Resplendent and unfading is wisdom . . .
Wisdom 6:12

The Sophia Community Program

  Oblate School of Theology announces a program specifically designed to serve the growing population of women engaged in Lay Ecclesial Ministry. The program is intended for the active woman who has little time, limited resources, and may not have a program readily available. Upon completion the participant will receive an MA in Pastoral Ministry and will have formed a lifelong support group with others in ministry.

 


Academic Study

 Students in the Sophia Community program earn the MA in Pastoral Ministry through on-campus study in the four-week summer session, on-line courses, and supervised ministry at home. On-campus coursework is scheduled in an intense format with work to be completed before arrival and after the session ends. Students are offered one online course each fall and spring semester. Supervised Ministry is completed in the local parish, diocese or other ministry setting. Students may expect to complete coursework in three years.

The Sophia Community

The Sophia Community is the heart of the program. This community provides human, pastoral, and spiritual formation as called for in Co-Workers in the Vineyard, the 2005 document on formation for lay ecclesial ministry written by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. A mentor who offers support and encouragement throughout the time at OST welcomes each entering student. Prayer, theological reflection, and integration of academic study are all essential elements of life in the Sophia Community. Support continues through on-line connections between students, mentors, and faculty throughout the program. 

 

 Qualifications

 OST is seeking applications from women currently engaged in ministry who desire further theological study.

Other qualifications include:

  • Women from areas underserved by Catholic higher education and in need of lay leadership

  • Must meet OST admission requirements for the MAPM degree

  • Must be computer literate and familiar with use of the Internet

  • Be available to attend on campus sessions for three summers beginning summer of 2009

Priority will be given to the following:

  • Roman Catholics ministering in a Catholic setting

  • Those from areas that are underserved by traditional Catholic higher education, that serve the poor or the abandoned,or are in need of developing lay leadership

  • Those whose dioceses and parishes provide financial support and time for study

  • Those ministering in dioceses or parishes served by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the U.S.

 

Tuition and Housing

Significant financial support from foundations for this program allows OST to pass reductions in program costs to participants. The cost for tuition, housing, and meals is $3000 per academic year per student; a total of $9000 for the entire program. This is a 60% reduction in the usual cost. Books, travel, and other personal expenses are additional costs to the participant.

OST is encouraging dioceses, parishes, or other sponsoring agencies to offer financial support to students they recommend in the amount of $1500 per academic year. With such support the student will only pay $1500 per academic year.
Applicants from ministries sponsored or served by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate can receive additional support from the US Province of the Oblates. Contact the province for additional information.

 

Dates

Summer 2010:

Arrival on Campus and Orientation:
Sunday, June 6, 2010

Classes begin:
Monday, June 7, 2010

Session ends:
Friday, July 2, 2010


Summer 2011: June 6 - July 1  

 

Application Process

Applicants must meet OST admission requirements for the MA in Pastoral Ministry which include:

  • An undergraduate degree.

  • 18 undergraduate credit hours in religious studies and/or philosophy, or the equivalent.

  • 3 recommendations including one from the diocese, parish, or other sponsoring agency where one ministers

Click here for Complete admission requirements for the MA in Pastoral Ministry

All interested applicants are encouraged to consult with the OST MAPM Director regarding admission requirements

All applicants must complete the following for admission into the Sophia Community program at OST