Theological Field Education
The goal of Theological Field Education is
to foster pastoral and personal integration of theology, and develop knowledge,
attitudes and skills to effectively minister in the Church.
The objectives are to:
- provide
structured, supervised pastoral experiences that 1) teach and foster
identification with and commitment to gospel mission; 2) develop personal
identity as a minister; and 3) build a sense of structure for, and habit
of accountability.
- Introduce
students to a range of settings and ministries, provide the knowledge for
making referrals, encourage zeal to promote ministry by the lay apostolate
in various settings, and promote insight and skill to supervise in
ministry settings.
- Teach,
practice and encourage a habit of theological reflection.
Students matriculated in the program of Master of Arts in Pastoral
Ministry (MAPM) earn six credits in field education, usually in one
placement. Students matriculated in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) I or II earn
twelve credits in theological field education in two distinct placements. The
first placement is typically in the second year of theological study, after
completing 24-30 academic credits, and the second placement is during the
equivalent of the third year of theological study.
Examples of ministries and placements include:
- Parish-based
ministries
- Diocesan
ministry
- Family
Life ministry
- End
of Life care
- Outreach,
ministry to immigrants and migrants
- Service
to persons in poverty
- Prison ministry
- Campus ministry
- Health care ministry