This program is not being offered at this time. Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office with questions at 210-436-3101.

Courses Descriptions:

PM 6302 Ministry and Practice
3 semester hours
Explores various dimensions of ministry: theological and historical foundations, spiritual and pastoral applications, ministry as profession and vocation, and ministry in various settings. Use of behavioral science research skills in ministry. Leads to an integration of theory and practice through the presentation of a paper which analyzes the students experience of practice in a ministerial setting. Students should register for this course early in their program of studies. Course continues as a "in progress practicum'' and terminates with the completion of course degree requirements.

PM 6250 or 6350 Canon Law and Church Administration
2 or 3 semester hours
The study of specific topics in the code of canon law and their pastoral implications. Topics may include Introduction: the pastoral relevance of Canon Law; the Canon Law of the Sacraments of Initiation. Marriage: pastoral problems around the Sacrament of Marriage, including the R.C.I.A.; annulments and remarriage in the Church. The Parish: The function of Parochial Structures; Lay Ministry within the Parish.

PM 6255 or 6355 Civil Law and Church Administration
2 or 3 semester hours
The role of civil law in contemporary society in terms of providing space and support for individuals and groups to work out their salvation. American Common Law and statutory law. Critical legal doctrines and due process. The interrelation between law and morality, and limitations encountered by the legal system. Selected topics: duties of owners and occupiers of land, basic contract principles, rules governing employment and discrimination, the law of agency, criminal liability.

PM 6160, 6260, 6360 Special Topics in Pastoral Administration
1, 2, or 3 semester hours

PM 6370 Ministry of the Seven Sacraments
3 semester hours
The practice of the ministry of the seven sacraments in ritual and service as understood in contemporary Church teaching.

PM 6180, 6280, 6380 Special Topics in Pastoral Ministry
1, 2 or 3 semester hours
Specific topics vary from semester to semester.

PM 6385 Introduction to Spiritual Direction
3 semester hours
This introductory course will enable the student to explore the process of Spiritual Direction. It will involve one in the skills needed to help others with their religious experience, including prayer. Basic listening and counseling skills will be praticed. Selected related topics including the theological contexts of spirituality, integration, ministry and professional ethics as related to Spiritual Directions, the difference between Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counseling, and the complex issue of when and how to refer one to counseling will be discussed. Students who enroll in this course are encouraged to make personal use of Spiritual Direction.

PM 6188, 6288, 6388 Special Topics in Christian Spirituality
1, 2, or 3 semester hours
Topics vary from semester to semester.

PM 6391 Understanding Faith Formation
3 semester hours
This course is designed for persons with responsibilities or involvement in faith formation and religious education programs. Through an analysis and a reflection on the historical contexts in which faith development took place, principles and insights guiding the evaluation of faith development will be examined and clarified. This study will lead to creating a vision of faith development which is contemporary and contextually relevant.

PM 6396 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
3 semester hours
This fundamental course will provide an introduction to the field of pastoral care and counseling and a basis for further studies in this area. It is intended to assist students in developing increased competency in responding to crisis and transitions which frequently occur in people's lives within the pastoral setting. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding and practice of counseling skills within a faith context as well as understanding the difference between Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction. There will be a particular focus on standards of professional ethics for pastoral care and counseling as will as specialized topics in pastoral care. Representative case studies and role playing are utilized to help people develop counseling skills.

See section on M.A. in Theology for descriptions of theology courses.