Participants in diocesan lay ministry leadership schools will complete a tailored learning contract with the Institute in Pastoral Ministries. Completion of related contracts results in advanced placement for the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries.

Various dynamics of leadership applied to pastoral ministry will be examined, including listening, affirming, and confronting.

Various styles of leadership and their relevance for invigorating the Catholic community will be examined. Particular emphasis is given to the development of individual leadership and to the organization, purpose, mission, and vision required to develop a faith community.

This course is designed to assist pastoral ministers in preparing and leading the church in communal prayer. Learners examine the principles, patterns of worship, and pastoral goals in liturgical planning. Special attention is given to the role of lay liturgical leadership in the assembly and other settings. PM 570 Liturgy is prerequisite.

Practices that enhance being in relationship to God are examined. Cultural, denominational, doctrinal, physical, and psychological aspects are included.

The Code of Canon Law of 1983, which contains 1752 canons, seeks to formulate in as precise terms as possible the governing laws which are necessary to the Church's salvific mission. Participants must first understand the origins and history of canon law. Against this background, the principle points made in the seven books of the Code of Canon Law of 1983 are explored, with greater emphasis given to those areas with practical applications in ministry.

Catechists, preachers, and other ministers confront a wide array of modern thought on Jesus. This course examines mainstream Catholic thinking on the historical Jesus, the Christ of faith, the foundation of the church, and the meaning of salvation. The course will coordinate with insights learned in PM 540 Foundations in Theology and PM 560 Scripture. Students will find their horizons significantly challenged while still thinking with the church.

Participants in this course examine the theological underpinnings of seven major themes of Catholic social teaching. The intent of the course is to assist participants in designing practical applications of each theme at the parish level.  Emphasis is on parish social action which will build relationships across various social and economic barriers present in communities.

These occasional courses focus on technologies for ministry or other current interests of enrolled students.

In this introduction to systematic theology participants study the mystery of God as represented in the church's creeds. The historical foundations of faith as well as essential doctrines and their role in questions of contemporary cultures will be explored.

As an examination of the church's self-understanding, participants consider the singularly important doctrines of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and subsequent theological investigations and developments. Especially emphasized is the integration of participants' experiences with theological explorations and official Catholic teaching.

Participants explore both the forms and contents of Scripture in order to begin to uncover its theological meaning for the life of the church. The course also will consider the social and historical contexts of biblical books.

This course introduces learners to the fundamental structures and history of the Roman Catholic liturgy. Particular attention is given to the ritual nature of human experience, the Christian interpretations of ritual, and the liturgy as primary source of Catholic faith and identity.

This course considers the principle of sacramentality that informs Catholic faith and pastoral theology, and examines the seven sacraments as expressions of this Catholic world view. Theological and historical foundations are emphasized, with particular attention given to their pastoral and catechetical implications.

Participants study the past heritage of and current trajectories in the church that facilitate moral thinking, evaluating, and decision-making. Consideration of current moral issues that arise within the life of the People of God is integral to these investigations.

Inaugurated with the IPR seminar during Summer I and completed prior to Summer II, the course requires participants to focus on theological and pastoral literature relevant to a pastoral issue of personal significance. Under the direction of faculty mentors, participants examine bibliographic resources, develop an annotated bibliography, and begin to analyze pastoral issues to be developed in IPR II.

Inaugurated with the IPR seminar during Summer II and usually completed prior to Summer III, the course requires participants to write a proposal for their Integrated Pastoral Research project, to develop and to implement a creative pastoral project, and to prepare a draft of the Integrated Pastoral Research synthesis paper. The assistance of a Faculty Advisor is available throughout all phases of the course.

Continuing the plan, practices, and writing from PM 620, this course is registered in Year III and concludes one's Integrated Pastoral Research. Assistance and approvals are provided by one's Faculty Advisor, a second faculty reader, and the Associate Program Director. Successful completion of all other courses and approval of the IPR by the Program Director authorize a student's graduation with the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries.