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Overview of Our Lay Ministry Degree
If you’re looking to expand your relationship with Jesus Christ and learn the best practices to guide others through their journey, a career in lay ministry may be your calling. That’s why our passionate faculty wants to help equip you with the knowledge and resources you need for a successful career as a lay minister through our online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry program.
Read on to gain further insight on the online lay ministry degree at St. John’s Seminary and everything we can provide.
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Online Model of Our Lay Ministry Degree
Throughout your training to become a lay minister, you will be expected to read and review texts rooted in the Catholic tradition. Each reading is accompanied by videos for further instruction.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to meet synchronously online one day a week with their professor and peers if they desire. This class time will be dedicated to discussing the readings and asking any questions about our lay minister training.
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How Our Program Helps You Become a Lay Minister
Our lay ministry degree is provided through our M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. This program is designed to help students improve core ministerial skills for a life dedicated to the Church. With that in mind, the degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career as a lay minister, as well as any of the following:
- Director of religious education
- K-12 theology teacher
- Youth or campus minister
- Catechist
- And more
It’s important to note that lay ministry training can also help permanent deacons receive continuing education.
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An Outline of Our Lay Ministry Courses
Our lay ministry degree is designed to provide you with an overall understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition, as well as how you can aid others in their own religious journeys. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a rich and comprehensive curriculum for each of our students.
The M.A. in Pastoral Ministry’s curriculum is grounded in the 2005 document from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. The twelve required courses for this program are:- The Old Testament and Its Interpretation
- The New Testament and Its Interpretation
- Dogmatic Theology
- Church History
- Moral Theology
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Pastoral Ministry in Theory and Practice
- Liturgical and Sacramental Theology
- Spiritual Theology and Practice
- The Nature and Order of the Church
- Pastoral Care for Marriage and Families
- Practicum
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Sample Lecture from Fr. Tim Peters
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Sample Lecture from Dr. Stuart Squires
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Learning Objectives of the Lay Ministry Program
Along with our curriculum, our lay ministry degree includes a detailed list of learning objectives outlining the skills students will develop during their time at St. John’s Seminary. So, upon graduation, students will know how to:
- Contribute to the development of the hearts, minds, and souls of K-12 students
- Oversee youth, young adult, and college ministry programs
- Manage an RCIA program
- Properly prepare couples for Pre-Cana
- Guide parents through their child’s baptism
- Lead a Bible study program
- Network with new and returning volunteers
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Application for our Lay Ministry Degree
To Apply for the Online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for the Laity and Permanent Deacons:
Click Here!
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