Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM)

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry degree program prepares men and women for leadership and service in the Church as lay ecclesial ministers.  This preparation involves the appropriation and integration of intellectual, pastoral, spiritual, and human formation as recommended by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord (2005).  It also prepares candidates to demonstrate competence in the criteria approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission of Certification and Accreditation in the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers (2003).

Program Goals

Intellectual Formation

• The goal of intellectual formation is to prepare the student with a unified theological understanding of the Catholic faith, rooted in God's revelation and embodied in the living tradition of the Church, for the purpose of exercising effective and informed ministry within the Catholic Church.

Candidates for the M.A.P.M. degree demonstrate the program goal of intellectual formation by:

• articulating an understanding of the tradition and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in the areas of biblical, historical, dogmatic, systematic, moral, sacramental, and liturgical theology;
• communicating theological knowledge orally and in writing in both academic and pastoral settings and applying theological knowledge to ministerial practice;
• expressing an understanding and appreciation of the role of the parish or local faith community in its relationship to the universal Church and to culture, and in its dealings with others through ecumenical and inter-religious encounters.

Pastoral Formation

• The goal of pastoral formation is to equip the student with the practical skills needed to serve the mission and ministry of the church in a manner proper to the laity's share in Christ's role as priest, prophet and king.

Candidates for the M.A.P.M. degree demonstrate the program goal of pastoral formation by:

• practicing effective pastoral ministry in collaboration with others in a manner consistent with the complementary roles of the ministerial priesthood and the laity;
• engaging in pastoral activity that promotes evangelization, faith formation, community, and pastoral care with sensitivity to diverse situation;
• using leadership and administrative skills in the practice of ministry, including planning, communication, decision-making, delegation, and conflict resolution.

Spiritual Formation

• The goal of spiritual formation is to support the student's development of a personal, ecclesial relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit by promoting the attitudes, personal disposition, and habits of prayer required for Christian discipleship.

Candidates for the M.A.P.M. degree demonstrate the program goal of spiritual formation by:

• exhibiting a deep love for God and commitment to the Church, with a sense of a call that is affirmed by the Church;
• exercising the habit of personal prayer, theological reflection, and participation in the life, liturgy, and sacraments of the Church ;
• manifesting reverence for the Word of God, respect for the teaching of the Catholic Church, and a disposition of Christian charity with a commitment to justice, peace, and holiness of life.

Human Formation

• The goal of human formation is to assist the student's development of an integrated life and Christ-like character that fosters healthy ministerial leadership and service.

Candidates for the M.A.P.M. degree demonstrate the program goal of human formation by:

• showing the capacity to foster cooperation and to work effectively with men and women of various backgrounds and perspectives;
• integrating one's commitments in ministry with other personal responsibilities;
• relating to others with a spirit of openness that exhibits trust, respect, and attention to their needs, with a particular concern for the suffering, the poor, and the disadvantaged.