Purpose

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies is a graduate degree preparing students for ministry and pastoral leadership.

Goals

1. Intellectual Goal: To understand and communicate the Catholic faith grounded in Scripture and Tradition, in the context of the contemporary world.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of Catholic
theology grounded in Scripture and Tradition.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate an ability to communicate accurately and
persuasively the Catholic faith, both orally and in writing, grounded in Scripture
and Tradition.
2. Human Goal: To commit to life-long integration of the intellectual, spiritual and psychological dimensions of one’s ministerial identity.
• Student Learning Outcome: To demonstrate personal accountability and professional
conduct as a lay ecclesial minister.
• Student Learning Outcome: To demonstrate a commitment to continue one’s
theological and pastoral education.
3. Spiritual Goal: To discern, adopt and practice a Christian spirituality appropriate to lay ecclesial ministry.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate a commitment to personal prayer and the
liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate an ability to reflect on human experience within the context of faith.
4. Pastoral Goal: To acquire the pastoral skills of leadership, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate an ability to meet pastoral needs in various cultural contexts.
• Learning Outcome: To demonstrate an ability to collaborate with others and to call forth the gifts of others for the sake of the pastoral setting.