Inspire the next generation with the knowledge of Christ through the University of
Dallas Master of Catechetical Ministry.
I am constantly uplifted by how well the faculty integrates theology with pastoral
realities. What I am learning is opening my eyes to the bigger reality of our faith
while still resonating deeply with my own experience.
-Lauren White, '16
Catechesis encompasses both evangelization and ongoing faith formation, both of which
are integral to the Christian life and pertinent to any element of ministry. The master's
degree and graduate certificate in catechetical ministry are specifically designed
for those who would like to serve as directors of adult formation, parish catechetical
leaders or directors of children's formation, directors of RCIA, Catholic school teachers
or administrators.
The program combines theological and pastoral knowledge with practical application
of catechetical principles and methods. Every student in the Catechetical Ministry
program takes a set of core courses and courses focused specifically on the principles
of religious education.
Master of Catechetical Ministry Degree Requirements
Master of catechetical ministry students combine the ministry core curriculum (22
credit hours) with degree-specific course requirements (15 credit hours) to complete
37 total credit hours of course work. Additionally, students complete an annotated
bibliography to help solidify and demonstrate their understanding of the theological knowledge
appropriate to professional catechetical ministry.
- RPS 6110. Graduate Proseminar. Required of all first-year students, this non-credit course is an introduction to
the fields and methods of theological study for ministerial formation. Registration
and active participation in all sessions constitute completion of the requirement.
- RPS 6311. Liturgy and Sacraments. This course offers a critical survey of the history, theology, and liturgical celebration
of the sacraments according to the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, with special
attention given to the role of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.).
- RPS 6312. Moral Theology. A critical survey of fundamental moral theology, this course includes the distinctiveness
of Christian morality, conscience formation, natural law, moral norms, and decision-making.
It provides an entrée into special moral theology, which includes bioethics, environmental
ethics, healthcare ethics, sexual ethics, and social ethics.
- RPS 6313. Systematic Theology. This course engages students in structured reflection on the Christian communal experience
of faith and how that faith is understood, expressed, and lived out in the Catholic
tradition. It invites dialogue among students and with the formative elements of Catholic
tradition to consider theological method (i.e., How do we do this work properly?),
doctrinal clarity (i.e., What does our formative tradition teach?) and pastoral practice
(i.e., How do theology and pastoral realities influence one another?). Topics of special
focus include revelation and faith, God, the Trinity, Christology, Christian anthropology,
and the theology of the church, including Mary and the saints.
- RPS 6314. Church History. The focus of this course is on the development of an understanding of the church—its
ministry and spirituality—through the early, medieval, Reformation, modern, and contemporary
eras. In particular, primary councils, movements, and church figures are considered.
- RPS 6320. Theological Reflection. Forming a basis of spirituality for ministers, theological reflection is a discipline
designed to recognize God's activity within the context of ministry. Systematic reflection
on students' spiritual journey and experiences enter into dialogue with scripture,
church history, church teaching, current pastoral needs, and the lived faith experience
of the people of God.
- RPS 6321. Old Testament. This course surveys the theologies of the Old Testament in light of their historical,
social, and cultural setting, with application of those theologies to contemporary
ministerial and practical contexts.
- RPS 6322. New Testament. Students survey the theologies of the New Testament in light of their historical,
social, and cultural setting, with application of those theologies to modern ministerial
and practical contexts.
Principles of Religious Education Courses
- RPS 6330. Ministry in the Church. This course explores the contemporary phenomenon of ministry in the Catholic Church
from the angles of theology and pastoral practice. Theological exploration focuses
on biblical visions of ministry, the history of ministry in the church, and its doctrinal
underpinnings and implications, especially in ecclesiology. Pastoral consideration
reflects on attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective pastoral ministry
in today's church. Integrating these perspectives, the course includes discussion
of issues related to the contemporary ministerial scene and critical ecclesial documents
on ministry formation
- RPS 6331. Pastoral Administration and Management. This course explores the purpose and function of a parish in the life of the church,
and the role of pastoral administration within it. Students consider the theology
and experience of parish life and reflect on many of the key ministries necessary
for its success, including ministries of Word, worship, service and community building.
Pastoral skills for planning, leadership, administration of temporal goods, communication,
and managing relationships are among topics considered.
- RPS 6336. Catechetics and the Development of Faith. This course introduces the history, theology, and practice of catechesis. This includes
the methods, content, and curriculum of contemporary catechesis, with particular focus
on age-appropriateness and faith and its maturation in people.
- RPS 6338. Models of Catechesis. This survey of emerging models and approaches to catechesis includes conversation
and mutual learning about approaches across the lifespan to assist those preparing
for or already bearing this responsibility. Particular attention will be given to
the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) as a model for the catechetical
journey, adult catechesis, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, family catechesis, intercultural
catechesis, small Christian communities, and youth and young adult catechesis.
- RPS 7380. Catechetical Ministry Capstone. Students take this course in their final semester. It provides an opportunity for
them to integrate previous coursework and reading with the knowledge and skills required
to address particular pastoral tasks effectively. The capstone usually is taken for
three credit hours, often with seasoned ministerial practitioners providing onsite
supervision. Capstone projects require detailed applications and written approval
by School of Ministry faculty supervisors several months prior to registration.
An annotated bibliography of texts related to the core curriculum of the Neuhoff School
of Ministry is a degree requirement (required for graduation) for the Master of Theological
Studies program. The goal of the annotated bibliography is to help students solidify
and demonstrate their understanding of the basic theological knowledge appropriate
to professional competency for pastoral leadership. The annotated bibliography consists
of a formal bibliographic entry for 25 approved texts that are followed by a description
of the thesis, argumentation, and significance of each text.
Students should begin working with their faculty advisor on the annotated bibliography
and obtain approval of the required works list early in their program. The final annotated bibliography is due by the 4th week of the semester a student
intends to graduate.
For details, contact your faculty advisor and view the Annotated Bibliography section
of the Graduate Student Resources webpage.
Mentoring
The MCM program also incorporates a mentoring process in which students are paired
with professional ministers who provide additional support, encouragement and practical
knowledge that augments and extends the classroom experience.
Fully Accredited. Ready to Serve.
University of Dallas Neuhoff School of Ministry undergraduate and graduate programs
are fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools and in accordance with the USCCB's standards for certification
and accreditation.
