School adjusts curriculum in light of need to link theology, ministry

St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Albany, which offers graduate degrees in theology, pastoral studies and divinity as well as certificate programs, has introduced a new curriculum for September.

According to Sister Kitty Hanley, CSJ, associate dean and director of the Albany campus, "there is a great advantage to this new curriculum" because "it integrates the study of theology with ministry."

In addition, the school will no longer require pre-requisites for its theology degree, and "the program will be more user-friendly for all our students," she added.

Sister Patricia Schoelles, CSJ, president of the Rochester-based campus, and Dr. Devadasan Premnath, academic dean there, recently visited the Pastoral Center in Albany, where the school is located, to explain the changes.

Tie-in

Sister Kitty noted that "Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord," issued by the U.S. Catholic bishops as a guide for the development of lay ecclesial ministry, coincides with the faculty's vision for graduate students.

"When I read the document," she said, "I realized that it was what we were already doing here."

Said Dr. Premnath, "Today, there is a greater need for pastoral training and ministry, and the theology degree needed to be updated in that respect."

Changes

The current theology track requires that students complete at least six undergraduate courses in theology, philosophy and religion prior to entering the program. That is being dropped.

"We wanted to make formation for the laity available to those who may be returning to studies after many years," Dr. Premnath said. "Most of our students took those courses but many decades ago and how much they may have retained is questionable. In most cases, people are relearning the new language of theology."

As a result, two new courses have been added to the curriculum: Orientation to Theological Studies and Spiritual Formation.

Another change is that all degrees will require students to participate in field education, guided self-and-peer evaluation and annual goal-setting.

Integration

Sister Kitty said that "the most significant aspect of this new curriculum is the attempt to integrate pastoral experience with academic study in a more conscious and systematic fashion. Each course will incorporate specific learning outcomes in those areas.

"Our hope is that this will provide a well-rounded program for lay ecclesial ministry that parallels more closely the U.S. bishops' vision in the 'Co-Workers' document."

(For more information, call 453-6760.)

(4/12/07) [[In-content Ad]]