St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto

Master of Religious Education (MRE)

The Master of Religious Education program is designed to equip persons for professional leadership in educational ministry within the Catholic ecclesial tradition. The primary goals for this degree program are to give the student the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and processes of educational ministry in the Catholic Church, to build an understanding of educational, social and behavioral sciences that ground educational practice within the various cultural contexts in which educational ministry occurs, to provide the occasion for personal and spiritual growth and to equip the student with skills in teaching religion and in designing, administering and assessing educational programs.

Overall Goal : The Master of Religious Education Programme at St. Augustine’s Seminary prepares candidates for educational ministries and leadership positions within the Catholic ecclesial tradition. Students encounter and deepen their understanding of key aspects of the Catholic theological tradition.
1. Religious Heritage: The areas of study in this Tradition include biblical, historical, pastoral, systematic and moral theology.
2. Personal-Spiritual Growth: Students integrate this knowledge into a personal response of faithful love for Jesus Christ, which is expressed in their loving service to his Church and all people.
3. Cultural Context: Students encounter and engage the principles of educational ministry with the Roman Catholic Church, and in particular, within the Catholic school system and its contemporary cultural contexts.
4. Ministry and Public Leadership: In the Master of Religious Education Programme, students build on their understanding of the educational, social and behavioural sciences that grounds educational practice. Students develop the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and processes of Catholic educational practice. They enrich and strengthen their theological understanding and leadership skills necessary to be effective educators in the Catholic faith.

Admissions:

Candidates for the MRE degree must meet the following criteria:

  • A university undergraduate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, with an overall B standing, or at least a B standing in the final year. In exceptional circumstances, an applicant who has graduated five or more years ago may be considered for admission with less than a B average if a case can be made for demonstrated competency in education or other forms of educational ministry.
  • At least one year of full-time experience in teaching or other forms of education ministry. Applicants without full-time experience should provide a resume detailing comparable experiences. The teaching experience need not be in school-based education, but may be of a more informal nature, e.g. Parish Catechist or Parish Religious Education Director. Consultation with the Dean of Studies may be required.
  • Complete academic application and official transcripts from all post-secondary education as noted in the Academic Admissions section.

Academic admission applications for the Master of Religious Education 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.

Courses:

Curriculum:

The Master of Religious Education degree is a program of study consisting of twenty courses:

Core Theology Courses (12)

  • Introduction to Old Testament
  • Introduction to New Testament
  • Theological Anthropology
  • Ecclesiology
  • Sacraments
  • Christology
  • The Christian God
  • Foundations of Theology
  • Moral Theology
  • Human Sexuality and Marriage
  • Church History

Plus one of these 5:

  • Christianity and World Religions
  • Ecumenism
  • Social Justice
  • Church History II
  • Global Families in the Canadian Home, Parish & School

Core Religious Education Courses 3:

  • Religious Education Practicum and Globalization
  • Psychology and Faith Development
  • Choice of ONE below:
    Conversion and Education
    Spirituality and the Catholic Educator     or
    Spirituality of Work:Faith Life in your Profession

Religious Education Electives – Choose 3
e.g. Issues in Catholic Education in Ontario or approved electives

Free Electives (2)
May be taken in Theology, Education or Religious Education

Course Reduction Policy:
Students who possess the required qualifications may be eligible for advanced Standing in the Master of Religious Education Programme, please contact the Director for details.


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