The Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF) at Saint Vincent College and Seminary is offering a wide range of courses in the 2026 spring semester. Classes begin the week of January 12.
For current students, registration opened on October 28. Current students should have received an email from Emily McAllister with registration instructions. New students who may be interested in taking a course should contact IMF Admissions, anita.wright@stsvincent.edu.
The deadline to receive financial aid for the Spring 2026 semester is November 10, 2025.
Spiritual Direction Program
IMSD602 SD2 • Directing Prayer
Taught by Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
This course explores dynamics of spiritual direction that will guide beginners and expand the understanding of experienced spiritual directors. Through reading, lectures, and discussions, participants will learn advanced dynamics of spiritual direction including: the interior life and deeper psychological insights into the human person; exploration of the dynamics of prayer as it advances towards stages of union; psychological foundations for woundedness and human/spiritual approaches to healing; and assisting others with tools to enhance their prayer and helping them through difficult times in prayer.
Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., Director of the Seminary’s Spiritual Formation Program and Academic Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation, is a sought-after retreat master and co-author of two books on spiritual direction with Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, and Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love and the author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph, The Fruit of Her Womb and The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass. 
IMSD650 • Sacramental Theology and Ecclesiology for Spiritual Directors
One section taught by Dr. Helene Paharik
One section taught by Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B.
Tuesday evenings • 2 credits
The Church perpetuates Christ’s saving mission in the world. Like the seven liturgical sacraments, the Church is both a sign and an instrument of God’s grace. As sign, the Church points the faithful, by her very constitution, toward communion with God and neighbor in this life and eternal union forever in the next. Students will receive an overview of sacramental theology and ecclesiology necessary for spiritual directors.
Dr. Helene Paharik is Associate Academic Dean of Saint Vincent Seminary and Associate Professor of Theology. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Seton Hill University, the Master of Arts degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, and the Ph.D., from the University of Fribourg. She has been on the faculty since 2018.
Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B., graduated from Our Lady of the Holy Cross College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology, earned the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, completed the Master of Arts in Liturgy from the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois; and the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L) from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.
IMSD660 • Moral Theology for Spiritual Directors
Taught by Dr. Michel Therrien
Tuesday evenings • 2 credits
Spiritual directors are called to help Christians grow in holiness. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as spiritual directors to help others grow in the Christian life.
Dr. Michel Therrien is the President and CEO of Preambula Group and has taught moral theology and served as Academic Dean at both Saint Vincent Seminary and the Augustine Institute in Denver. He previously was President of the Institute for Pastoral Leadership and the Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Gonzaga University, a Master of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the International Theological Institute in Gaming, Austria, and a Doctorate in Fundamental Moral Theology from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. He is the author of The Catholic Faith Explained.
IMSD700 • Psychology for Spiritual Directors
One section taught by Dr. Courtney Minerd
One section taught by Dr. Paul Niemiec
Monday evenings• 2 credits
In this course, students learn to recognize some basic psychopathology and to know when and how to refer directees to psychotherapy professionals. This course also covers some aspects of psychology that will be helpful for spiritual directors.
Dr. Courtney Minerd, is a licensed psychologist who received her doctorate from Ball State University, with an undergraduate degree from Saint Vincent College. She works with children, families and adults, has years of training in hospital settings and regularly works with families who are adapting to a chronic illness or other medical concern. She employs a mix of cognitive-behavioral and family-systems perspectives when working with adults and couples.
Dr. Paul Niemec has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Saint Vincent College, a Master of Science in Health-Related Professions (child psychotherapy) from the University of Pittsburgh, and an Ed.D. from Duquesne University in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in family therapy. Prior to retirement from his full-time career he was the Director of Counseling for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Greensburg. In that capacity he took on other assignments and appointments from the Bishops of Greensburg, and in 2022 he was appointed Bishop’s Liaison for Special Ministries by Bishop Kulick. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychological Science at Saint Vincent College.
IMSD600/TH863 • The Spiritual Tradition of the Catholic Church & Principles of Prayer
Taught by Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Tuesday evenings • 3 credits
This course provides a broad understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church by tracing the historical development of Christian spirituality from ancient times to the present. Topics addressed include stages of spiritual development; vocal prayer, meditation, contemplation; personal relationship with three Persons of Trinity; identifying misdirections in prayer and false mysticism. Course requirements for Master of Arts degree program students includes writing a paper that demonstrates knowledge of a broad understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church along precise insights gained into one (or more) of the topics addressed based on course content and independent research.
Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., Director of the Seminary’s Spiritual Formation Program and Academic Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation, is a sought-after retreat master and co-author of two books on spiritual direction with Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, and Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love and the author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph, The Fruit of Her Womb and The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass.
Catholic Theology Program & Catechetical Program
IMTH745 • The Epistles
Taught by Father Matthew Lambert, O.S.B.
Monday evenings • 2 credits
This course demonstrates how these texts taken together as a corpus display the mutual development of orthodoxy and orthopraxis. The course will study how the Pauline and apostolic teachings lead to and are rooted in the prayers and worship of the early Church, and how these beliefs and practices lead to later moral, pastoral, and ecclesial developments.
Father Matthew Lambert, O.S.B., is Assistant Professor of Theology in the College and Seminary. He earned the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, and the Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology degree conferred through the Pontifical Athenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo, Rome. He received an S.S.L. from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
IMTH715/IMCA660 • Fundamental Moral Theology
Taught by Father Francis Jin, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
Building on the Church’s understanding of nature and grace, this course treats the Church’s development of a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and the opposite of these in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering and evil. Finally, the course presents the object of Catholic Christian morality as becoming a holy person, shaped by the spiritual practices derived from the faith Tradition. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as catechists to grow with pastoral sensitivity, alongside those in their care, in the Christian life.
Father Francis Jin, O.S.B., earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Xi’an Jiaotong University, a Master of Arts degree in Catholic philosophical studies and the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, as well as the Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree, conferred through the Pontifical Athenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo, Rome. He earned the Licentiate (S.T.L.) in Moral Theology from the Clough School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College.
IMTH710/IMCA670 • Christology and Christian Anthropology
Taught by Father Dan Carr
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
This course presents a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and Tradition. It traces the historical developments of how the person of Christ came to be understood within the various theological traditions of the past and present. The course also examines the human person in the light of Christology, and focuses upon such themes as the fall and redemption, grace and freedom, and sin and conversion.
Father Dan Carr is pastor of Saint Regis Parish, Trafford in the Diocese of Greensburg, and Director of Ministry Formation for the Diocese. He graduated from Hempfield Area High School, Hempfield Township, and is graduate of Saint Vincent College. He attended Saint Mark Seminary and Gannon University, both in Erie. In addition, he continued his theological studies at the Pontifical North American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University, both in Rome.
IMSD630/IMCA630 • Praying Sacred Scripture
Taught by Dr. John Gresham
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
The course will address the ancient practice of praying with Sacred Scripture, traditionally known as Lectio Divina or “Sacred Reading.” It will provide an overview of the canon of Sacred Scripture and some important considerations for understanding Biblical texts such as the literary genre, literary and historical contexts, and the benefit of accessing the meaning of particular terms in the original languages, drawing from Dei Verbum and other magisterial documents.
Dr. John Gresham is a retired seminary professor (Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit). His theological training includes a Master of Arts degree from Wheaton College and Ph.D. from Baylor University as well as a certificate from the Alleluia School of Spiritual Direction, Augusta Georgia. He spent time in charismatic and Pentecostal churches, then in the Episcopal Church on his way to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, serves on the board of Pentecost Today USA and remains active in ecumenical dialogue. His books include Jesus 101 and Holy Spirit 101.
IMCA660/IMTH715 • Fundamental Moral Theology
Taught by Father Francis Jin, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
Building on the Church’s understanding of nature and grace, this course treats the Church’s development of a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and the opposite of these in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering and evil. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as catechists to grow with pastoral sensitivity, alongside those in their care, in the Christian life.
Father Francis Jin, O.S.B., earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Xi’an Jiaotong University, a Master of Arts degree in Catholic philosophical studies and the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, as well as the Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree, conferred through the Pontifical Athenaeum of Sant’ Anselmo, Rome. He earned the Licentiate (S.T.L.) in Moral Theology from the Clough School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College.
IMCA680 • Catechesis in the New Evangelization
Taught by Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
When presented in a missionary key, catechesis focuses renewed attention on the formation of adults by working with processes of conversion and growth for the development of an intentional discipleship and committed path of faith. This course present catechesis from the documentary tradition by focusing particular attention on the 2020 Directory for Catechesis, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Evangelii Gaudium, and other relevant magisterial documents.
Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B., graduated from Our Lady of the Holy Cross College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology, earned the Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, completed the Master of Arts in Liturgy from the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois; and the Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L) from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.