University of Dallas to offer Master of Theological Studies degree programs

by PegNews wire

The Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies (IRPS) at the University of Dallas announced that Dr. Frank Lazarus, president of the University, and Bishop Alvaro Corrada of the Catholic diocese in Tyler, Texas, have signed an agreement to offer one of the first Master of Theological Studies degree programs in the country for lay ministers that incorporates intellectual, pastoral, spiritual and human formation components called for by the United States Bishops. The IRPS will provide the intellectual component of the diocesan theology program with the diocese providing the pastoral, spiritual, and human formation components.

Classes in the expanded three-year program will be offered at parish facilities in Tyler and Longview, Texas, to meet growing local demand. University of Dallas faculty will teach two classes per semester for six semesters for up to 25 students, who will earn a total of 36 credit hours. The program will begin in the spring semester 2008 and finish in the fall semester 2010.

This agreement grew out of discussions hosted earlier this year by Dr. Brian Schmisek, director of the IRPS, with several Texas dioceses on the recently published document of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.

Dr. Schmisek said, “This precedent-setting collaboration between the IRPS and the Diocese of Tyler is a direct response to the U. S. bishops’ call for greater collaboration between universities and dioceses in developing the professional capabilities of lay professionals to meet the needs of the Catholic church. We’re excited about being able to help prepare lay ministers for larger professional roles within their local parishes.”

Bishop Corrada said, “This program with the IRPS represents an important new step toward higher learning which has not been available previously in the Diocese of Tyler. By partnering with such a prestigious Catholic university as the University of Dallas, the Catholic church in East Texas has ensured this will be a first-class scholarship program. The University’s presence builds on what we have begun in developing leadership, especially among the laity, priests, and deacons, by enabling them to go further in their apostolates and pastoral work.”

He added, “Catholics in East Texas have shown a great interest in strengthening their own call to church ministry through their academic, spiritual, and personal formation. Our parish communities will realize many benefits as participants apply what they learn through this new professional development program.”

The IRPS began working with the Diocese of Tyler in 2002 through its Adult Faith Formation Program, which enabled participants to take college-level theology and scripture courses. The Catholic diocese in Tyler serves a largely rural, 33-county area in East Texas encompassing 68 parishes and approximately 100,000 parishioners.

Schmisek added, “We’re pleased that the Diocese of Tyler has stepped forward to help launch this multi-dimensional program, and we hope to develop similar collaborations between the IRPS and other dioceses in Texas in the near future.”

Press Release