Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
MISSION
The Master of Divinity program prepares students for professional ministry and leadership within the Roman Catholic Church. It provides them with the opportunity to develop academically, spiritually, personally and professionally within a richly varied learning and worshipping community. Students study in an environment enhanced by the academic research of the faculty and students of the College's advanced degree programs, as well as by the pastoral concerns and questions offered by those experienced in ministry. Students are immersed in the ecumenical, interfaith and multicultural context of the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto, located in one of the most racially and ethnically diverse cities in North America.
The Regis College Master of Divinity program offers a contemporary approach to preparation for ministry. Students are challenged to blend intellectual knowledge, critical thinking, spiritual reflection and practical decision making to create a balanced theology for ministry. The Master of Divinity program introduces students to biblical, historical, doctrinal, systematic, ethical, pastoral, spiritual and ecumenical studies, all integrated with a theological field education process involving ministry placements and theological reflection. Students are encouraged to engage in ecumenical, interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue. The program places great emphasis upon the interaction among students, faculty, administration and staff; a student's relationships with the program director and the director of field education are of particular importance. During the first year, students also form a mentoring relationship with a member of the faculty who can help them develop their own particular interests. Students are urged to continue or initiate an on-going commitment to spiritual direction as part of their personal formation.
The theological field education program at Regis offers students a process within which they may do theology through reflection on their experiences in the practice of ministry. It allows the student to develop a pastoral identity, to experience personal strengths and weaknesses as a minister, and to develop pastoral skills. Placements may include: units in supervised pastoral education through the Toronto School of Theology; opportunities in parish ministry; prison and hospital chaplaincy; crisis services; alcohol and drug rehabilitation organisations; ministry with the separated, widowed and divorced; retreat and spiritual direction; counselling; youth ministry; catechesis of adults and children; ministry with the mentally challenged; and social ministry placements. A theological reflection seminar helps students to integrate theological field education and academic study. Students entering the program with significant supervised ministry may be invited to participate in the theological reflection seminar in their first year. All students discuss the appropriate timing of their theological reflection seminar with the theological field education director. All field placements involve supplemental readings and a theological reflection component.
POLICE CHECKS
Concern for the potential vulnerability of children and at risk populations to whom our students will minister have made it increasingly common practice to require background checks or police checks for those working in certain areas. Those students involved in field placements or spiritual direction programs should be aware that such checks may be required. It will be the responsibility of the placement supervisor and the Regis College Theological Field Education Director or of the Director of the Spiritual Direction program to ensure that needed checks are performed.
An ongoing series of professional development workshops and seminars helps students explore issues in ministerial identity, liturgy and pastoral care. Workshops and seminars cover such topics as Ignatian education, conflict resolution, healthy sexuality, group facilitation, proclamation and voice, creative listening skills, grief counselling, presiding at public prayer. Students are encouraged to document their progress through the program by developing professional portfolios.
A comprehensive examination process helps students to integrate and synthesise their formation as they conclude their program. It encourages students to develop their ability to communicate theologically, while emphasising their particular interests and ministerial goals.
GOALS
- To promote a comprehensive understanding of theology as a discipline, and of the Roman Catholic tradition within it by focusing on the major areas of systematic theology, the exegesis of Sacred Scripture, the principles and issues of moral theology, the history of the Church, and the development of doctrine.
- To prepare students for ministry and leadership within the Church by equipping them with the skills necessary to articulate a theory of ministry relevant to their vocations; communicate through writing, preaching, teaching or in other appropriate ways; function with an appropriate professional style; perceive people and situations accurately and empathetically; give guidance where needed and appropriate, counsel people experiencing personal crisis or make appropriate referrals to other sources of professional help; discover and use resources needed for a more effective ministry; cooperate with other religious bodies and traditions in a spirit of openness.
- To develop an awareness of and an active commitment to ongoing renewal in the Church, as expressed in the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the documents of the Society of Jesus.
- To encourage a community of faculty and students actively engaged in theology.
