MASTER OF DIVINITY PROGRAM

The Master of Divinity curriculum, which is open only to seminarians, is designed as a four-year program of academic study and field work. The student entering his first year in the School of Theology will normally spend eleven quarters taking courses on campus, one quarter working in a pastoral internship off campus, one summer (after Third Year) in a program of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.), and possibly a summer in a Spanish Language Program.

  Through an Integrating Seminar the student will demonstrate at the end of the program that he has appropriated the required theology and is able to communicate it pastorally.

FIRST SIX QUARTERS:

APPROPRIATION OF THE FAITH 

Functional Goals 

1. to name or thematize the experiences and object of faith  (Pentateuch, Fundamental Theology, Ecclesiology, Christology, Doctrine of God, Christian Anthropology);

2. to name the connections of faith experiences with other  generations and other believers today (Johannine Literature, Pauline Literature, Introduction to Early Christian Life and Thought, Medieval, Reformation and Catholic Reformation Church History;

3. to name the challenges to faith  and the challenges of faith (Church History, Principles of Moral Theology, Special Moral I and II);

4. to discover the ways of cultivating the mystery and sense of faith (Worship I and II,  Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing and Vocation, Personal Spiritual Theology [formation]);

5. to begin to develop:  a) liturgical talents (reading, liturgical preaching, music, planning liturgies, etc.); b) psychological talents (basic counseling, crisis intervention, work with families); c) organizational talents. 

  A  theme is suggested for each quarter to guide the formulation of the objectives for individual courses so that they are coordinated, to the extent possible, with the overall goals.

First Theology: "The Way of the Disciple"

Fall Quarter:  God Speaks and We Respond in Prayer and Worship

Winter Quarter:  This is the God Who Speaks, the One Whom We Proclaim

Spring Quarter:  How We Live Our Faith Communally and Individually: The Consequences of Living by Faith

Second Theology: "Faith in Action: The Mission of the Disciple" 

Fall Quarter: The Structures and Supports of Christian Living 

Winter Quarter: Discipleship: Serving the Lord and His Church

Spring Quarter: Pastoral Intensive 

The aims of the Third and Fouth Years of the program are: 

1. to build on the foundation of the first six quarters through further development and integration of a student's knowledge, his abilities and skills, and his identity;

2. to focus informed reflection upon diocesan priestly ministry;

3. to provide for the integration of the student's theological formation as the proximate preparation for the exercise of diocesan priestly ministry for and within the community of faith;

4. to enable students to become self-directed in their application to learning, acquiring a habit of study for their continuing theological education.

Field Education 

 Field education is an integral part of the seminary program. The program leads, through gradual pastoral experiences, to a full exercise of priestly ministry. In supervised and directed situations, the seminarian participates in ministry; works with competent professionals engaged in ministry; reflects on the personal impact of ministry; integrates the theology of the classroom with the practice of the parish; becomes aware of personal

strengths and limits; listens to parishioners; dialogues with peers; and, in all, is immersed in pastoral education.

  In field education, three elements are kept in focus: the minister, ministry, and reflection. It is precisely keeping these elements in a dynamic relationship that constitutes a field education program. So, attention is paid to 

1. The seminarian: clarifying strengths and limits through evaluations and learning agreements; through regular supervision, becoming aware of feelings and how they influence ministry; and examining personal faith in response to ministerial demands.

2. The practice of ministry: opportunities are provided for the student to engage in a wide variety of ministries. At Mundelein the primary focus is on parish ministry, but opportunities for hospital as well as specialized aspects of ministry are also provided. The student engages and learns from other professionals and collaborates with both ordained and non-ordained. He participates in ministry that will constitute his future life.

3. Theological reflection: the student relates the tradition of the Church to pastoral practice; becomes aware of his theological assumptions; and becomes sensitive to the movements of the Lord in life situations.

  First Year

  The first-year program gradually introduces the student to pastoral life and the relationship of his seminary training to his future.  The  student participates weekly in a parish-based field education program.  Some ministries he may be involved with include: religious education, youth groups, outreach programs to the poor, Ministry of Care, RCIA, or assistance with liturgy.  The goals of the program are to involve students in the concrete needs and realities of parish life, to develop new skills or deepen existing skills in a specific area of parish ministry, and to enable students to integrate what they are learning in classes with pastoral practice.

Second Year 

  The second-year program is a full-time parish placement. This internship is an extended quarter which begins at the end of the winter quarter (mid-February) and continues until at least the first of June. The goals of the internship are: 1) to grow in understanding of the ministry to a parish; 2) to understand diocesan priestly life and rectory living; and 3) to become comfortable in the public identity of a professional minister  preparing for the priesthood. The primary areas of involvement are education, pastoral care, prayer and liturgy, preaching and adult faith life. Ordinarily, the student does the pastoral quarter in his home diocese. All supervisors are expected to participate in training provided by the seminary.

Third Year

  The focus of the third-year program is to ensure that students become familiar with specialized areas of ministry beyond the parish setting. Students  have  the  option  of  choosing from several areas of ministry. The students reflect with a site coordinator on the theological underpinnings of their experiences. This program runs concurrently throughout the academic year. Additionally, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the chants of the Mass during the third year.

Clinical Pastoral Experience (C.P.E.)

  All students are required to fulfill a basic quarter of C.P.E. Throughout this intensive period of training, the seminarian learns to put into practice the theological and pastoral skills

he has acquired and, at the same time, he learns to work in a team relationship with other qualified people who are engaged in ministry. Participation in this program occurs at the end of third year.

Fourth Year 

  Students in the spring quarter of fourth year will be engaged in weekend parochial work -  exercising diaconal  ministry. Students of the Archdiocese of Chicago will be placed in the site of their first priestly assignment. On-campus courses will be of a practical nature and encourage integration of the pastoral and academic.  

Pastoral Preparation

  The courses in various departments designed to reinforce the student's work in the field, and to help the student acquire the necessary knowledge for his role as a diocesan priest are: Worship I: Introduction to Music, Homiletics I, Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling, Introduction to Liturgical Leadership, Presiding at the Rites, and Eucharistic Practicum. Courses in the Pastoral Life Department have to do directly or indirectly with supervised, on-site  field  work,  where  the  goal  is  the acquisition of knowledge and skills, self-evaluation, and experience. These courses are:  Pastoral Quarter, Theological Reflection courses, Clinical Pastoral Education, Pastoral Leadership & Administration, Parish Skills, and electives of a "practicum" nature. 

MASTER OF DIVINITY REQUIREMENTS

 (158 quarter hours)

   A.  Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation

Pentateuch       (Th. I)

Johannine Literature       (Th. I)

Pauline Literature       (Th. I)

Homiletics I      (Th. II)

Narrative Approaches to  Biblical 

Preaching     (Th. III)

Synoptic Gospels Elective

Pauline Elective - 2 hrs.

Prophets Elective

Wisdom/Psalms Elective - 2 hrs.

Scripture Elective

Homiletics Elective OR Vocal Practicum

   B.  Systematic Theology

Fundamental Theology       (Th. I)

Christology       (Th. I)

Doctrine of God       (Th. I)

Christian Anthropology       (Th. I)

Ecclesiology      (Th. II)

Sacraments of Initiation      (Th. II)

Sac. of Healing and Vocation      (Th. II)

Theology of Priesthood - 2 hrs.    (Th. IV)

Integrating Seminar - 2 hrs.    (Th. IV)

Systematic Elective - 2 hrs.

Ecumenical & Interreligious Dialogue   (Th. III)

Christology Elective

   C.  Christian Life

Christian Principles       (Th. I)

Intro to Spirituality       (Th. I)

Special Moral I      (Th. II)

Canon Law I     (Th. III)

Special Moral II      (Th. II)

Canon Law II     (Th. III)

Special Moral III                                    (Th. III)

Reconciliation Prac. - 2 hrs.    (Th. IV)

Spirituality Elective

Christian Life Elective

Moral Elective - 2 hrs 

  D. Church History

Intro to Early Christian Life &  Thought  (Th. I)

Medieval Church History - 2 hrs.       (Th. I)

Reform. and Cath. Reformation Church

History - 2 hrs.      (Th. II)

Modern Church History     (Th. III)

Am. Catholic Church History Elective

Church History Elective

   E. Worship

Worship I       (Th. I)

Worship II       (Th. I)

Intro. to Lit. Leadership - 1 hr.      (Th. II)

Presiding at the Rites    (Th. IV)Presiding at the Euch. - 2 hrs.    (Th. IV)

Liturgy/Sacraments Elective

Vocal Practicum OR Homiletics Elective

Choir (optional)

   F. Pastoral Life

Theological Reflection I - 1 hr.       (Th. I)

Intro to Past. Care & Counseling      (Th. II)

Theological Reflection II - 1 hr.      (Th. II)

Pastoral Internship - 9 hrs.      (Th. II)

C.P.E.                            (Summer after Th. III)

Theological Reflection III     (Th. III)

Parish Skills    (Th. IV)

Pastoral Leadership & Admin.    (Th. IV)

Significant Pastoral Issues Elective

Cross-Cultural Ministry Elective

   G. Hispanic Ministry

Spanish I - 1 hr.                           (Th. I)Spanish II - 1 hr.                     (Th. I)

Spanish III - 1 hr.                        (Th. I)

Summer Language Intensive                                           

Lit. Ministry with Hispanics I      (Th. II)

Lit. Ministry with Hispanics II     (Th. III)

Preaching in Spanish     (Th. III)

Lit. Ministry in Hisp. Communities         (Th. V)

Hispanic Program -- Seminarians studying for Chicago and certain other dioceses are required to show proficiency in Spanish language and ministry skills. Those who have not studied Spanish take the Introduction to Spanish in First Theology. Normally the Hispanic Ministry Intensive is done in the summer between First and Second Theology. Seminarians also take two courses for three hours credit in Ministry to Hispanic Community. The intensive and the ministry courses are presumed requirements for the students in the designated dioceses, unless they already demonstrate an acquired facility in Spanish or have a reason to substitute another pastoral language. 

Theological Research and Composition

  Theological Research and Composition I is a required course for all First Year Theologians. This is a basic course introducing students to theological reading, composition, and research skills.

  Students familiar with theological reading, composition, and research may be exempted from the course by passing the Research Knowledge Survey.  The survey is available in the Academic Office and must be returned by the end of Orientation Week.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

  In addition to the successful completion of all other requirements for the M.Div. degree, the student is required to demonstrate his theological and pastoral proficiency in a comprehensive evaluation process in conjunction with the Integrating Seminar in the Winter Quarter of Fourth Year (IV-W).

Grading Policies

  Students will receive a letter grade for all elective and most required courses. The following required courses are taken for Pass/Fail: Presiding at the Eucharist,  Reconciliation Practicum, Pastoral Internship,  Theological Reflection, Introduction to Liturgical Leadership, C.P.E., Presiding at the Rites, and Theological Research and Composition. Students must have a cumulative and current Grade Point Average of 2.5 for each quarter for all work attempted, passed or failed, for the M.Div. Degree (for further information see "Definition of Grades” on page 46).

  All courses are normally three credit hours unless otherwise indicated.