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PASTORAL STUDIES
Pastoral Studies
Director: Mary Anne Rivera, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
In its Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, the Second Vatican Council teaches that through
baptism “the laity share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal office of Christ and therefore
have their own role to play in the mission of the whole People of God in the Church and in the
world” (art. #2). The Graduate Program in Pastoral Studies is designed to help educate and train
lay people for a variety of roles within the mission of the people of God. This program is
equally open to members of religious communities and people of all Christian traditions.
This program is grounded in Catholic theology while being consciously designed
to acknowledge and interact with the similarities and differences between the
Catholic and other Christian traditions. The program is designed and taught by
an ecumenical faculty drawn from Gannon’s Department of Theology and its
Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies. This community of professionals brings
together teachers and learners to encourage a critical dialogue with other faith
traditions and contemporary culture.
Catholic Universities are called to contribute to sound ecumenical formation. In
response to the call, Gannon’s Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies seeks to
enable its community of learners from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
“to practice respect for the religious freedom and the learned wisdom of all
people” (On Catholic Identity, 4). This is to be accomplished in a dialogue
between faith and reason where Christian theology can be pursued seriously and
religious pluralism can be explored responsibly through theological discussion
and research. This aim reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to
re-establishing Christian unity in the hope “that all may be one” (John 17:20).
There are two areas of concentration in this program: Religious Education and
Pastoral Ministry. Both require a total of thirty-six (36) credit hours.
I. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Religious Education concentration consists primarily of graduate work in Catholic theology
and professional catechetical formation. As such, this concentration is designed to prepare
individuals to assume roles as Church Director of Religious Education, RCIA Coordinator,
catechist for parish Religious Education programs, and/or teacher of religion in Catholic schools.
Objectives
- to provide a solid theological foundation for all areas of catechetical ministry
- to develop and enhance the student’s ability to effectively teach children, adolescents,
and adults the rich theological Tradition of the Church
- to foster in students the desire and the ability to pursue ongoing scholarly theological
research and study as well as catechetical formation.
Curriculum
Required Courses (21 credits)
3 GPAST 610 Covenant and Discipleship
3 GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ
3 GPAST 630 Theology of the Church
3 GPAST 640 Theology of the Christian Sacraments
3 GPAST 650 The Foundations of Christian Ethics
3 GPAST 660 Teaching Strategies for Religious Education
3 GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
Cognate Course (6 credits)
3 GEDU 637 Learning Theory
3 GCOU608 Human Development Over the Life Span
3 GEDU___ Other Approved Cognate Course
Electives (6 credits)
3 GPAST 632 Patristics
3 GPAST 671 Spiritual Foundations of the Christian Life
3 GPAST 690 Ecumenism
3 GPAST 690-694 Special Topics in Theology
Directed Research Project (3 credits)
GPAST 796.
Primarily, the research project is to give evidence of the student’s competence to do scholarly
theological research. In addition, it is to demonstrate the student’s ability to apply scholarly
research to a catechetical project or concern. The Program Director and at least one other
member of the Theology Department must approve the topic. Either person can serve as director
of the project. Upon approval, the student must then submit a reading list to the project
director who may amend it. The project director must approve the final draft of the paper.
Oral Examination
A one-hour oral examination will occur once the student has completed the Directed Research
Project. The student will meet with a three-member board of faculty members, including his/her
project director. The focus of the oral examination will be the student’s research project and
reading list. A positive (pass) grade is required in order to obtain the degree.
II. PASTORAL MINISTRY
The Pastoral Ministry concentration consists primarily of graduate work in Catholic theology
along with professional ministerial training. As such, this concentration is designed to prepare
individuals to assume roles as Church ministers for parishes, hospitals, nursing homes and
prisons.
Objectives
- to provide a solid theological foundation for all areas of lay ministry within the Church
- to foster in students the ability to incorporate theological reflection within ministerial
experiences
- to develop the personal and professional skills necessary for leadership and ministry within
the local Church
- to provide the student opportunities to learn ministerial skills through experience
- to develop the pursuit of the integration of theology, spirituality, life experiences, and
professional training necessary for lay ministry of quality and endurance
Curriculum
Required Courses (18 credits)
3 GPAST 610 Covenant and Discipleship
3 GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ
3 GPAST 630 Theology of the Church
3 GPAST 640 Theology of the Christian Sacraments
3 GPAST 650 The Foundations of Christian Ethics
3 GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
Electives (6 credits)
3 GPAST 632 Patristics
3 GPAST 671 Spiritual Foundations of the Christian Life
3 GPAST 693-694 Special Topics in Theology
Cognates Courses (6 credits)
3 GCOU 608 Human Development Over the Life Span
3 GCOU 627 Professional Counseling
Elective Cognate Courses (3 credits)
3 GMPA 632 Non-Profit Management and Leadership
3 GCOU 605 Group Dynamics
3 GCOU 612 Family Systems
3 GCOU___ Other Approved Cognate Course
Practicum (3 credits)
GPAST 791.
An internship experience of approximately 10-12 hours per week will be provided. The placement
process begins with an initial three-way conference (student, field supervisor, program director)
and results in an internship contract. The delineation of objectives, theological reflection
cases, weekly meetings with the supervisor, and on-site visits by the program director will be a
regular part of the internship. A collaborative written evaluation is required in order to
obtain the degree. The student will be required to write process-recording interventions, two
pastoral care assessments and two theory-practice integration reflection papers.
Oral Examination
A one-hour oral examination will occur before a board of three faculty members. One month prior
to the exam, the student will be given a pastoral ministry case. It will be the student’s task
to respond to that case theologically and ministerally. For the exam, the student is to provide
a short reading list of pertinent texts that apply to the case and an outline of the response.
This list will demonstrate the research the student has done and will also be a source for
questions by the board. A positive (pass) grade for this exam is required in order to obtain the
degree.
III. THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The program is designed for parish Coordinators of Religious Education and the RCIA
as well as catechists and teachers in Religious Education programs and Catholic
schools who wish to do some graduate work in theology and catechists without
necessarily pursuing a Master’s degree. Successful completion of eighteen (18)
credits from the required courses for the Religious Education concentration
warrants the awarding of the Certificate.
These 18 credits must include:
3 GPAST 610 Covenant and Discipleship
3 GPAST 660 Teaching Strategies for Religious Education
3 GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ
3 GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
3 GPAST 630 Theology of Church
3 GPAST 796 Directed Research Project
All graduate admission requirements apply to candidates for the Certificate.
Should the recipient elect to continue towards the Master’s degree, the credits
earned for the Certificate would be recognized.
IV. THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL MINISTRY
This program is designed for persons who may already be credentialed and degreed in other areas
but who are seeking second careers in ministry and therefore are in need of specific theological
and ministerial training. This program is also for those who are already engaged in ministry and
who possess a graduate degree, but wish more theological background and ministerial training.
Successful completion of Theological Foundations of Ministry, Counseling Strategies and
Techniques, one additional Theology course and a practicum are required for the Certificate.
All graduate admission requirements apply to candidates for the Certificate.
These 18 credits must include:
3 GPAST 610 Covenant and Discipleship
3 GPAST 630 Theology of Church
3 GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
3 GPAST 692 Pastoral Counseling
3 GPAST 791 Practicum
3 GCOU 627 Professional Counseling
All graduate admission requirements apply to
candidates for the Certificate. Should the recipient elect to continue towards
the Master’s degree, the credits earned for the Certificate would be
recognized.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- nine undergraduate credits in theology or religious studies
- introductory interview by the Program Director
- written essay by applicant
- and three letters of recommendation.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GPAST 610 Covenant and Discipleship in the Scriptures
3 credits
An examination of the concepts of election, promise and covenant in the Hebrew Scriptures and the
foundations for Christian discipleship in the New Testament.
GPAST 620 Theology of Jesus Christ
3 credits
A study of the mystery of Jesus Christ, his person and his redemptive mission, showing the
development of the Church’s understanding of Jesus Christ from the witness of the primitive
Church in the New Testament to the central christological dogmas of the early councils, through
the speculative insight of the Medieval Schoolmen and contemporary theologians.
GPAST 630 Theology of the Church
3 credits
A study of the Church as the “People of God” according to its origins, its nature and
constitution and its mission, including an investigation of the role of Mary and the Office of
Peter in the life of the Church.
GPAST 632 Patristics
3 credits
A survey of ancient Christian writers from the author of the Didache to St. John of Damascus,
emphasizing the great catechetical treatises of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. John Chrysostom,
St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.
GPAST 640 Theology of the Christian Sacraments
3 credits
A biblical, historical and liturgical study of the Christian sacraments, viewed in a
Christological-ecclesial perspective, as well as the sacramental basis of Christian existence
and current issues vis-a-vis the sacraments.
GPAST 650 The Foundations of Christian Ethics
3 credits
A discussion of morality, conscience, law and freedom, sin and metanoia; the biblical foundations
of Christian morality; the life of virtue; the definition of the human person as a moral agent;
the role of the magisterium; selected moral questions.
GPAST 660 Teaching Strategies for Religious Education
3 credits
The study and practice of various methodologies of religious education and the development of
outcomes and assessment tools for religious education curricula.
GPAST 670 Theological Foundations of Ministry
3 credits
An introduction to the theology of ministry, including an examination of its biblical and
historical development and current issues facing pastoral ministers within the Church, as well
as training in the tool of theological reflection.
GPAST 671 Spiritual Foundations of the Christian Life
3 credits
The sources, history, methods and special concerns of Christian spirituality. Among the issues
addressed will be: a contemporary understanding of spirituality; the significance of theology
and psychology for spirituality; the bible within the spiritual tradition; prayer, meditation,
and contemplation; the stages of spiritual development; discernment and spiritual direction;
mysticism and higher spiritual states; spirituality and the ideal of perfection.
GPAST 690 Ecumenism
3 credits
This course surveys the first nine ecumenical councils and focuses on the
Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio. This
document will form the basis for examining ecumenical dialogue since 1965. This
study will also highlight the process and the progress of this movement toward
Christian unity.
GPAST 691 Theological Journeys: A Scriptural and Archaeological Approach
3 credits
A multi-disciplinary course designed to illustrate the importance of
archaeological data in biblical, historical and theological reconstruction. This
course will combine modern textual study of both the Old and New Testaments with
relevant archaeological discoveries as foundational to a theological journey.
GPAST 692 Pastoral Counseling
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the emerging field of pastoral
counseling with an outlook towards professional development. Various
specializations of pastoral counseling and the role of the pastoral counselor
will be defined and explored. An examination of the minister’s professional
identity will include legal and ethical codes along with standards for
certification, preparation and training of lay ecclesial ministers.
GPAST 693-694 Special Topics in Theology
3 credits
Specifically designed seminars focusing on specific topics in systematic and pastoral theology,
biblical studies, or catechetics that are meant to supplement the regular course offerings.
GPAST 791 Practicum
3 credits
An internship experience of approximately 10-12 hours per week will be provided.
The placement process begins with an initial three-way conference (student,
field supervisor, program director) and results in an internship contract. The
delineation of objectives, theological reflection cases, weekly meetings with
the supervisor, and on-site visits by the program director will be a regular
part of the internship. A collaborative written evaluation is required in order
to obtain the degree. The student will be required to write process-recording
interventions, two pastoral care assessments and two theory-practice integration
reflection papers.
GPAST 796 Directed Research Project
3 credits
Primarily, the research project is to give evidence of the student’s competence
to do scholarly theological research. In addition, it is to demonstrate the
student’s ability to apply scholarly research to a catechetical project or
concern. The Program Director and at least one other member of the Theology
Department must approve the topic. Either person can serve as director of the
project. Upon approval, the student must then submit a reading list to the
project director who may amend it. The project director must approve the final
draft of the paper.
Courses from Other Programs
See the course descriptions in the Graduate Program in Community Counseling.
Education and Public Administration.
GEDU 637 Learning Theory
3 credits
GMPA 632 Non-Profit Management and Leadership
3 credits
GCOU 605 Group Dynamics
3 credits
GCOU 608 Human Development Over the Life Span
3 credits
GCOU 612 Family Systems
3 credits
GCOU 627 Professional Counseling
3 credits
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