Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership

Weaving Faith into Life

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1405 S. Washington St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 773-3931
Fax: (989) 772-2745
Joyce@stmarycmu.org

Serving Central Michigan University since 1959

The Diocese of Saginaw offers a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Assumption University, Windsor, Ontario, to qualified persons who discern a call to serve the Church as a pastoral associate or pastoral administrator in a parish community. The degree includes Theological Education and Formation for Pastoral Ministry in:

Biblical Studies
Doctrinal, Liturgical & Ethical Studies
Church & Ministries
Pastoral Issues, and
Parish community Leadership

The Academic Program

This academic degree consists of 61 graduate credit hours: a combination of core courses, pastoral internship courses with supervision, and a final pastoral project that contributes to the pastoral integration of the learner. The student will design a personal program with a time line for completion of the degree together with the Program Director. The program includes periodic planning and evaluation.

The Formation Component

Formation is required for all candidates. With the Formation Director, the student sets out a plan for ongoing discernment of the call to ministry. This involves a personal program of growth, retreats and days of reflection. Candidates meet periodically as a group to bring studies, spiritual life and ministry together in theological reflection. The degree requires a recommendation from the Formation Director.

Commitments

The Diocese of Saginaw will give a full tuition grant to those eligible for the MA in Pastoral Leadership. the Diocese will take the initiative to place the graduate in a pastoral position after graduation. In turn, the candidate will make a commitment to serve in a pastoral position in the Diocese of Saginaw for a certain length of time.

Time Estimate for Degree Completion

Ordinarily this is a five to six year program which may be shorter depending on personal experience, education and ministry.

Part of this period will be spent at a parish site where you will have the opportunity to put what you learn into practice with the supervision of a pastor or other professional parish leader.

Persons who would like to take courses for enrichment without an intent to complete the Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership should also contact the Diocese of Saginaw for further information. Other pastoral programs are available.

The diocesan contact person is:

Liz Picken, c.j.
Phone: (989) 777-5324
Fax: (989) 746-0061
Email: epicken@earthlink.net