The Masters in Pastoral Studies program acknowledges the important role that the laity plays in the life and health of thriving congregations. The Magisterium of the Church has long acknowledged the crucial role that lay persons play in the health and growth of Church life, within congregations and in the larger world. Lumen Gentium states that we are to “let the laity…by their combined efforts remedy the customs and conditions of the world,” and by doing so to help “open wider the doors of the Church by which the message of peace may enter the world.”
The goal of this particular 40 credit online track is to prepare students to understand the lived experience of the Roman Catholic tradition, and to engage the theological, biblical, and doctrinal bases to form leaders who can enhance and aide the pastoral mission of the Church by partnering with clergy, serving as chaplains, counselors, parish life coordinators, pastoral associates, directors of religious education, catechists, hospice workers, or other recognized lay ministries in the Church.
The program also provides an environment that prepares its students to engage in respectful and peaceable ecumenical dialogue with those of different faith traditions.
Download the MPS Roman Catholic Studies Curriculum Worksheet
For Further Information
Please contact Office of Admissions at admissions@lextheo.edu.