Dear Friends in Christ:
I am a college student who is considering the priesthood. Before applying, I would possibly like to pursue graduate studies in Sacred Scripture. I think this will help me be a better preacher, learn more about the Lord and be able to dialogue more with our Protestant brothers and sisters. I was wondering if there was a resource out there that listed solid Catholic graduate schools. I have been searching the web, but it is very hard to learn much from a school's website. Do you have any recommendations for schools? Do you know of any other people or places I could contact about this topic?
Thank you very much,
Jason C.
Dear Mr. Calvi,
Peace in Christ! We are not aware of a listing of Catholic graduate schools that rates them according to orthodoxy or how “solid” they are. The difficulty with such a task is that in a given school, there may be a large theology faculty composed of both faithful and dissenting theologians. One question to ask a school is whether the professors take an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium.
If you are considering the priesthood, we would recommend finding a good vocations director to advise you concerning your academic options. We list here a few schools you may wish to consider. This list is by no means exhaustive nor is it intended to be a full-scale endorsement of any particular program. Some of these schools offer only a master’s degree while others go to the doctoral level.
Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), University Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952. Website— www.franuniv.edu. FUS offers a MA in theology and also has an excellent religious education concentration. Since you are considering the priesthood, you may wish to learn more about the pre-theologate program for future priests. Consult the online catalog for more information.
Notre Dame Graduate School at Christendom College, Admissions Office, 134 Christendom Dr., Front Royal, VA 22630. Website— www.christendom.edu. The graduate school offers an MA degree only.
The Catholic University of America (CUA), 620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20064. Website— www.cua.edu. CUA offers a Ph.D. in theology.
The John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America, 415 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017. Website— www.johnpaulii.edu. The JPII Institute is a pontifical institute established by the Holy See. Three degrees are offered: (1) Master of Theological Studies in Marriage and Family, (2) Licentiate in Sacred Theology of Marriage and Family, and (3) Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a Specialization in Marriage and Family.
Lastly, if you want to study abroad, we highly recommend,
The International Theological Institute (ITI) in Gaming, Austria. Website— www.iti.ac.at. See the website for contact information. Study at the ITI can be pursued to the doctoral level.
I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please call us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). God bless your day.
United in the Faith,
David E. Utsler
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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