Most people would probably say they would never want to get and STD. Well, I'm married, and would love to get an STD.

OK, so jokes aside, I feel a strong call to pursue a serious study of theology as a way to better serve the Church.

I have no idea what the landscape of opportunity is for those with ecclesiastical degrees. If, for example, I wanted to teach theology in a university or seminary, are the opportunities out there?

I've gotten some encouragement from a couple priests, and was thinking about contacting the theology department of a nearby school.

Anybody have any advice, to help turn a dream into a reality? Words of wisdom, encouragement (go for it), or even discouragement (you're insane) are welcome.

I work in the admissions office of a graduate theological school (run by religious men). We offer MA, MA-Pastoral Studies, MDiv, and Doctor in Ministry degrees. I've offered my two cents about graduate degrees to other PM'ers, so I'll just pass along what I know:

~ First off, if you want to teach at university (or especially seminary), there are jobs out there! (Now, whether or not they will support you if you want to do doctoral work, are willing to move across the country, be required to publish, and/or pay you a liveable wage are all seperate issues.)

~ Second, there are many things to think about when pursuing a degree--especially if you're married and making the decision with another person: location, availability of financial aid, additional ministry/money-making opportunities near school, jobs for your spouse, diversity of theological programs/concentrations, distance-learning or residential based programs, etc.

My encouragement would be to pray, pray, pray, and GO FOR IT! But, my question(s) for you would be how seriously have you thought about this? Is this an inkling you're having, or something you've already begun to research?

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Just to make clear, you are only going to get an STL or STD from a pontifical university. In the US, CUA immediately comes to mind... I have been discerning an STL for the last year. I am thinking about Santa Croce or the Angelicum (or the Ang and then Santa Croce) in Rome. Consider Rome -the education is incomperable. Just stay away from San Anselmo.

Yes, the jobs are out there and they will just keep growing as the New Evangelization continues. But, it is a call. Just keep praying.

Here's a great blog of Catholic lay students studying in Rome and living there with their spouses and families: http://www.smroundtable.blogspot.com/

Blessings!
V

Thank you for the responses! Let me address some things you said.My best way to describe the "seriousness" is that I've tried to get the idea out of my head for years, and I can't do it. My wife is supportive of the idea, too.

In terms of my own research, I've looked at the CUA program, which happens to be close by. I thought that starting out, it may work best to fill the pre-requisites to an STB by going the route of CDU. That way, I can see how I like it, without turning my life upside-down.

Obviously, the dream of an STL is an awfully long journey, but it starts by taking that first step.

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Someone posted in open-mic about CDU... I believe they said CUA doesn't accept a ba from CDU... Is that right?



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Here's the thread: http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=54385

That's great you have such a desire to serve, Mateo el Feo! By any chance are you a deacon?