Theology, M.A.

Ethics, Spirituality and Professional Practice (36 credit hours)

The Professional Practice track is designed for professionals in business and non-profit communities interested in developing deeper spiritual understanding as well as practical skills for competent, ethical and theologically informed professional practices. This track is also appropriate for students interested in careers in the management and administration of churches and church-related organizations and corporations such as dioceses and social ministries.

The Professional Practice track combines theory and practice, building on the traditions of spiritual discernment (Ignatian and others), theological reflection and purposeful action. It develops adult learners as knowledgeable, thoughtful and responsible professionals who improve their work environments and society as a whole. Students learn to respond to challenging situations presented in their professional environments in ethically and spiritually responsible ways.

The program presumes a pluralistic religious environment in the workplace, emphasizing ways to understand, recognize, negotiate and celebrate interfaith relationships. It also reflects Xavier’s mission to educate students to serve with excellence and ethical integrity in professional fields and to work for social and economic justice.

The goals of the program are:

• To improve understanding of the Christian spiritual, theological and ethical tradition in dialogue with contemporary challenges of religious traditions.

• To prepare professionals with a sound knowledge of ethical traditions and a commitment to bringing social-ethical perspectives to business and service environments.

• To facilitate the spiritual and theological formation necessary for professionals to integrate professional expertise with competent, ethical, and spiritually informed management practices.

Solidarity and Sustainability in a Global Context (36 credit hours)

The Solidarity and Sustainability track revolves around the typical definition of sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

This track integrates questions of economic, social and environmental sustainability with the spiritual traditions that engage human potential.  Ethical issues are regularly examined, including social justice questions related to distribution of resources, and the need for communal and environmental stewardship in a variety of ways, including the kinds of personal and social transformation that stem from a “change of heart.”

Goals of the program include:

• To form an awareness of the current issues of economic and environmental sustainability.

• To develop an appreciation of the complexity and interrelatedness of the global issues that impact economic and environmental sustainability.

• To develop an appreciation of the cultural and historical underpinnings of religious traditions and to learn from other religious traditions in order to deepen one’s life and contribution to the world.

• To acquire an ability to discriminate between the peaceful practices and the violent habits within religious traditions and to strengthen the recognition of the diversity of the human drives, seeking meaning within and beyond established religion.

• To engender habits of responsible collaborative action grounded in critical theological reflection and ethical discernment, and to invite others to engage in similar reflection and action.

Applied Spirituality and Pastoral Care (39 credit hours)

The Applied Spirituality and Pastoral Care track is oriented to human growth and is thus appropriate for all seekers, but it is also specifically helpful to those preparing for professional practice in varieties of pastoral care including chaplaincy, education, campus ministry, youth ministry and varieties of social ministries.

The track explores the richness of Christian spirituality as a way of life oriented to the intellectual, affective, humane and relational qualities of human existence that make life meaningful and worthwhile. It prepares students to engage pastoral work in pluralistic contexts, since their social and pastoral ministries require cultural sensitivities, practical skills and a capacity to connect across religious traditions, with openness and respect.

Through the track, students:

• Gain knowledge about the tradition of Christian spirituality as a resource for theological imagination, personal and communal identity, and personal development.

• Gain an understanding of spiritual practices that promote personal growth, health and well-being, and share those spiritual practices with others in ways that are sensitive to and respect our pluralistic cultural context.

• Gain the skills necessary to engage pastoral practice with clarity about how spiritual growth and spiritual practice enhances their effectiveness and their longevity as pastoral caregivers.