Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM)

 Program Goals

The M.A. in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM) integrates theological, ministerial, spiritual, and personal formation toward the following goals:

Theological Formation is the process of acquiring a theological understanding on the Roman Catholic tradition for the sake of the mission and ministry of the Church developing:

1. An understanding of the tradition and teachings of the Romans Catholic Church in the areas of biblical, historical, dogmatic/systematic, moral, and sacramental/liturgical theology.
2. An ability to think theologically and to apply theological knowledge to ministerial practice.
3. An ability to communicate theological knowledge orally and in writing, in both academic and pastoral settings.
4. An understanding and appreciation of a parish/local faith community in light of the history of the larger Church, ecumenical relationships, and cultural diversity.

Ministerial Formation is the process of developing pastoral skills for ministry, which are grounded in theological study and informed by supervised ministry experience, developing:

1. An ability to provide effective pastoral ministry in collaboration with ordained and lay members of the parish/local faith community and in the context of the universal Church.
2. An ability to utilize leadership skills in ministry, including planning, communication, decision-making, delegation, and conflict management.
3. An ability to engage in pastoral activity that promotes evangelization, faith formation, community, and pastoral care with sensitivity to diverse situations.
4. An ability to work with sacramental ministers to enhance liturgical celebrations, lead prayer services, and preside in pastoral settings in accord with national and diocesan norms.
5. An ability to integrate and apply Catholic Social Teaching to various pastoral activities in the ministerial context.
6. Knowledge of and appreciation for ecumenism and an ability to integrate into pastoral practice a respectful understanding of other faith traditions.

Spiritual and Personal Formation is the process if developing a level of personal wellbeing and spiritual maturity that fosters healthy ministerial leadership and service, developing:

1. A deep love of God and God's people; faith in Christ and commitment to the Church; the habit of regular prayer, theological reflection, and participation in the sacraments and liturgy; a sense of call to ministry as coming from God and affirmed by the Church.
2. An ability to work in collaboration with others with trust, respect, and sensitivity to their needs, and to foster cooperation and manage conflict; and ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
3. Habits of living that demonstrate a reverence for the Word of God and the teaching of the Catholic Church; commitment to justice, peace, and holiness of life by engaging in works of justice and charity.
4. An ability to relate to others in a spirit of openness and concern for their needs, particularly of the suffering, the poor, and the disadvantaged.
5. An ability to balance one's responsibilities in ministry with other life commitments in a way that is beneficial to all involved.