Goals

Intellectual Goal
To understand and communicate the Roman Catholic faith and tradition in the context of the contemporary world.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• To demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of Catholic theology, both in its tradition and contemporary context.
• To demonstrate an ability to communicate accurately and persuasively the Catholic Faith and Tradition both orally and in writing.

Personal Goal
To commit to life-long integration of the intellectual, spiritual and psychological dimensions of one's ministerial identity.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• To demonstrate personal accountability and professional conduct as a lay ecclesial minister.
• To demonstrate a commitment to continue one's theological and pastoral education.

Spiritual Goal
To discern, adopt and practice a Christian spirituality appropriate to lay ecclesial ministry.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• To demonstrate a commitment to personal prayer, and the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.
• To demonstrate an ability to reflect on human experience within the context of faith and justice.

Ministerial Goal
To acquire the pastoral skills of leadership, collaboration and cultural sensitivity. Student Learning Outcomes:

• To demonstrate an ability to meet pastoral needs in various cultural contexts.
• To demonstrate an ability to collaborate with others and to call forth the gifts of others for the sake of the parish community.

Program Requirements

1. A minimum of 48 credit hours must be earned through completion of the course of study.
2. A maximum of sixteen hours may be applied to the degree from other institutions or from other credit earning options.
3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is required.
4. This program must be completed in six years after matriculation.
5. Students must complete a one credit course in graduate theological research, IS 505: Theological Research and Writing. This course must be done in conjunction with ST 500: Theological Methodology, and should be done within the student's first year of study. The course is graded pass/fail. Credits earned to not count toward the 48 credits required in total for the degree. 
6. Students must participate in assessment of the academic program, including completion of a Graduating Student Questionnaire during their final year of study.

Formation Requirements

All students in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program are required to participate in formation for three consecutive years at the beginning of their course of study. Students who require additional time to complete the academic requirements of the degree must continue to meet regularly with the director of formation until the completion of their course of study. Students in formation for the permanent diaconate are exempt from participating in this formation program.

• Spiritual Direction
  All candidates are expected to be in spiritual direction with an approved director.
  
  
• Mentoring
  All candidates are assigned a mentor to accompany them over the three years of formation. The director of formation recruits potential mentors from the ranks of experienced lay ecclesial ministers in the Church of Detroit. These mentors are trained in the use of the Profiles of Ministry inventory instrument, which is administered to all candidates at the beginning of the program. The Profiles of Ministry inventory provides an initial context for the development of the mentoring relationship. The mentor serves as a companion and guide for the student's human, spiritual, psychological and ministerial growth in various settings.
  
  
• Monthly Formation Meetings
  Formation candidates gather monthly for sessions covering topics of significance for lay ecclesial ministry. Prayer will be a significant part of each gathering.
  
  
• Theological Reflection
  The theological reflection process is at the heart of the formation process. Students will be introduced to the program in the first year. Beginning with the second year, the formation sessions will include an opportunity to reflect on the content of that formation session. During the third year, students will participate in a theological reflection seminar at the same time that they are doing their ministerial placement or project.
  
  
• Interview with Director of Formation
  In collaboration with the student's mentor, the director of formation will meet with each candidate for an evaluation at the end of each year. This evaluation includes feedback from mentors and faculty.
  
  
• Informal Gatherings
  Based on the schedule during each term, and the availability of students, the director of formation will facilitate informal gatherings at the seminary, to give students an opportunity for Scripture reflection, faith sharing, discussion of current theological and pastoral issues, publications, etc.