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Theology
Catholic Church to be able to demonstrate specific accomplishment of academic and pastoral training through
certification of formal study and praxis. Saint Mary’s University now offers a Certificate in Pastoral Studies.
The certificate is designed to provide current and future ministers within the Roman Catholic Church
accredited theological and pastoral training. Enrollment for undergraduate credit is optional to
participation in the Institute of Lay Ministry; however only those students enrolled for undergraduate
credit are eligible for the certificate.
Year One
Year Two
THEO117 Scriptural Foundations
THEO132 Church History
THEO170 Pastoral Theology and the Practice of Ministry I
THEO145 Vocation and the Call to Ministry
THEO165 Foundational Theology I
THEO175 Foundational Theology II
THEO180 Pastoral Theology and the Practice of Ministry II
Year Three
THEO181 Prayer and Spiritual Foundations for Ministry
THEO182 Moral Theology and Catholic Social Ethics
THEO183 Pastoral Theology and the Practice of Ministry III
THEO184 Sacramental and Liturgical Theology
Year Four
THEO190 Ministry Internship I
THEO191 Ministry Internship II
THEO192 Capstone I
THEO193 Capstone II
THEO117 Scriptural Foundations 1 credit
This course provides students with a general introduction to scripture study and provides a broad
overview of the major themes and content of the Old and New Testaments. This course helps students
to gain a basic, theological understanding of: the meaning and function of revelation, inspiration,
historical development, and literary criticism in the writing and study of Scripture; the primary themes
and basic concepts present in Scripture (e.g., covenant, kingdom, creation, salvation, etc.); and the role
and use of Scripture in catechesis, prayer, and theological reflection.
THEO132 Church History 1 credit
This course includes the study of the church’s mission and ministry throughout history. It is designed to
provide students with a broad understanding of the church’s development historically, and to highlight
significant events and persons central to understanding this development. This course provides
students with a historical context for understanding the development of Church teaching and tradition;
examines the Church’s place within the broader cultural and social contexts of its history; and explores
the historical background and significance of the Second Vatican Council within the life of the Church.
THEO145 Vocation and the Call to Ministry 1 credit
This course assists students in exploring the Christian understanding of vocation, particularly in the
context of the laity, and considers the Church’s teaching on the call of the laity to discipleship and
to ministry following the Second Vatican Council. Students reflect on the callings and commitments
experienced in their lives in relation to their work, relationships, and faith. The process of discerning
one’s personal vocation, and the spiritual practices that support such discernment, is examined.
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