Faculty of Theology

Critical Thought at the Service of Faith

Scripture and Tradition are essential foundations of theology. In the Faculty of Theology, theological research is enriched by a solid understanding of biblical and patristic sources in accord with the Catholic intellectual tradition.

In keeping with the ecumenical teaching of Vatican II, the Faculty, in collaboration with the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and welcomes students from various ecclesial communities.

The Faculty of Theology values sound research and teaching that serve the Church and the common good of the wider society. It offers various programs for people who are preparing for ministry or who seek to pursue critical research in one of the fields of theology, including Biblical Studies, Ethics, Spirituality, Systematic and Historical Theology, as well as Practical Theology.

Aims

The primary aim of the Faculty of Theology is to prepare specialists for the service of the Church and of society. Students will be able to use the resources of the University as their career goals dictate: either to become competent in the areas of scientific research and teaching or to acquire the theological education needed for an informed pastoral commitment.

Programs are designed to help students receive a progressive initiation to the whole of theology and to develop their capacity for reflection and personal study. The Faculty offers its students the preparation for an academic career, the instruction required for the reception of Orders and the theological education needed for serious apostolic involvement.

Teaching Policy

The Faculty is convinced that theology would become sterile were it separated from Scripture and the living tradition of the Church. Consonant with the spirit and directions of Vatican II, emphasis is placed on the biblical and patristic sources. The various systems of thought which enrich reflection on revealed truth are stressed as well. The Faculty is also committed to promoting interdisciplinary research, especially in the areas of philosophy, psychology, sociology, and cultural anthropology.

Lectures introduce students to the whole of Christian doctrine. Professors are not bound to follow any particular textbook. They are urged to develop and consolidate their own area of specialization and to bring to bear their own intellectual creativity in light of the present-day challenges facing the Church and society.

The Faculty endeavours to link its academic requirements as a university body to specialized pastoral training. It aims to provide its students with an academic training of high calibre; at the same time, it seeks to cooperate with the various religious communities and diocesan organizations in order to secure the most complete pastoral training not only for those preparing for ministry and priesthood but also for all categories of students.

Ecclesiastical and Civil Degrees

Saint Paul University confers ecclesiastical degrees by virtue of its pontifical charter. Civil degrees are conferred jointly by Saint Paul University and University of the Ottawa by virtue of their federation.

Bilingualism

The timetables are drawn up in such a way that, in most instances, a student may take a course either in French or in English. The student is thus provided with larger and more diversified course offerings. Besides this advantage, the study of theology in French and English opens wider vistas to students and better prepares them to dialogue with others in the Church.

Different Christian and Theological Traditions

While rooted in the Western Roman Catholic tradition, the Faculty benefits from the theological richness of all the Christian Churches and theological traditions. This is reflected in the fact that the Faculty includes programs which have as their focus the Anglican tradition and the Eastern Christian tradition. All students interested in pursuing serious theological studies are welcome.

Feminist Perspectives

Feminist perspectives and courses are offered regularly by the Faculty, usually in Contemporary Theology and Selected Topics courses. For more information, please contact the Faculty.