Institute for Pastoral Theology
Lecture and Information Session
“I Believe in Love”: Pope Benedict’s Vision for the Year of Faith
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Professor Douglas Bushman, S.T.L.
7:00 p.m.
The Catholic Center
800 West Loop 820 South
Fort Worth, TX 76108
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Welcome to Ave Maria University’s
Institute for Pastoral Theology (IPT). Below is a variety of information to aid you in your decision to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to expand your faith and knowledge of the Church through a Masters of Theology Studies program.
"It is my desire to see that the faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth have access to a graduate program that is geared to full, conscious, and active participation in the Church’s life and mission, so that they can effectively engage in the New Evangelization as envisioned by Pope John Paul II…It is my sincere hope and desire that many who serve in the various ministries throughout the Diocese will be able to participate in the Institute for Pastoral Theology here in Fort Worth." - Bishop Kevin W. Vann
Mission
Ave Maria University’s Institute for Pastoral Theology (IPT) operates a graduate program with the mission to place the gift of pastoral theology at the service of the Church. The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is the focus of the Institute, the goal of which is to impart to students an in-depth understanding of the principles of pastoral theology in view of providing the Church with men and women who can bring to their ecclesial service a mature and balanced theological competence. The General Catechetical Directory expresses the urgency of proper formation for pastoral action:
"Any pastoral activity for the carrying out of which there are not at hand persons with the right formation and preparation will necessarily come to nothing."
Our Students
An increasing number of people today desire a deeper and more fulfilling participation in the life and mission of the Church, and thus seek an advanced, systematic understanding of their Catholic Faith. While the program has been blessed with a number of religious, priests and deacons, the vast majority of our students are lay faithful. Most of our students have families and typically are employed on a full-time basis.
Many of our students seek to prepare for or advance in apostolates within the Church in areas such as marriage preparation, catechesis, RCIA, youth ministry, and education. Others seek personal faith enrichment in order to enhance the most fundamental form of service in the Church — a holy life which builds up the Kingdom of God through family, work, and culture. Whether seeking a degree for professional advancement or personal growth, IPT students will experience the pastoral priority of the universal call to holiness.
The IPT strives to form the whole person in three areas that are essential for eff ective service in the Church.
- Theological Education
- Spiritual Formation
- Pastoral Application
Creative IPT Format
The IPT format was developed to accommodate students whose access to graduate studies in theology is restricted by job, family, or distance. Courses are offered in an intensive weekend format: Friday evening through Sunday afternoon one weekend per month, August through May. Two-credit courses meet for six hours per weekend, for a total of 30 hours of lecture per course. A student who takes a full load of six credits per semester can complete the entire program in three academic years.
Entrance Requirements
Application to the MTS degree program requires a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 90 semester hours in a liberal arts program. A 2.5 (on a scale of 4.0) minimum grade point average in college level work is required for admittance. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate an aptitude for pastoral studies as a result of a background in the liberal arts, theology or religious studies, experience in ecclesial service, or completion of a diocesan program of formation or certifi cation. The GRE and foreign language ability are not required.
Academic Expenses
Tuition (2011-2012)
Cost per Credit Hour........$575.00
Cost per Audit Hour.........$287.00
Scholarship Assistance
All full time degree-seeking students are invited to apply for financial assistance upon acceptance into the program.
For more information about the IPT, please contact:
Institute for Pastoral Theology
Ave Maria University
5050 Ave Maria Boulevard
Ave Maria, FL 34142-9505
(866) 866-1100 | ipt@avemaria.edu
Brochure | www.ipt.avemaria.edu
Contact
Lucas Pollice, M.T.S.
Diocesan Director of Catechesis
(817) 560-2452, Ext. 260
lpollice@fwdioc.org