St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto

Diploma in Theological Studies & Diploma in Lay Ministry

Admissions:

Candidates for the Diploma in Theological Studies and the Diploma in Lay Ministry, must meet the following criteria:

  • Academic Application with Letter of Intent and two Letters of Recommendation.
  • Bachelor’s degree or mature student with an appropriate background.
  • Student status will be Special Student; diploma may be done part-time or full-time.
  • Courses may be eligible for transfer to degree programs depending on the academic eligibility of the student.
  • Transfer credits will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Academic admission applications for the Diploma in Theological Studies and the Diploma in Lay Ministry are available from the Institute of Theology department (ioftsas@rogers.com). For more information on admissions please see the St. Augustine's Admissions Page.

Policies and Proceedures:

Please see the St. Augustine's Policies & Procedures Page.

Diploma in Theological Studies:

Purpose: To provide a program in theology in order that the student, who does not wish to pursue a degree, may investigate at greater depth and in a structured learning situation, the Catholic tradition of faith.

Goal: To assist theology students in their faith development through input and interaction in a structured learning situation.

Courses:

Curriculum:

There are ten courses required to complete the Diploma of Theological Studies:

Core Courses (7):

  • Introduction to Old Testament
  • Introduction to New Testament
  • Five other courses chosen from available Systematic and Moral Theology offerings.

Free Electives (3): May be taken in any area

Diploma in Lay Ministry

Purpose: To offer to those already serving or hoping to serve as Lay Ministers the chance to enhance their ministry through theological education. This is not a certification program but rather a coordinated combination of introductory courses.

Goal: To provide a theological foundation allowing the student to focus on areas related to his or her personal ministerial goals.

Courses:

Curriculum:

There are ten courses required to complete the Diploma in Lay Ministry:

Core Courses (7):

  • Foundations in Theology
  • Introduction to the Old Testament
  • Introduction to the New Testament
  • General Survey Course in Church History
  • Introduction to Moral Theology
  • Sacramental Theology Course
  • Lay Ministry in the Diocesan Church

Elective Courses (3):

Emphasis in a particular area will be decided by each student in consultation with the Director in view of his or her ministerial goals.

Examples:

Electives for Canon Law Emphasis: Electives for Pastoral Field Emphasis:
Introduction to Canon Law Pastoral Counselling
Pastoral Norms on the Sacraments or Pastoral Norms on Marriage Field Placement
Advanced Canon Law course Pastoral Course Elective

Other emphases are possible, i.e. liturgy, youth ministry, ministry to the elderly.


Return to the top