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GST
Training the 'new evangelizers'
...for the New Evangelization!
Acdemically challenging. Theologically orthodox.
Spiritually transforming.
Welcome to all prospective and returning students! GST currently has 485 students in its various programs and 50 faculty.
Take a look at one of our four main programs below.
Upcoming Events and News
MA COMP EXAMS Februray 2012.pdf
Exam Dates:
Written: Sat, Feb 18
Oral: Wed, Feb 22
GST Marches for Life
GST makes the The National Catholic Register's Catholic Identity College Guide '11. Click here to view more.
Special Spring Course Offering. Click for more info.
Recent interview
of the Dean, Dr. Bowring, in
the National Catholic Register.
Spring Lecture Series
Philip Jenkins, Ph.D
Click for more Info.
Paper
Academic Programs
MA in Sacred Theology
Enroll in one of the top theological Master of Arts (M.A.) programs in the country, with an international reputation for it’s academic rigor and faithfulness to the Magisterium, to prepare for professional ministry, high school or college level teaching, or doctoral level studies. One night a week classes – St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Campus
Undergraduate Vatican Diploma in Theology
Enroll in undergraduate Vatican-endorsed diploma program of theology, designed to supplement degree programs, allow achievement of certificates in various fields, or for those who simply want to continue their education in the Faith. This program is accredited by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy and is thus recognized by all the dioceses in the United States.
Specializations offered include Religious Education (Catechetics), Liturgical Studies, Christian Initiation (RCIA), Youth Ministry, Marriage & Family, and a unique specialization in Ministry to Black Catholics (MBC).
One night a week classes - St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Campus
Catechetical Institute
The Catechetical Institute at GST provides the eight (8) required courses for the certification program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Catechetical Formation. This program is suited for parish catechists and elementary Catholic school teachers (who are required to seek the certification in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia). It is also provided for those who simply want to grow in their faith.
One night a week - multiple locations (4 sessions per course)
Church Ministry Institute
Join a small faith community 3-year certificate program of prayer, faith sharing, faith formation, retreats, theological reflection, ministry projects, and ministry skills training.
One night a week - multiple locations (6 sessions per course)
A GST Alum gets a special honor! Read article here.
"[Today] we see the need for an engaged, articulate and well-formed Catholic laity...
The preparation of committed lay leaders... remains a primary task of the Church...
As [an] essential component of the New Evangelization, these concerns must shape the vision and goals of catechetical programs at every level."
- Benedict XVI
2012 Address
to the US Bishops
MBC
Ministry To Black Catholics
One of the only programs of its kind in the country, the Ministry to Black Catholics Program seeks to foster the development of pastoral leadership among Black Catholics for the enrichment of the Church.
Click here to find out more information about MBC
Undergraduate Vatican Diploma In Theology
Where else can you receive undergraduate college credits endorsed by the Vatican? Earn your Vatican Diploma with a special concentration in a field of your choice. Find out more by clicking here.
Programs for Religious
Find out more information about our unique programs for Religious Women and Men.
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Click to view our state of the art library
Click to view slideshow
Admissions
Admissions and Aid
Graduate Admissions
Requirements:
1) An undergraduate degree with a minimum cumulative B average from an accredited college or university.
2) A minimum of eighteen undergraduate credits in Theology and/or Philosophy, with a minimum 3.0 average (these pre-requisites can be obtained through GST's undergraduate program).
More details inside application:
RSD Graduate Admissions - updated 2011.pdf
General Admissions
For Undergraduate and all Institute Programs:
Requirement - A high school diploma or its equivalent.
See more details within particular applications:
GST Undergaduate Admissions - updated November 2011.pdf
Registration Form.pdf
Financial Aid
GST offers both achievement-based and need-based forms of financial aid.
Achievement-based awards come in the form of fellowships and scholarships.
Need-based aid includes government grants, student loans, and student-initiated opportunities for local employment.
More scholarship and financial aid applications coming soon. Apply NOW to get the process started!
Church Ministry Institute Scholarship Application Form.pdf
Martin de Porres St Charles Seminary Application_Updated 11_30_2011-.pdf
Graduate Level Fellowships
Fellowships are a limited financial aid program offered to students who identify ways to utilize their strengths and talents to enhance the life of the community during their time at GST. In this program, students are granted financial assistance for their contribution to GST's programs, activities, and overall environment. Students in this program are evaluated annually for renewal consideration.
Fellowship Categories:
Apostolic Works
- to help organize activities that assist the spiritual life of students
Leadership
- to help lead student initiatives that foster community
Service -
to help implement projects of service to the student and local community
Spring Courses and Registration
Spring Course Schedule and Registration
Graduate
GST 501 Foundational Course in Sacred Scripture
Ms. Kelly Anderson Wednesdays
GST 651 Theology of the Sacraments
Dr. Janet Haggerty Tuesdays
GST 731 Catholic Social Teaching
Dr. Peter Colosi Mondays
GST 829 Church History
Dr. Kelly Bowring Mondays
Undergraduate
GST 329 Catholic Social Teaching
Dr. Peter Colosi Mondays
GST 280 Church History
Dr. Kelly Bowring Mondays
GST 245 History of Black Catholics in the United States
Mr. Ed Purnell Tuesdays
Undergraduate Online
GST 103O Old Testament
Mr. Jared Haselbarth
Spring Orientation For All Students and Faculty
On Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, there will be an Orientation for all students and faculty.
The schedule is as follows:
(
6:15 PM
) Facutly only - Faculty meet in GST Office with Dean Bowring
7:00 PM
Students and Faculty meet in classrooms to distribute Syllabi and assign any work for first week of classes:
GST 501 meet in 105
GST 651 meet in 106
GST 731 and GST 329 meet in 107
GST 829 Church History and GST 280 meet in 108
GST 245 meet in 104
7:20 PM
Library Orientation for all students and new faculty
(
8:00 PM)
Any new students must get ID badge photo taken in Room 103
8:00 PM
Meet in the Immaculate Conception Chapel for Community Prayer
8:30 PM
Social/Snacks/Refreshments
Advent Letter to Students-1.pdf
Spring 2012 Registration Packet - final-3.pdf
Installment payment plan Spring 2012.pdf
Martin de Porres St Charles Seminary Application_Updated 11_30_2011-.pdf
GST 731/329 Catholic Social Teaching
This course studies the core principles, foundations and applications of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). The core principles of CST include: solidarity, subsidiarity, participation, the common good, private property, and the universal destination of goods. The foundations of CST are found in Scripture and Church teaching on the dignity of persons and the meaning of family. CST is applied to contemporary economic, political, social and cultural issues, such as: economic systems (capitalism/socialism); work; the political community; globalization; war and peace. Rooted in Scripture and the Tradition, CST has been specifically enunciated and developed in the papal and conciliar Magisterium from Rerum Novarum of Pope Leo XIII to Caritas in Veritate of Pope Benedict XVI. A particularly important document which systemically presents CST is The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004), and this will be used as a guiding text for the course. The course includes a close reading in full of a selection of Social Encyclicals, as well as an introductory discussion of the role of the Holy See at the United Nations.
GST 829/280 Church History and Saints
Course will present a brief history of the Catholic Church, as founded by Jesus Christ upon St. Peter and the Apostles and led by the Holy Spirit through the centuries. Presentation will include three levels of inquiry: investigating persons, periods, events, movements, controversies, and heresies related to the Church; 2) investigating the development of doctrine by examining excerpts from major Church councils; and 3) examining selected writings from Church Saints and other related figures (including Islam and Protestantism) from each period.
GST 651 Theology of the Sacraments
A doctrinal survey of the sacraments: the relationship of the individual sacraments to the Mystery of Christ and the Church, including both principles of general sacramental theology and a consideration of major doctrinal questions regarding individual sacraments.
GST 501 Foundational Course in Sacred Scripture
This course will be an introduction to the study of the Sacred Scriptures. The course is considered an introduction in the technical sense of the word, since its goal is to provide a foundation for the more in-depth studies in the other Scripture courses in the curriculum. It will deal with both the background information regarding the biblical world and the works which comprise the Old and New Testaments. The course will be divided into the following subtopics: canon and authorship; the written word and the land of the Bible; the history of Israel and the early Church; and the history and principles of interpretation, including church documents, exegetical methods, and hermeneutics.
GST 245 History of Black Catholics in the United States
An overview of the history of African-American Catholics from the period of Afro-Hispanic settlements, through the slavery and emancipation period, and up to contemporary struggles for Civil Rights, with particular attention to the religious movements which developed among African-American clergy, religious and lay leaders in the American Church.
GST 103 Old Testament
This course is designed to enrich the student's general background in biblical matters through an overview of Old Testament literature in the context of the history of Israel; it includes an examination of the main characters, themes, and structure of the Old Testament as well as a reflection on the place of Scripture in the Church and in the daily life of believers.
GST at a Glance
GST at a Glance
GST offers three levels of Catholic study programs:
I. Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Sacred Theology
The internationally-recognized, fully-accredited Master of Arts (MA) degree in Sacred Theology is rooted in a thorough study of Systematic Theology while also providing courses within the various fields of theological inquiry, including Thomistic, Biblical, Historical, Doctrinal, Sacramental, Moral, Spiritual, Patristic, Ecclesiological, and Mariological studies.
II. Undergraduate Vatican Diploma in Theology
Answering the Church's call to establish international institutes for training in pastoral catechetics (GDC 251), GST established the undergraduate Vatican-endorsed Diploma in Theology to assist the Church in her evangelical mission of handing on the Good News of the truth and love of Jesus Christ and His Church. This college-level theology program at GST prepares students for entry-level teaching, service, and administration in the Church. This program is fully accredited by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and is thus recognized by all the dioceses in the United States.
This program offers a theological core in the foundation stones of the Faith (OT, NT, Church History, Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer) and a practicum to help students gain experience in ministry.
It also offers students an opportunity to study a particular specialization in preparation for service to the Church, including in
religious education
(for directors of religious education or teachers of Catholic formation in Catholic schools),
liturgical studies
(for those who serve on liturgical planning teams),
Christian initiation
(R.C.I.A.),
marriage & family
, and
youth ministry
. Students may also earn a unique certificate of specialization in
Ministry to Black Catholics (MBC)
to prepare them for ministry and pastoral leadership to Black Catholic communities.
III. Catechetical and Church Ministry Institutes
GST has two institutes, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in catechesis and Church ministry that are rooted in Sacred Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Catechetical Institute
The Catechetical Institute at GST provides the eight (8) required courses for the certification program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Catechetical Formation. This program is suited for parish catechists and elementary Catholic school teachers (who are required to seek the certification in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia). It is also provided for those who simply want to grow in their faith.
One night a week - multiple locations (4 sessions per course)
Church Ministry Institute
Join a small faith community 3-year certificate program of prayer, faith sharing, faith formation, retreats, theological reflection, ministry projects, and ministry skills training.
One night a week - multiple locations (6 sessions per course)
Summer Programs
GST Summer Program - Graduate and Undergraduate
GST offers a 6-week summer program (usually the end of June through July), that is open to all lay and religious students. Students may continue their studies from the fall/spring semesters through the summer or they may enroll in the summer only program.
Summer Graduate Program in Theology
for Lay & Religious
Integrating theological studies into the daily rhythm of Religious life serves to enhance and broaden the academic experience and spiritual renewal of our Religious students. It also gives full meaning and coherence to one's vocation and propels the student to deeper love of Christ and the Church. Our summer program for Religious forms each student both intellectually and spiritually, and includes recreational opportunities and optional outing and pilgrimage events. It is open to religious, consecrated, and priests. Students may take the courses toward a masters degree or audit courses for personal enrichment.
In addition, our campus provides the necessary spiritual environment to allow the Religious to faithfully meet the obligations of their vows and daily prayer life, including the Liturgy of the Hours, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and daily Mass. Our beautiful campus and facilities make the transition from the home community to study at GST seamless.
The Religious who stay on campus are housed on a private residence hall floor where each student has their own room and bath. Meals are provided daily. There is a common room on the floor and many other common areas in the residence hall such as a TV room, a lounge, a kitchen, and a reading room. The Religious communities are welcome to organize their own schedule within the framework of the spiritual program and meals offered by GST.
More information available here...
About Us
A Message from the Dean...
Click here.
About Us
The Graduate School of Theology and Program of Catholic Studies (GST) at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia is seeking Catholics who want to pursue a fulfilling academic program of theology to help them prepare to take part in Blessed John Paul II's call for the New Evangelization.
GST is a center of theological education in Philadelphia for laity, priests, and religious from the Greater Philadelphia area and the entire country.
GST conducts evening, summer, and online courses, on both the graduate and undergraduate levels, in Catholic theology and in various institute programs.
If you're looking for a dynamic and vibrant program of theology and Catholic studies, in a truly inspiring setting, then please consider contacting GST.
Our Mission
GST is a co-educational program of theological study, faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic intellectual tradition within the framework of "intellectual charity" (Benedict XVI). Fostering a loving community centered on Jesus Christ, we provide a fully integrated theological education grounded in natural reason and revealed truth, with emphasis on the Eucharist, Mary, Scripture as the soul of theology, and fidelity to the Magisterium. GST seeks to form students who are authentic living witnesses of the Faith sent forth to assist the Church in the joyful work of the
New Evangelization.
Our Vision
GST is answering Blessed John Paul II's call to build and renew the Church of the Third Millennium. GST's vision is to educate and form students who, as leaders in Church ministries and apostolates, will live by the highest intellectual and ethical standards and fully witness the Gospel in truth and love to those they are called to serve and teach.
Our Local Patrons
The Philadelphia area is rich with the legacy of two canonized saints.
Saint Katharine Drexel
was born and raised in Philadelphia. As a Catholic sister, she devoted her life to educating those whom others had neglected specifically, African Americans and Native Americans.
St. John Neumann
was the Bishop of Philadelphia and of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, which now includes GST. He notably spread Eucharistic devotion, and in his six years as bishop the number of Catholic schools grew from two to 400. Both saints are buried in the Philadelphia area.
Our History
GST was founded at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1969, and today has approximately 475 students (including laity, priests, and religious) with about 50 faculty (8:1 student/professor ratio). For decades, GST has had the reputation of promoting solidly Catholic teaching with dynamic academic rigor.
Since its founding, GST has granted masters degrees in Sacred Theology to over 1,050 students, most of whom still serve the Church, walking in the footsteps of the Apostles.
Our students also walk in the footsteps of some prominent Catholic leaders and a few Saints who have been associated with our institution over the years.
Blessed John Paul II
and
Blessed Mother Teresa
have visited GST's campus and students.
Cardinal Ratzinger
also visited GST, and recently, now as
Pope Benedict XVI
, he declared to Philadelphia's Archbishop:
"You have a good Seminary."
GST is privileged to be part of the distinguished St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and part of such a rich heritage.
Our Campus
GST is located on the beautiful, expansive campus of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (founded in 1832), which is home to 145 seminarians from all over the country. GST students take classes within the magnificent old-stone buildings, with tree-lined sidewalks, and hallways filled with religious artwork, providing an ideal setting for theological study and growth in faith formation. GST students also enjoy a beautiful Rome-style chapel for adoration and prayer. The campus has a recently renovated, state-of-the-art library with one of the largest collections of theology books in the country. Being located in such a historically important and Catholic city, so close to the major centers of New York and Washington DC, makes GST a uniquely apt place to study theology and become more acquainted with the Church on a national level.
The Graduate Program
The Graduate Program
Curriculum - MA in Theology
Foundations in Systematic Theology
Foundations in Sacred Scripture (w/ OT)
Gospels
Acts and New Testament Letters
Church History
Theology of Christ
Theology of the Church
Theology of the Sacraments
Moral Theology
Spirituality and Prayer
Catechetics & the New Evangelization
Elective
Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations
PLAN YOUR COURSES:
Click here to
view the core
course cycle
for the upcoming
semesters.
The Graduate Program consists of 36 credit hours of study in Catholic Theology plus Comprehensive Examinations. Courses at GST are offered to accomodate both full-time students (9 credits per semester) and part-time students. Our classes are offered in the evenings during the week, allowing students the freedom to either work during the day or use that time for study and prayer.
GST has a fall, spring, and summer semester. Full-time students take classes all three semesters and can finish their coursework in 4 semesters. Students attending part-time can work at their own pace to complete the required 36 credits of coursework.
Students are taught by excellent faculty, most of whom have a doctoral degree and all are competent in their field. GST is blessed to make use of the full-time faculty of Saint Charles Seminary as well as the best adjuncts from the Philadelphia area. We take pride in ensuring that our academics are orthodox and rigorous; and our faculty encourage an open intellectual pursuit of the truth faithful to the Magisterium.
Earn your Masters degree in as little as 15 months
or in 4 summers!
View our 8.5X11 inch flyer ad by clicking on the image to the left. You can download it below and print copies if you wish!
GST Male and Female Poster.pdf
Since its founding in 1969, GST has granted masters degrees in Sacred Theology to over 1,050 students, most of whom still serve the Church, walking in the footsteps of the Apostles.
Our students also walk in the footsteps of some prominent Catholic leaders and a few Saints who have been associated with our institution over the years.
Blessed John Paul II
and
Blessed Mother Teresa
have visited GST's campus and students.
Cardinal Ratzinger
also visited GST, and recently, now as
Pope Benedict XVI
, he declared to Philadelphia's Archbishop:
"You have a good Seminary."
GST is privileged to be part of the distinguished St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and part of such a
rich heritage.
Graduate Tuition: $1595 per course
FROM OUR RECENT GRADUATES
"What I like most about GST's masters program is the orthodox education I am receiving. All of my professors are extremely passionate about Catholic Theology and are dedicated to passing on to their students the beautiful teachings of the Church in all its fullness."
- Brooke Hewitt
"GST is an ideal place for the study of theology. There is a real sense of fellowship among the students, which contributes to a warm and supportive classroom environment. The graduate program has exceeded my expectations and I will truly miss GST once my studies are complete!"
- Jose Quintana
"Being enrolled in this Graduate Program has helped me to increase my love for Christ and his Church because of the solid teaching and spiritual nourishment it has provided me. The professors are impeccable and the program is incredibly stimulating and authentically Catholic."
- Drew Zagursky
"My experience at St. Charles both challenged and deepened my faith life in ways I could not have imagined prior to beginning my studies. The professors and resources I had access to at the Seminary revealed a depth and beauty to the Catholic Faith I had not experienced before. I graduated from GST with a deeper love for Christ and His Church, and with a passion to share that love in a more profound way with my family, friends, parish, and community."
- Heather Maigur
Forms
RSD Graduate Admissions - updated 2011.pdf
MA COMP EXAMS Februray 2012.pdf
College Undergraduate
Undergraduate Vatican Theology Diploma
The undergraduate program is open to any student who has a high school diploma. Some students enter this program with no college experience and others with an undergraduate degree in another discipline. Some students enroll planning to simply grow in their faith while others are preparing for service in parish ministry. Occasionally, students are co-enrolled at another 4-year university while taking courses at GST. Students may seek to transfer their credits upon receiving their theology diploma as well. Students who complete this program receive a Vatican-endorsed undergraduate Diploma of completion, with a Certificate in one of the areas of ministry specialization.
Answering the Church's call to establish international institutes for training in pastoral catechetics (GDC 251), GST established the Vatican-endorsed Theology Diploma program to assist the Church in her evangelical mission of handing on the Good News of the truth and love of Jesus Christ and His Church. This college-level theology program at GST prepares students for teaching, service, and administration in the Church. This catechetical program is fully accredited by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and is thus recognized by all the dioceses in the United States.
This program offers a theological core in the foundation stones of the Faith (OT, NT, Church History, Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer) and a practicum to help students gain experience in ministry. It also offers students an opportunity to study a particular specialization in preparation for service to the Church, including in
religious education
(for directors of religious education or teachers of Catholic formation in Catholic schools),
liturgical studies
(for those who serve on liturgical planning teams),
Christian initiation
(R.C.I.A.),
marriage and family
, and
youth ministry
. Students may also earn a certificate of specialization in
Ministry to Black Catholics
(MBC) to prepare them for ministry and pastoral leadership to Black Catholics.
GST Undergaduate Admissions - updated November 2011.pdf
Curriculum
Vatican Theology Diploma
Introduction to Theology (w/ philosophy emphasis)
Old Testament
New Testament
Church Histor
y
The Creed
The Sacraments
Morality
Prayer & Spirituality
Ministry Specialization (see options below)
Total Credit Hours: 33 Credits
Ministry Specialization Certificate Options
1.
Ministry to Black Catholics
MBC 1
MBC 2
MBC Practicum
undergraduate tuition: $860 per course
Certificate in Ministry To Black Catholics
Certificate In Liturgical Studies
Certificate In Youth Ministry
Certificate in Religious Education
Certificate in Marriage and Family Life
Program For Religious
GST Summer Program
For Lay & Religious
Curriculum - MA in Theology
Scholarships are available for Religious Orders Sending multiple students !
Graduate Tuition: $1,595 per course Room & Board - 6 week stay: $2,155 in summer '11 (Expect Slight Increase to 2012 R&B)
Graduate Program Application
CMI Liturgy
Church Ministry Institute
Christian Spirituality
MBC
Ministry To Black Catholics
RE
Religious Education - Catechetics
MandF
Marriage and Family Life
