Institute for Ministry
New Certificate in Catholic Theology:
Is It Right for You?
Tamra Fromm, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
L
ast fall, Sacred Heart rolled out the new
Certificate in Catholic Theology (CCT) program.
The CCT consists of six undergraduate courses
(thirteen credit hours) in theology, Sacred
Scripture, liturgy and sacraments, ecclesiology,
spirituality, and moral theology. Currently,
thirty-eight students are enrolled in the CCT
program for the Fall 2014 semester.
All courses in the CCT program are available
at the main seminary campus during three
semesters (Fall, Winter, Spring). In addition,
the complete program is also available at two
satellite locations: Our Lady of Good Counsel
in Plymouth and St. John the Baptist in
Ypsilanti. One course is held each semester at
the parish sites. Thus, a student could finish
the complete certificate in as little as two years.
So, how do you know if this program is
right for you?
FIRST OF ALL, do you want to enrich your
understanding of the Catholic faith? Students
are exposed
to the basics
of theology
including
the Nicene
Creed, how
to study and use Scripture in their daily life,
the richness of the liturgy, and the history of
the sacraments. They are introduced to the
doctrinal foundations of the Church and its
relationship with non-Catholics and nonChristians, learn how to integrate prayer and
other devotions into their spiritual life, and
discover the basis for making moral decisions
and growing in virtue.
SECONDLY, are you seeking lay ecclesial
minister certification through the Archdiocese
of Detroit? The CCT fulfills the theological
education component of lay ministry
certification. Also, catechists who wish to
become certified can complete the six courses
for the CCT and thereby earn credit for sixteen
of the twenty-seven foundational topics in
theology and practical application of ministry
which are required for catechist certification.
THIRDLY, as the program is available in
both English and Spanish languages, Hispanic
catechists, youth ministers, and others who
minister to the Hispanic community are now
able to acquire an initial credential in theology.
Since the inception of the Spanish language
courses three years ago, seventeen Hispanic
Catholics have graduated with the CCT.
FINALLY, are you a high school student who
wishes to get a head start on earning college
credit? Sacred Heart allows qualified students
who have finished their junior year to enter as
dual-enrolled students. Courses are also open
to students under the age of eighteen who have
already earned their high school diploma or GED.
Courses may transfer to community colleges or
universities as general education credit.
All academic credits earned in courses
within the CCT count toward Sacred Heart’s
undergraduate degrees. Therefore, students who
complete the six courses can use the CCT as a
platform for future studies in another academic
program,
such as the
Basic Diploma
in Catholic
Theology,
an Associate
of Arts in Ministry, Bachelor of Arts (AB) in
Pastoral Theology or Philosophy, or even
toward a portion of the pre-requisite courses
required for admission to a master level degree.
Beginning in the Fall 2015 semester, Sacred
Heart plans to begin to offer the CCT program
completely online. Using a Moodle platform,
this new educational delivery method will
enable more students from the Archdiocese of
Detroit and beyond to complete the program
from the convenience of their home or
workplace.
“All academic credits count toward Sacred
Heart’s undergraduate degrees.”
30
MOSAIC
Does the
Certificate in Catholic Theology
seem like a program for you?
Call 313-883-8520
and talk with an admissions counselor
or go online for more information.