Academics

Master of Arts in Catholic Studies  

Seminarians complete the Master of Arts in Catholic Studies during their Discipleship Stage. 

Click here for more information on this degree.

Master of Divinity  

The Master of Divinity degree is professional in orientation. It encompasses both intellectual and pastoral formation in preparation for ordained ministry. These two components, while distinct, are integrated throughout the entire program and are directed toward a single goal: that seminarians, as persons of faith, acquire through study, research and pastoral supervision the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for priestly ministry in the Church. The program’s purpose is to assist the student in the integration of the above in such a way that he can minister in the Catholic Church as a qualified, learned and committed priest. 

The Master of Divinity degree consists of a four-year academic curriculum with seminary residence. There is a possibility of a supervised pastoral internship year at the discretion of the seminarian’s bishop; ordinarily, the internship year occurs following the second year of theology. It separates the four-year academic program into two phases. 

In the first two years, the seminarian is introduced to that knowledge and ministerial experience which is considered foundational for the study of theology and a successful internship. In the final two years, he is encouraged to take advantage of the elective program in such a way as to develop his own ministerial identity and competency. Seminarians can also apply for a Master of Arts degree (Biblical Studies or Theology) during these final two years.

Seminarian Homiletics Formation

The formation program at MTSM includes three courses dedicated to preaching. The first course, Theology of Preaching, taken in the second year of the Configuration Stage, gives the seminarian a foundational knowledge of the Catholic principles of preaching and instruction and evaluation in the actual art of preaching. The second course, taken in a seminarian’s third year of Configuration, Blessings and Celebrating/Preaching the Rites, provides an opportunity for the seminarian on the cusp of diaconate ordination the chance to engage the art of preaching from the perspective of celebrating Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. The final course, Preaching at Sunday Mass, is a practicum course for transitional deacons in the Synthesis Stage. This course aims to make candidates for the priesthood aware of the rhythm and demands of weekly preaching. This goal is achieved by assigning them to parishes where they will preach regularly at Sunday Masses under the supervision of the pastor and/or parochial vicar. The transitional deacon also works with parishioners to examine and reflect upon the scriptures and elicit their feedback in evaluating his preaching. 

Sacramental Lab

To aid the liturgical and homiletical formation of future priests, MTSM is outfitted with a classroom lab space that includes professional-grade audio/visual technology to record and review mock liturgical celebrations and homilies. The courses that utilize the Sacramental Lab include all of the preaching courses, as well as the Mass and Chant Practicum course. The recordings are uploaded to an internal server that the seminarian and course professor can access for evaluative purposes. The technology in the lab allows for multiple camera angles and multiple sound inputs to capture the video and audio needed to provide a comprehensive analysis. Seminarians in the last year of Configuration and the start of the Synthesis Stage have the opportunity to schedule time outside of class to reserve the lab to practice the various rites and homilies they are preparing.