University for Theology

[seeker of God]

Hi everyone,

Glad to find this group. I've been discerning for a while, but the more I continue the more sure I become.

However, I need to attend college first. I would like to major in theology, because it is my primary interest and I love studying it.

Does anyone here know how the theology of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA is? I had heard it is not so good and kind of liberal, so I am not so sure about it.

I'm alternatively thinking of trying to get into Steubenville, if I can. It sounds very nice.

Also if you could please pray for me as i discern, I would much appreciate it.

[Spirithound]

Glad to have you aboard! If you're discerning priesthood, you need to talk to your diocese's vocations director, or your bishop. They may actually tell you that your major should be philosophy.

Steubenville is an excellent school (by reputation ). They have a Pre-Theologate program for men who are discerning priesthood, and this program will get you all of the courses the USCCB requires for you to enter the major seminary.

Praying for you!

[seeker of God]

Originally Posted by Spirithound

Glad to have you aboard! If you're discerning priesthood, you need to talk to your diocese's vocations director, or your bishop. They may actually tell you that your major should be philosophy.

Steubenville is an excellent school (by reputation ). They have a Pre-Theologate program for men who are discerning priesthood, and this program will get you all of the courses the USCCB requires for you to enter the major seminary.

Praying for you!

Thanks a lot.

Do you know what the pre-theologate program would include? I mean if it's mostly philosophy or also includes some theology. I want to have a decent foundation no matter what I choose to go into.

[Spirithound]

Here's a c&p from what they emailed me. There is more on the first page about the well-rounded formation you'll receive but here are the courses. You'll have to cross-ref with their course calendar for some things, but that is available online.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Program of Priestly Formation [5th Ed.] requires 30 credit hours (ten courses) in philosophy for the college level of intellectual formation. At Franciscan University of Steubenville 34 credits (eleven courses and a thesis) constitutes a major in philosophy. It is recommended that the Pre-Theologate student choose to major in philosophy, which includes following required courses:
PHL 113 Philosophy of the Human Person (3 credits)
PHL 211 Metaphysics (3 credits)
PHL 212 Foundations in Ethics (3 credits)
PHL 301 Logic (3 credits)
PHL 306 Epistemology (3 credits)
PHL 325 Thomistic Tradition in Philosophy (3 credits)
TWO History of Philosophy Course (6 credits)
Choose from PHL 311, 312, 315, 316, or 412.
TWO Philosophy electives: (6 credits) To major in philosophy, one of these must be a philosophy texts course. For the Pre-Theologate certificate it is strongly recommended that the student take PHL 425, Philosophy of God.
The USCCB PPF requires 12 credit hours (four courses) in theology as well. At Franciscan University of Steubenville, it is recommended that the student take the following 18 credits in theology:
THE 115 Christian Moral Principles (3 credits)
THE 211 Principles of Biblical Studies I (3 credits)
THE 212 Principles of Biblical Studies II (3 credits)
THE 213 Theology of Christ (3 credits)
THE 214 Theology of the Church (3 credits)
THE 314 Sacraments (3 credits)

[Spirithound]

I know at least that St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie (Yonkers), New York requires 2 courses of Latin and an overview of Church history also. I understand those are also USCCB requirements, so Steubenville would offer them, I'm sure.

[seeker of God]

Oh thank you very much. That helps a lot.

I've contacted both admissions as well as the pre-theologate department so hopefully I should receive some information soon.

I'm a little concerned because I've not yet received all the sacraments I should. I am a baptized Catholic and have gone to confession (as you've seen in another thread of mine ), but have yet to be confirmed or received first Holy Communion. I went through most of Rcia, but was distracted by some very difficult events in my life at the time, and subsequently withdrew from Duquesne University.

I've been discerning for at least 8 months or so, and have done a lot of personal study of Catholic theology.

So I fear they may say I must wait a few years. But in the meantime I still need to pursue something, and either theology or philosophy is definitely my field of interest. Theology primarily, but philosophy if I will need it in the event that I do go into seminary.

You see, I've been studying religion since I was about ten years old. Many of those were not Christian in nature at all, but eventually I came back to the Catholic Church. The only reason I was not here to begin with was that my mother is not Catholic. But I've had a deep interest in theology and religion for a long time, and now it is all the stronger now that I am sure that the Catholic Church contains the full truth.

I pray to God for discernment, and I'm confident his will will be done, whatever it is. I am certainly in a complicated situation though.

I would appreciate your prayers as well.

[RavenousWolf]

It is wonderful that you are so open to the will of the Lord, "seeker of God." I find it amazing how beautifully He reveals Himself to us, especially through the study of theology and Church teaching.

I would highly recommend that you sign up for another RCIA course or talk to whomever is in charge of sacramental preparation at your church. Obviously it is very important that you have received the Eucharist and been Confirmed... so I pray that you'll be able to receive both soon and come into full communion with the Church!

The Bishop/Vocations Director in your diocese may very well ask you to wait a year or so before entering seminary (I know where I come from they prefer you have a bachelor's degree), but don't worry to much about that! Think of it merely as more time to grow in knowledge and understanding of the Faith and to cultivate and deepen your relationship with Christ.

As I've had to remind myself very frequently, God has perfect timing. Put your faith in Him to lead you where He will according to His perfect plan.

[seeker of God]

RavenousWolf,

thank you very much for your post.

Well, I don't plan to enter seminary for about three years. I'm first going to Franciscan University of Steubenville for philosophy and theology. Then that gives me three years to discern, anyway, and I can earn a degree.

I really appreciate your encouragement, though. Thank you.

[bmonk]

In general, I believe (but could easily be wrong), most dioceses and religious orders prefer a person not be a neophyte (joined within the last two years or so) when they start pursuing the priesthood. So I'd certainly look into finishing up your rites of initiation.