SOT Non-Degree Studies and Other Programs
Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality
This Certificate brings together practical application of the Rule of Saint Benedict and historical reflections on the development of Benedictine life, spirituality, and practices. Taught by experts within the faculty of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and other major Benedictine leaders and oblates, this certificate offers opportunities to further explore the Benedictine charism.
The Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality requires the completion of 15 credit hours. The BenSpir Certificate includes 9 credits Benedictine Spirituality, 3 credits Liturgy or Scripture, and 3 credits of unrestricted electives to create a dynamic and customizable learning experience. One-Credit courses bring opportunities for diverse exposure to sub-topics within the field of Benedictine Spirituality. In either breakdown option, students are required to take a course in the Rule of Benedict.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Benedictine Spirituality (choose one option) | 9 | |
6 one-credit Benedictine Spirituality courses | ||
1 three-credit Monastic Studies course | ||
or | ||
3 one-credit Benedictine Spirituality courses | ||
2 three-credit Monastic Studies courses | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
Scripture or Liturgy Course | ||
Unrestricted Elective | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
For more information, please see Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality on the SOT website.
Certificate in Ministry
Saint John’s Certificate in Ministry offers a foundation in theology for those working in ministry contexts. Coupled with a variety of formation opportunities this certificate invites learners toward a deeper understanding of the theological tradition, especially as it is connected to pastoral and ministerial practices.
A Benedictine Approach To Pastoral Ministry
The mission and identity of Saint John’s School of Theology has deep roots in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition, which bears impact on our pedagogical and formational practices. Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary approaches teaching and formation for pastoral ministry from a Benedictine perspective by:
- Contemplative pedagogy in the classroom: Our classes incorporate prayer, reflection and space for discernment, relying on monastic practices like statio and lectio divina.
- Commitment to stability: Our approach to pastoral theology takes seriously our contextual rootedness, and prizes stability as commitment to the cultural locations and communities where ministry unfolds.
- Listening and hospitality: We form ministers to gain a disposition of deep listening for pastoral work and to discover Christ in pastoral interactions, especially when “welcoming the stranger.”(RB 53)
- Spiritual direction and peer companioning: attentiveness to spiritual formation
Certificate in Ministry Overview
The Certificate in Ministry requires the completion of 18 credit hours. The Certificate includes 9 credits in required coursework, 9 credits in constrained electives, and formation requirements. Certificate in Ministry students can transition their credits into the Master of Arts in Ministry degree, pending successful admission to the Degree and satisfactory grade point average of coursework (3.0).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 9 | |
| Theology and Practice of Ministry | ||
| Ecclesiology | ||
| History of Christianity I | ||
or HCHR 404 | History of Christianity II | |
| Electives | 9 | |
Old Testament (SSOT) elective | ||
New Testament (SSNT) elective | ||
Elective course in LTGY, MORL, PTHM, or SPIR | ||
| Formation | 0 | |
Monthly Spiritual Direction | ||
Formation Conference Workshops | ||
Spiritual Companioning | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
For more information about the program and the admissions process, please see Certificate in Ministry on the SOT website.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is an intensive program of study and formation for those interested in practicing the art of spiritual direction. People come to Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary to deepen a Benedictine disposition for the ministry of listening. Some use what they have learned to meet one-on-one in spiritual direction sessions. Others take the skills they develop into retreat settings, group work, social justice contexts, and other forms of leadership in community.
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction requires the completion of 22 credits. CSpD includes Discernment in Prayer, 12 Credits in Core Theology, and 9 Credits of practicum. This certificate integrates the strengths of graduate theological study with the rigors of hands-on practice and supported by deeply experienced supervisors. The Benedictine monastic tradition remains integral to this process.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Theology | ||
| Spirituality 1 | 6 | |
| Pastoral Ministry | 3 | |
| Scripture | 3 | |
| Discrenment in Prayer | 1 | |
| Pacticum Series | ||
| Foundations of Spiritual Direction (Summer Intensive Course) | 3 | |
| Practicum in Spiritual Direction (August through April) | 3 | |
| Integration Seminar in Spiritual Direction (Summer Intensive Course) | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 22 | |
- 1
Students may pursue three 1-credit courses in Benedictine Spirituality to substitute for a 3-credit course in Spirituality.
For more information, please see Certificate in Spiritual Direction on the SOT website.
Certificate in Theology
Saint John’s Certificate in Theology offers a highly customizable program of study oriented toward a student’s goals. Combining particular study in a focus area and elective coursework, the Certificate in Theology can serve as an opportunity for professional development, sharpening a discipline for professional transition, or serve as continuing education for lifelong learners who are open-minded about the end of theological study.
Certificate in Theology Overview
The Certificate in Theology requires the completion of 18 credit hours. The certificate includes 9 credits in a focus area and 9 credits in elective coursework.Certificate in Theology students can transition their credits into the Master of Arts in Theology degree, pending successful admission to the Degree and satisfactory grade point average of coursework (3.0).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area (pick one): | 9 | |
History of Christianity | ||
Liturgy | ||
Monastic Studies/Spirituality | ||
Sacred Scripture | ||
Systematic Theology (Doctrine and Moral) | ||
| Elective Coursework | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
For more information about the program and the admissions process, please see Certificate in Theology on the SOT website.
Ministerial Formation
Ministerial Formation at Saint John’s allows students to apply their theological knowledge in a variety of ministerial contexts. Through practical application and engagement in ministry, students build on intellectual, relational, professional, and spiritual skills that have been introduced in the classroom. Students also use ministerial formation for their own opportunity for reflection and spiritual development.
Online Learning
To help meet the needs of individuals who are not able to come to campus, Saint John’s brings people together in innovative learning environments in online coursework. Online students are able to have a robust classroom experience and learn from where they are located, all while being offered the same rigorous academic engagement opportunities as our in-person students.
Sabbatical Courses
Saint John’s provides a reflective and stimulating environment for spiritual and theological renewal. Here, sabbatical students can design a tailored program to meet their own personal and ministerial needs. As graduate students, those on sabbatical have access to all student facilities and resources on campus at Saint John’s and at the College of Saint Benedict, a few miles away in St. Joseph, MN.