…………………………………………………… 4 

Certificate Total: 18 Credits

(A grade point average of 3.0)

Additional Requirements:

·       Directed Silent Retreat:

A directed silent retreat of at least 8 days or the Ignatian “19th Annotation” is required at some point during the program. The student must submit a reflection paper based on the retreat experience highlighting points of self-awareness and spiritual growth.  Students are responsible for making their own accommodations for this requirement but must verify their plans with the program directors to ensure acceptability.

·       Application for Practicum:

After completing six credits of theology/psychology in addition to the Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment course and the directed silent retreat, students may apply to begin Practicum I.  The application includes questions to ensure a student’s basic competency for meeting with spiritual directees under supervision.  It takes into account the passing grade (for a Level 2 student) or the professor’s evaluation (for a Level 1 student) from their completed courses.  A successful assessment from Practicum I and completion of the Spiritual Direction II: Advanced Topics in Spiritual Direction course will be required before admission to Practicum II is possible.

·       Readiness for Ministry Exam:

After all courses have been completed, students must pass a Readiness for Ministry Exam that consists of an oral exam with professors chosen by the Program Director to determine whether a student is adequately prepared to meet with a wide variety of spiritual directees.

Typical Schedule for Completion:

A normal load for students is 3-4 credits per semester for two years and two credits per summer in the first two years. With approval from the Academic Dean, a maximum of four credits may be transferred from other graduate schools. A candidate must complete all degree requirements within 10 years after acceptance into the program.

Ordinarily, Fall and Spring classes each semester will meet in the evenings, usually Monday to Thursday between 6:30 to 9:30 p.m Eastern time.

Year One:
Summer:

IMSD 601: Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment………………………………. 2

IMSD 602*: Spiritual Direction II: Advanced Topics in Spiritual Direction……….. 2

Fall:

IMSD 600: Spiritual Theology………………………………………………………………. 3

IMSD 630: Praying Sacred Scripture……………………………………………………… 3

Spring:

IMSD 650: Sacramental Theology and Ecclesiology for Spiritual Directors…….. 2

IMSD 660: Moral Theology for Spiritual Directors…………………………………….. 2

IMSD 700: Psychology for Spiritual Directors………………………………………….. 2

IMSD 696: 8-day silent retreat …………………………………………………………….. 0

Total: 9 Credits

Year Two:

Summer (whichever were not completed in Year One):

IMSD 601: Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment………………………………. 2

IMSD 602*: Spiritual Direction II: Advanced Topics in Spiritual Direction……….. 2

After completion of IMSD 602, the directed retreat (IMSD 696) and at least 6 credits online, the student may apply for the practicum.

Fall (whichever were not completed in Year One):

IMSD 600: Spiritual Theology………………………………………………………………. 3

IMSD 630: Praying Sacred Scripture……………………………………………………… 3

IMSD 697: Practicum I……………………………………………………………………….. 1

Spring (whichever were not completed in Year One):

IMSD 650: Sacramental Theology and Ecclesiology for Spiritual Directors…….. 2

IMSD 651: Moral Theology for Spiritual Directors…………………………………….. 2

IMSD 670: Psychology for Spiritual Directors………………………………………….. 2

IMSD 698*: Practicum II……………………………………………………………………… 1

IMSD 699: Readiness for Ministry Exam………………………………………………… 0

Total: 9 Credits

Total Program: 18 Credits

SPEAK LORD, YOUR SERVANT IS LISTENING.

Have you taken the time to honestly pray and think about the vocation which God is calling you to give your life? Has your deep love for Christ or a certain encounter with Him touched your soul, making you desire to surrender yourself completely to Him? Are you restless? Can you no longer deny that God might be calling you to consider the vocation of religious life and/or the priesthood? If this is so, then take comfort, God has a special and distinct plan for you and He is calling you in a unique way. However, for one who begins discerning a vocation, fear, anxiety, and confusion are not uncommon feelings. For this reason, the role of a spiritual director in your life is indispensible.

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER IT?

The job of a spiritual director is not to command or pressure you into a vocation. Rather, a good spiritual director will guide, advise, teach and encourage you on your path to sanctity. The relationship you have with your spiritual director is within the internal forum, meaning that it is extremely confidential. A man can pour out his heart and soul to his spiritual director, confident that whatever he says will not be repeated to others. During regularly scheduled meetings, you will be free to discuss not only your vocation but also your strengths and weaknesses, vices and virtues. You will discuss the health of your relationships with family and friends and how to improve them. In addition, your prayer life and love for Jesus are essential areas that must be addressed. Overall, growing in self-knowledge under the guidance of a spiritual director, one becomes freer to discern the life to which the Lord is calling him. Be cautious. Don’t think that spiritual direction will not benefit you. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux understood the necessity of a spiritual guide when he said, “He who is his own master is a disciple of a fool!” In discerning a vocation, the help of a good spiritual director will be indispensible.

HOW DO I FIND A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?

Begin your search by praying for a spiritual director who will aid your discernment. Next, contact a priest whom you trust such as your parish priest. If he is unable to become your spiritual director, he will be able to point you in the right direction, perhaps even recommend a potential spiritual director to you.

Catholic Theology Certificate

Learning Outcomes for the Certificate in Catholic Theology

· Students will attain a broad knowledge in core foundational theology.

· Students will gain a working concept of theology and doctrine as they apply to practical ministry.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are as follows:

· A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university indicating an aptitude for advanced study.

· Two letters of recommendation from those who can assess your academic, professional/ ministerial, and/or spiritual goals.

· Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.

· A personal interview with the Institute for Ministry Formation Director, if requested.

· The score of a recent Graduate Record Examination, if requested.

Certificate Requirements/Catholic Theology (combination leading to 18 credits)

Scripture (two, 4 credits)

• IMTH 730 The Synoptic Gospels ……………………………………………. 2

• (and one of the following two)

• IMTH 740 Johannine Literature ……………………………………………… 2

• IMTH 745 The Letters of St. Paul…………………………………………… 2

Theology (three, 6 credits)

• IMTH 700 Fundamental Theology ……………………………………………. 2

• IMTH 710 Christology and Anthropology …………………………………….. 2

(and one of the following three)

• IMTH 720 Catholic Social Doctrine …………………………………………… 2

• IMTH 715 Fundamental Moral Theology ……………………………………… 2

• IMTH 725 Sacramental Theology and Liturgy ………………………………… 2

• IMTH 735 Scripture and Liturgy ……………………………………………… 2

Ecclesial and Pastoral Ministry (two, 4 credits)

• IMTH 705 Creation and the Christian God …………………………………… 2

• IMTH 755 Marriage and Sexuality ……………………………………………. 2

• IMTH 760 Ecclesiology and Mariology………………………………………… 2

• IMTH 775 Pastoral Leadership…….……………………………………………………………..2

• IMTH 770 Pastoral Care of the Sick ………………………………………….. 2

• IMTH 750 Theology of the Body ……………………………………………… 2

• IMTH 765 Introduction to Canon Law ………………………………………… 2

Electives (two additional course(s), 4 credits, in Scripture, Theology, Ecclesial and Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Direction, Missiology as offered).

Grand Total: 18 Credits

A typical course of studies could be:

Year One:

Fall:

• IMTH 700 Fundamental Theology ……………………………………………. 2

• IMTH 705 Creation and the Christian God …………………………………… 2

Spring:

• IMTH 710 Christology and Anthropology …………………………………….. 2

• IMTH 725 Sacramental Theology and Liturgy ………………………………… 2

Summer:

• IMTH 730 The Synoptic Gospels ……………………………………………. 2

Total: 10 Credits

Year Two:

Fall:

• IMTH 720 Catholic Social Doctrine …………………………………………… 2

• IMTH 760 Ecclesiology and Mariology………………………………………… 2

Spring:

• IMTH 745 Letters of St. Paul………………………………………………… 2

Summer:

• IMTH 780 Benedictine Spirituality …………………………………………… 2

Total: 8 Credits

Total Program: 18 Credits

Catechetics Certificate

Overview

The primary purpose of the program “is to equip persons for competent leadership in some form of specialized ministry in congregations and other settings.”— (The Association of Theological Schools Bulletin 50, Part 1, 2012, G-45, B.1.1).
 
The Institute for Ministry Formation certificate in Catechetics takes a scriptural, liturgical, contemplative approach to catechesis.
 
The contemplative dimension is necessary for fostering the proper disposition in the heart of the catechist.  The catechist must be a person who knows Jesus Christ personally. “The heart of the mystery is the kerygma, and the kerygma is a person: Jesus Christ. Catechesis is a special space for fostering a personal encounter with Him.” Only one who knows Him can create “a special space for fostering a personal encounter with Him.”
 
The IMF certificate acknowledges that “those called to the instituted ministry of Catechist be men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion.”  The IMF’s catechetics certificate also fosters discernment on the part of the student in knowing that “the ministry has a definite vocational aspect” and must be a subject “for due discernment.” Therefore there is a requirement of spiritual direction for all catechetics students along with a letter of recommendation testifying to their active participation in the Christian community. As part of the program, catechetics students are also required to make a 5-day directed silent retreat.
 
Throughout the curriculum, students receive “suitable biblical, theological, pastoral and pedagogical formation to be competent communicators of the truth of the faith” and as a program requirement they will have spent 10 hours of observation to gain “experience of catechesis.”
 
Building on the great work of Sofia Cavaletti and Maria Montessori, IMF students learn an approach to the catechesis of children that focuses on introducing them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through liturgical and scriptural language and symbols in ways appropriate to their developmental stages.
 
This approach extends into adult catechesis knowing that Scripture and Liturgy provide the perennial language for understanding God’s self-revelation and foster living encounters with Him.  These are the languages that truly echo in the human heart as the word “catechesis” implies.
 
Although the certificate program focuses attention on the laity, building them up in this mission that is proper to their role in the Church, the courses offered in the curriculum and indeed the entire curriculum is certainly enriching for bishops, priests and consecrated religious who also have a responsibility for catechesis.
 
Saint Vincent Seminary has more than 175 years of experience in forming priests spiritually, humanly, intellectually and pastorally for ministry in the Roman Catholic Church.  Leveraging the stability of the Benedictine community and the Seminary’s deep wells of wisdom in this area, the Institute for Ministry Formation is able to provide a unique blend of intellectual, pastoral, human and spiritual formation for catechists.

Learning Outcomes

● Students will attain suitable biblical, theological, pastoral and pedagogical formation to be competent communicators of the truth of the faith
 
● Students will gain knowledge of the developmental planes and needs of the human person, as well as pedagogical know-how, according to the research of Dr Maria Montessori
 
● Students will gain a working concept of theology and doctrine as they apply to practical ministry in catechetics for both children and adults
 
● Students personally develop a strong prayer life through committed practice and also develop a broad familiarity in the spiritual heritage of the Roman Catholic tradition
 
● Students appropriate the doctrinal heritage of the Roman Catholic Church with particular familiarity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and acquire the capacity to communicate this heritage and apply it to the spiritual life through academic courses in theology and Sacred Scripture
 
● Students develop skills and competency for listening to others deeply through a vulnerable attentiveness so as to listen together to the Holy Spirit
 

Admission Requirements

● A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university indicating an aptitude for advanced study.
 
● A letter of recommendation from those who can assess your academic, professional/ ministerial, and/or spiritual goals.
 
● Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.
 
● A personal interview with the Institute for Ministry Formation Director or Director of Catechesis, and a letter from one’s pastor, if requested.
 

Catechetics Certificate Completion Requirements (20 credits)

IMF courses are offered online in the evenings.  For the completion of this certificate there is also a requirement that students complete the Level 1  formation course for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). This formation course provides 90 hours of professional theological, spiritual, liturgical and scriptural formation as well as pedagogical formation according to the developmental insights of Dr. Maria Montessori.  The CGS formation must be completed in person through any approved program.

Scripture (2 credits)

• IMCA 630 Praying Sacred Scripture…………………………………………………..2           

Theology (8 credits)

• IMCA 600: Principles of Prayer and Catholic Spirituality……………………2

• IMCA 650 Moral Theology for Catechists…………………………………………..2

• IMCA 660 Sacramental Theology: Connecting Liturgy to Life……………..2

• IMCA 670 Christian Anthropology & Catechesis…………………………………2

Missiology (2 credits)

• IMCA 690 Catechesis in the Church’s Mission of Evangelization………..2

Pastoral and Pedagogical (8 credits)  

• IMCA 601: SD1: The Art of Accompaniment ……………………………………..2

• Professional equivalent credits (CGS Level 1 Formation)…………………..6

(A grade point average of 3.0)                                                           Grand Total: 20 Credits

Additional Requirements:

Completion of a CGS-USA registered Level 1 Course: 

Whether prior to beginning or during the 1st year of this program, students will complete a nationally recognized Level 1 formation course and meet the expectations of CGS-USA for that course, including 10 hours of Observation and completion of a Level 1 Album. The course must be completed prior to IMCA 670: Christian Anthropology & Catechesis. 

Directed Silent Retreat: 

A directed silent retreat of at least 5 days is required at some point during the program. The student must submit a reflection paper based on the retreat experience highlighting points of self-awareness and spiritual growth.  Students are responsible for making their own accommodations for this requirement but must verify their plans with the program directors to ensure acceptability.

Spiritual Direction: 

If the student is not already engaged in Spiritual Direction, it is expected that he or she will begin to do so when beginning this Certificate Course and continue with the practice into the future. The IMF has networks to assist in this requirement.

Master of Arts in Ministry Degree with Specialization

Overview

The Master of Arts in Ministry degree program consists of the Certificate in Catholic Theology stacked or paired with another certificate in a specialized area of ministry. A minimum of 36 total credits is required for satisfactory completion of the Master of Arts degree in Ministry, combining two 18 credit certificate programs. Goals for the Master of Arts degree in Ministry include both the attainment of a general knowledge of Catholic Theology, a focused study in a specialized area of ministry, and the application of Theology to their specialized ministerial focus. Successful candidates complete the required coursework, achieving a minimum of a 3.0 GPA each semester and a “B” in each course. This coursework, together with the comprehensive exam, demonstrates the student’s knowledge and ability to integrate principles of Theology into active ministry.  The written M.A. comprehensive exam, taken at the end of the final semester of study, measures the candidate’s knowledge of general theological principles and the application of theology to the area of specialized ministry.

Learning Outcomes 

• Students will attain academic competency in Catholic theology with a concentration in an area of specialized ministry.  

• Students will demonstrate their knowledge of Catholic theology, their knowledge of their area of ministerial specialty, and the synthesis of both through the final comprehensive examination.

• Students will develop the skills needed for critical theological reflection through coursework and discussion of research topics.

• Students will demonstrate theological integration with their specialized ministerial focus through a comprehensive exam.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are as follows:
• A bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S. or equivalent) from an accredited college indicating an aptitude for advanced study.
• 12 credits in theology, or 12 credits in an area of ministerial specialization.
• The score of a recent Graduate Record Examination, if requested.
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from people who know the academic ability of the applicant, can attest to the applicant’s professional skills and accomplishments, or can attest to ministerial specialization interest of the applicant.
• A personal interview with the IMF Director, if requested.
 

Required for Completion of the Master of Arts in Ministry

• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0, a B grade or better in each course, seminar, and practicum, including certificate coursework completed prior to admissions to the M.A. program.
• Successful completion of the comprehensive exam.
• Completion of all degree requirements and all requirements of the certificates, within ten years after acceptance into the M.A. program. Normally a period of 2-4 years is needed to complete all degree requirements for the Master of Arts Degree.
• These requirements include:
 
A total number of at least 36 credits completing the requirements for the Catholic Theology Certificate and another specialized certificate (such as the Spiritual Direction Certificate)
 

Credit Transfer

A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred toward the M.A. degree from other accredited graduate schools. Transfer credits must have been earned within the previous ten years.
If credits are obtained from another institution, official transcripts documenting the coursework must be submitted to the IMF Director and be approved by the Academic Dean for transfer.
 

Comprehensive Exam

The M.A. in Ministry degree requires a written comprehensive exam based upon a list of comprehensive exam questions. The comprehensive exam assesses the student’s general knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition, the area of specialization, and the synthesis of both areas relevant to ministry. Exam questions (signed and dated) will be supplied when the student is admitted to the degree program. The comprehensive exam is to be taken at the end of the final semester of study. The date of the exam will be set by the IMF Director. The written exam will consist of eight randomly selected questions from those supplied to the student upon entry into the degree program; the student must answer five—three from the area of specialization, two in Catholic theology.
 

Delivery Method for the Program

The primary means of delivery for coursework will be via online instruction, though, depending on the specific Certificate being sought or the combination of certificates being stacked, there might also be occasional in-person workshops or immersive experiences.

 

 

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