Diploma - Ministry
Diploma - Ministry
Diploma in Ministry Program – 4-Year Diploma
The Diploma in Ministry program is designed for anyone seeking a deeper knowledge of faith and a comprehensive theological education in preparation for ministry and service as lay persons and permanent deacons in the Church. All are welcome to enroll in this program and would enrich the experience of all participants.
The program consists of four units offered over four years of study. Each unit consists of 54 contract hours. Units are taught in three or six-hour sessions on Saturdays from September through May. Each unit is the equivalent of 4.5 academic credits and may be counted toward the completion of a St. Mary’s University degree program with the approval of the Registrar.
Program Overview
Core Courses:
Year One – Foundations of Theology (4.5 credits)
- RLGS 301: Catholic Intellectual and Cultural Tradition (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 501: Catholic Intellectual and Cultural Tradition (3 credits)
- EDCL 302: Theology of the Church (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 502: Theology of the Church (1.5 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Two – Scripture and Tradition (4.5 credits)
- RLGS 205: Reading Biblical Texts (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 503: Reading Biblical Texts (3 credits)
- EDCL 304: Church History (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 504: Church History (1.5 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Three – Sacraments and MoralTheology (4.5 credits)
- EDCL 305: Understanding the Sacraments (1.5 credits) –OR-
EDCL 505: Understanding the Sacraments (1.5 credits)* - EDCL 306: Contemporary Issues (3 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 506: Contemporary Issues (3 credits)*
*Co-listed with Catholic Educators Program
Year Four – Preparation for Pastoral Ministry (4.5 credits)
- EDCL 307: Foundations of Ministry (3 credits) –OR-
EDCL 507: Foundations of Ministry (3 credits) - EDCL 308: Introduction to Ministries: Catechesis – Youth – Family (1.5 Credits) -OR-
EDCL 508: Introduction to Ministries: Catechesis – Youth – Family (1.5 credits)
NOTE: Participants holding a previous Bachelor’s degree will be required to enroll in the 500-level course, while participants without a Bachelor’s degree will be required to enroll in the 300-level course.