Diploma In Ministry
St. Francis Xavier University, in keeping with its Catholic tradition as a leader in adult education, offers the Diploma in Ministry Program through distance education.
It is a five course program, designed for adults who may be involved in ministry in their parish or diocese and who wish to develop their faith, knowledge and ministry skills.
It is also of interest to those who wish to enhance their faith through studies based on solid Catholic theology.
The program is modeled on our award winning distance education format that recognizes the lived experience of the adult learner. It is based on the following principles which support the goal of faith development.
Ministry
Ministry, as a call to service, is a central theme in the program. The role of the laity is explored at the parish, diocesan and other levels and is integrated throughout the program.
Christian Spirituality
The program recognizes that personal spiritual growth is essential to ministry. Courses in the development of Christian belief and practice encourage the growth of both community and personal faith.
Applied Theory
The program provides the knowledge and skills required to lead, facilitate, or organize others in faith development activities at the parish/diocesan or other levels. The program culminates in the application of learning in a ministry-related project.
Learner-Centered Approach
The program's distance-education format allows learners to study with minimum disruption to family and work schedules. The program recognizes particular needs by its "individualized" aspect of study and policies on course selection and credit transfer.
Companionship
The program seeks to strengthen the faith community through a network of learners/graduates committed to mutual encouragement and the sharing of ideas and resources.
Courses & Instructors
Course Descriptions:
Each course is 12 weeks in duration. Students are required to take MNST110, MNST120, and MNST170, and any two electives from MNST130, MNST140, MNST150, and MNST160. The Diploma in Ministry program accepts new students in both the fall and winter terms.
MNST 110: Ministry in the Christian Community
This course examines the evolution of various dimensions of ministry. It places particular emphasis on the challenges facing the Church today.
Taught by: Mary Boucher
Further details.
MNST 120: Adult Religious Education
This course offers an overview of adult education theory, as it applies to ministry. Publications related to catechetical teaching are reviewed in light of adult education theory. Effective strategies and techniques for adult religious education are included.
Taught by: Mary Jo MacKinnon-Simms
Further details.
MNST 130: Biblical Foundations
This course examines the Old and New Testaments so that the learner will come to an appreciation of the historical, literary, and theological features of the Bible. The learner will acquire knowledge of biblical material as it relates to contemporary ministry.
Taught by: Dr. Charles macDonald
Further details.
MNST 140: God and the Christian Tradition
This course will explore questions relating to concepts of God and will examine the sacraments in light of today's changing reality of Church.
Taught by: Rev. Paul Abbass
Further details.
MNST 150: Contemporary Catholic Issues
Futuristic models of Christian communities and their implications on the role of the lay minister are explored. The role of the church in relation to today's secular world is examined.
Taught by: Dr. Paul Beaudette
Further details.
MNST 160: Self-Directed Study
In negotiation with the program office, the learner explores a topic from an area related to ministry and develops a study plan in consultation with an advisor. The topic may be an area that prepares the learner for the practicum requirement.
Taught by: Susan Eaton
Further details.
MNST 170: Practicum
In collaboration with a diocese/parish and the program office, the learner designs and delivers a ministry project which integrates acquired knowledge and skills, which responds to the needs of the local church and which addresses the interests of the learner.
Taught by: Susan Eaton
Further details.
|
