Purpose

The S.T.L. degree offered by Sacred Heart Major Seminary is an ecclesiastical degree in pastoral theology with a focus on the New Evangelization. The Pontifical University of St. Thomas (The Angelicum) in Rome confers the degree through the faculty of SHMS.

Goals

1. Have an advanced understanding of biblical, theological and magisterial principles of the New Evangelization. Demonstrate the ability to apply these principles in analyzing scholarship and in assessing both existing and proposed programs of evangelization.
2. Have an advanced understanding of the principles of spirituality that are essential for evangelization. Based on this understanding of both the sanctifying and charismatic dimensions of the Spirit's work, be able to apply this understanding in assessing programs of evangelization.
3. Have an advanced knowledge of how the theological, spiritual and methodological components of evangelization express themselves in various times, places and cultural settings.
4. Have an advanced understanding of the cultural milieu in which evangelization takes place. Be able to evaluate positive and negative features of the cultural environment. Be able to articulate what inculturation and transformation of culture would mean in such situations.
5. Be familiar, both on a theoretical and pastoral level, with contemporary models, programs and movements of evangelization and be able to analyze and assess them from theological, spiritual and methodological perspectives.
6. Be familiar, both on a theoretical and practical level, with leadership skills necessary for evangelization, including actual experience in the field.

• A minimum of 48 credit hours must be earned through completion of the course of study.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 is required.
• A maximum of fifteen hours may be applied to the degree from other institutions or from other credit earning options.
• The program must be completed in six years from time of matriculation.
• Students must participate in program assessment, including completion of a Graduate Student Questionnaire during the final year of study.