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Archive 2017 - 2018 > Pastoral and Ministerial Theology > Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity

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Program description

Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious belief. The Theology program encourages students to develop a critical approach to the problems and challenges facing modern society. The Master in Divinity (M.Div.) is a three year (90 cr.) second-entry program, (that is, it requires a B.A. or its equivalent for admission but no prior theological training). As such, it is a general degree in theological education whose purpose is to provide students a general theological education and a professional formation. Its aim is to prepare them for ordained and lay ministries and general pastoral leadership in Christian communities and other faith-based agencies serving the wider society.

The introduction of the M.Div. will allow students to pursue a more integrated program where theory and practice are linked more organically. Saint Paul University’s M.Div. distinguishes itself from that offered by other Ontario universities in its emphasis on education for dialogue and collaboration across ecumenical and interreligious boundaries, and its exploration of theology’s engagement with issues in contemporary culture.

While the program may be completed on a part-time basis, students are required to register full-time for at least one year with a view to the integration of academic study, supervised field experience, and personal formation.

The cursus of study for the M.Div. is parallel to the requirements of the ecclesiastical Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureatus (S.T.B.). Students registered in the M.Div. wishing to obtain the S.T.B. may be required to complete additional courses.

The M.Div. is a second-entry program. This program presupposes that students have already obtained a first post-secondary degree program or baccalaureate where they have developed basic research, critical thinking, oral and written communication skills.

The M.Div. is the most widely recognized degree for the preparation of candidates for ministry. The program is designed to assist students in integrating theory and practice through supervised field placements and practica.

Graduates of the M.Div. are eligible to apply to the M.A., in Theology, a program in advanced theological research.

Graduates holding a M.Div., after five years of professional ministry, may be admitted to the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.).

What you’ll learn

Students will learn about the heritage of the Christian tradition, within the horizon of ecumenical diversity and religion pluralism. They will gain an understanding of the contemporary cultural context, with attention to the dialogue between faith and culture; growth in spiritual depth and moral integrity, through an appreciation of the interiority of the human person and of the principles of social justice. They will develop a capacity for ministerial and public leadership through formative experience and personal integration, including study in conflict and dialogue.

Why choose Saint Paul University?

For its reduced class sizes and small student-teacher ratio
For its safe, secure and friendly campus with personalized services
For its bilingual setting in the heart of the national capital
For its diverse student population and international vision
For its solid reputation, experience, history and Catholic tradition

Career opportunities

Catechist
Community or not-for-profit organization worker
Missionary
Ordained minister
Pastoral agent in a school, hospital or prison setting
Pastoral associate
Youth development worker
Youth minister
Youth services worker

Click here to find out more about Admission Scholarships at Saint Paul University.

Other programs that may interest you

BLÉE Fabrice, Professor
BLOOMQUIST Gregory, Professor Emeritus
DIONNE Christian, Professor
E. CLIFFORD Catherine, Professor
ERIC HEFTY Karl, Associate Professor
LYSACK Maxym , Adjunct Professor
MARKWELL Hazel, Professor
MATHIEU Yvan, Associate Professor
SLATTER Mark, Professor
SPATAFORA M.S.F. Andrea, Professor

Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate with a minimum average of 70% or B;
Evidence of suitability for pastoral leadership attested through a letter of recommendation and pre-admission interview;
Evidence of ability to succeed in a post-baccalaureate program of study, attested in a letter of reference from a professor familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work.

Compulsory Courses: 45 credits

IPA 4321 Pastoral Ministry and Psychology
IPA 4322 Sociological Perspectives on Christian Community
IPA 4481 Practicum in Ministry and Service I
IPA 4482 Practicum in Ministry and Service II
THO 2189 Can we talk about God?
THO 3160 Introduction to the Old Testament: Pentateuch and Historical Books
THO 3161 Introduction to the New Testament: Synoptic Gospels
THO 3162 Christian Faith: Encounter with a Self-Revealing God
THO 3165 Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Age
THO 3166 The Good Life: Ethics and Christian Tradition
THO 3169 Liturgy Life of the Church
THO 3171 Introduction to Pastoral Practice I
THO 4201 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
THO 4205 Theology and Practice of Ministry
THO 4206 Personal Integration Seminar

Optional Courses: 45 credits

1. Three Credits from each category:

(a) Old Testament Sources

THO 4100 Wisdom Texts and Intertestamental Literature
THO 4101 The Prophetic Books

(b) New Testament Sources

THO 4102 Pauline Literature and Theology
THO 4103 Johannine Literature

THO 4107 Humanity: Creature and Creator
THO 4108 Grace and Christian Existence
THO 4109 Sin and the Question of Evil

(d) Growing in Communion with Other Christians

THO 2167 Catholic Commitment to Ecumenism
THO 3175 Anglicans and Unity
THO 3316 Ecclesiology and East-West Ecumenism

(e) Foundations for Dialogue with People of Other Faiths

MIS 2108 Theory and Praxis of Interreligious Dialogue
THO 2410 Introduction to the Religions of the World
THO 4204 Christianity and Religious Pluralism

(f) Contextual Issues in Church and Theology

THO 3172 Faith and Contemporary Culture
THO 4124 Feminist Perspectives in Theology
THO 4202 Global Christianity
THO 4203 Christianity in a Secular Age

(g) Christian Leadership

ECS 2123 Dialogue
THO 4302 Leadership in Faith Formation
THO 4303 Leadership in Christian Liturgy

2. Six Credits from each category:

(a) Divine Self-Disclosure: The Foundation of Christian Hope

THO 3163 The Christian God: Speaking of the Divine Mystery
THO 3164 Jesus the Christ and the Language of Christian Hope
THO 4125 Christologies, Past and Present

(b) Gathered Together in Prayer and Praise

DCA 3106 Sacramental Law
THO 3170 Proclaiming the Word of God in the Liturgy
THO 3176 Theology of Christian Marriage
THO 4111 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation, Anointing, Funeral Rites

THO 3123 The Medieval Church (600-1400 CE)
THO 3124 The Church in the Reformation Period (1400-1648 CE)
THO 3167 Early Christianity: The First Five Centuries (0-600 CE)
THO 3250 Modern and Contemporary Church History (1648 – present)

(d) Spiritual Depth and Moral Integrity

THO 3168 Ways of Christian Life and Prayer – Spirituality
THO 4104 The Sexual Self and Ethics
THO 4105 Spirituality and Social Justice
THO 4106 The Ethics of Medicine, Sickness and Health

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DCA 3106 - Sacramental Law

Sacraments and their celebration; legislation and rites; pastoral attitudes in the interpretation and application of law; in the case of students preparing for the priesthood, special attention given to the sacraments of penance and marriage in view of preparation for the examination for the faculty to hear confessions.

IPA 4321 - PASTORAL MINISTRY AND PSYCHOLOGY

Interaction between theology and psychology with reference to pastoral ministry, the experience of the believer, the development of faith and of religious attitudes. The pastoral implications of psychological theories of the individual and his/her social relations: impact on cognitive processes, emotion, behaviour, competence, values. Psychological perspectives on the pastoral minister's practice, role and identity.

IPA 4322 - Sociological Perspectives on Christian Community

Interaction between theology and sociology with reference to pastoral ministry. A study of the pastoral implications of socio-historical structures, and of social and cultural change. Analysis of how the social milieu forms the way people think, feel and act, and the reflection on the importance of this formation for values and beliefs. Sociological perspectives on Christian communities' practice, role and identity.

IPA 4481 - Practicum in Ministry and Service I

Students are engaged in the practice of ministry while working under supervision in a local church or other ministry setting (5 hours per week). The student is introduced to theological, sociological, and psychological theories in order to become a reflective practitioner in context. The student will become familiar with basic resources for intentional practice: creation of a pastoral profile; learning contracts; disciplined individual and group reflection; supervisory relationships; introduction to professional ethics. Cognitive, behavioural, motivational, and emotional components are related to individual, social, and interpersonal life.

IPA 4482 - Practicum in Ministry and Service II

In collaboration with a supervisor, the student identifies learning goals that emerge from pastoral practice I (e.g., relationships, leadership in community, conflict resolution skills). Development of action plans for ministry and learning in a local church or other ministry setting (5 hours per week). Emphasis is placed on critical, informed involvement, resource and time management, cultivation of collegial and co-responsible lay and ordained leadership in ministry.

Prerequisite: IPA 4481.

MIS 2108 - Theory and Praxis of Interreligious Dialogue

Dialogue as co-constitution of humans thanks to religious faith. Prerequisites and challenges involved in interreligious dialogue: in-depth dimension of faith; necessity of self-criticism; hermeneutic of religious convictions. Orthodoxy and orthopraxis. Harmony, conflict and end of religions.

THO 2167 - Toward Christian Unity

A study of the basic principles of ecumenical engagement, the contributions to progress in unity through the study of selected inter-church dialogues. Implications for common prayer, common witness, and collaboration in ministry.

THO 2189 - Can we talk about God? An Introduction to Theology

An exploration of the origins of Theology as a discipline, of significant moments in its historical development, of its presuppositions, methods, and the basic questions it seeks to answer.

THO 3123 - Early Christianity

Survey of the historical evolution of Christianity from its beginnings to the end of the fifth century, with attention to early Christological debates. An examination of church history in the Middle Ages with attention to key figures, movements, and developments in church theology and practice.

THO 3124 - Reforming the Church

A study of church history from 1400 to present, movements of Catholic and Protestant Reform, significant social and cultural developments and their influence on the evolution of theology and church structures.

THO 3160 - Introduction to the Old Testament

An introduction to the writings of the Old Testament through the study of the Pentateuch and Historical Books, with particular attention to their historical and cultural context

THO 3161 - Introduction to the New Testament

An introduction to the study of the New Testament through a critical study of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke. Attention to the cultural and religious context of the New Testament and history of the formation of the Gospels; contemporary methods of biblical interpretation.

THO 3162 - Revelation and Christian Faith

A Christian theology of revelation: Creation as a locus for revelation; reflection on how God has spoken in the history of Israel; fulfillment of revelation in Jesus Christ; impact of divine self-disclosure in shaping early Christian communities; faith as a human response to divine self-disclosure; implications for understanding the inspiration of Sacred Scripture and the meaning of Tradition; Christian revelation and other world religions.

THO 3164 - Jesus in the New Testament

Understanding Jesus of Nazareth, his identity, message and mission. Jesus the Messiah, Saviour, Lord, High Priest, son of Mary and Son of God. Theological interpretations of his death, resurrection and exaltation.

THO 3166 - The Good Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics

An introduction to the field of ethics within theology. Historical development of ethical approaches within theology. Constitutive elements of moral existence. Moral existence and Christian faith.

THO 3167 - Early Christianity: The First Five Centuries (0 – 600 CE)

Exploring the relationship between history and theology, methodologies of historical research. Survey of the historical evolution of Christianity from its beginnings to the end of the fifth century, with attention to early Christological debates.

THO 3168 - Christian Prayer and Spiritual Life

Exploring the nature of Christian spirituality, its definition, foundation, diverse expressions; major periods and movements of Christian spirituality; the importance of spirituality for theological reflection and personal integration.

THO 3169 - Liturgy and Experience: An Introduction to Christian Worship

Exploring the dimensions of human experience in terms of the common prayer of the Christian community through a consideration of sacred time, space, symbols, language and music; Jewish origins of Christian worship; the history of the Western liturgy. The structure and dynamics of the eucharistic liturgy, the liturgy of the hours, the liturgical year, and inculturation.

THO 3170 - Proclaiming the Word of God in the Liturgy: Homiletics

The theology and practice of preaching in the context of the liturgy, with attention to the structure of the liturgical year and the Sunday lectionary of readings. Practical experience in the preparation and delivery of a homily.

THO 3171 - Introduction to Ministry

Learning and growth in pastoral ministry through critical reflection in small groups and integration of academic knowledge, personal experience, and the practice of ministry.

THO 3172 - Faith and Contemporary Culture

An exploration of the dialogical stance of the Christian churches, at once learning from the riches of contemporary culture and sent in service to the human community. Challenges to the enculturation of the gospel. Contextualization of theologies to reflect the lives of particular communities.

THO 4100 - How to Search for Wisdom: The Poetic Books of the Bible

Wisdom Texts and Intertestamental Literature.

THO 4101 - How does God Respond to Injustice? Understanding the Prophets

General introduction to the prophets through a comparative study, with attention to their cultural, ethical and religious contexts. The evolution of prophetic literature towards an apocalyptic form and the meaning of apocalyptic literature.

THO 4102 - Freedom, Law, and Justice: Paul’s Letters

An overview of the life of Paul and his work. Exegesis of selected letters, with special attention to his understanding of law, justice, and freedom in Christ.

THO 4103 - What is Truth? The Gospel of John

A study of Johannine writings, their structure, theology, and cultural setting. Exegesis of selected passages in the Gospel of John and Letters of John, and the Apocalypse. Special attention given to the meaning of "truth" and "life."

THO 4104 - Selfhood and Sexual Ethics

The meaning of human sexuality in social, psychological and Christian perspective. Sexuality and personal growth. Discernment of moral values in sexual behaviour.

Prerequisite: THO 3166.

THO 4105 - Spiritual Life and Social Justice

The principles of Catholic social teaching and their significance for life in contemporary society and culture. The human being as personal and social being; respect for human rights; freedom in the socio-political context; society as the milieu of personal growth.

THO 4106 - The Ethics of Medicine, Sickness and Health

An exploration of contemporary ethical issues relating to health and the integrity of the human person: respect for human life; the right to physical integrity; genetics; abortion, euthanasia and the end of human life.

Prerequisite: THO 3166.

THO 4107 - Creation and Responsibility: Theological Anthropology

Christian anthropology. Responsibility and freedom of the human person as co-creator. Sin and the problem of evil. Relationship between creation and redemption. Creation and a scientific world view. Ecology and theology.

THO 4108 - Theological Thinking

Divine grace and human freedom. Historical development of the theology of grace. Christian existence as faith, hope, and love. God’s presence in the world and in the human person. Contemporary challenges.

THO 4109 - Sin and the Question of Evil

Deciphering the premises in questions about evil, suffering, and God. The history and difficulties entailed in classifying, differentiating, and conceptualizing evil. Theodicy as a response to the question of evil with problems of intelligibility, current expressions, strengths and limitations. The crucifixion of Jesus as theodicy. Continuing reference is made throughout the course to questions of meaning arising from suffering (viewed as the “ache” of evil) and a range of Christian ethical responses.

THO 4124 - Feminist Perspectives in Theology

An introduction to feminist perspectives and methods of interpretation and their application to the study of the Christian tradition. The contributions of major feminist theologians; issues in contemporary debate.

Prerequisite: THO 3166.

THO 4125 - Christology

Exploring the systematic understanding of the person of Christ in two natures; the development of Christological dogmas in the early Church; history of christological teachings; modern Christologies; Christ and contemporary culture.

THO 4201 - Sacramental Theology

Sacramental worldview. Historical development, theological interpretation, and communal practice of the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage, and holy orders. Sacraments in the life of the church. Implications of the sacraments for the spiritual life and social justice.

THO 4202 - World Christianity

A historical exploration of the emergence of Christianity as a worldwide faith with an emphasis on the modern period. The changing face of Christianity, with attention to the changing demographics diverse "families" of churches and the developments in differing geographic regions.

THO 4203 - Christianity in a Secular Age

Christian faith in a world of religious pluralism; church and state; freedom of religion; differing approaches to the secularity and secularism. Dialogue between faith and science, faith and atheism.

THO 4204 - Christianity and Religious Plurality

Exploring theological approaches to the fact of religious pluralism. Historical perspectives on the question of salvation outside the church; Catholic teaching and commitment to dialogue with other faiths; exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist approaches.

THO 4205 - Theologies of Ordained and Lay Ministry

An exploration of the biblical foundation, historical evolution and modern developments in the ordering of ministries in the church, with attention to forms and practice of ordained and lay ecclesial ministries, and the vocation of the laity in the world.

THO 4206 - Ministry Integration Project

Theological reflection integrating learning from courses and practicum placements through a community-based project, creative project, or paper.

THO 4302 - Leadership in Faith Formation

Theological reflection on the practice and principles of catechesis. The development and growth of faith in current pastoral contexts. Methodologies, learning styles, growth processes and approaches tailored in view of various groups and settings.

THO 4303 - Leadership in Christian Liturgy

Theological reflection on the liturgical experience and expression of Christian communities. Principles, dynamics, and practices of planning and leading liturgical celebrations.

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