March 11, 2014
Beginning this summer, the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., will offer a new academic program, the Master of Catechesis (M.Cat.). The program was designed with Pope Francis's call to the New Evangelization in mind. As he wrote in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, "What kind of love would not feel the need to speak of the Beloved, to point Him out, to make Him known?" "Pope Francis challenges us to communicate the love of Jesus Christ in more compelling ways and the Master of Catechesis helps to answer this call," said Rev. Mark Morozowich, dean of the school. "Our degree focuses on a clear grasp of Catholic theology and the tools needed to be an effective catechist."Designed to prepare students to spread God's word as practitioners in the field of catechesis, the M.Cat. program will help lay and ordained men and women develop the skills and knowledge needed to fill various ministerial roles in the Church today. Courses in the M.Cat. program will follow an interdisciplinary approach drawing upon theology, scripture, spirituality, the history of catechetics, and psychology within the context of contemporary culture. The goal of the program is to prepare candidates for work in various Church positions, including religious education or catechetical leadership at the diocesan level. The program will be directed by Sister Margaret Schreiber, O.P., academic area director of Catechetics and an assistant professor of liturgical studies and sacramental theology who earned her S.T.L. and S.T.D. from Catholic University. Students will have two tracks to complete their 30 semester hours of coursework, as classes will be offered on-site and online. The online option allows students to work on their degree from anywhere around the world and only requires a weeklong on-campus residency. Applications for the online degree are only accepted in the spring. The first online summer semester will take place May 27 to July 25. The deadline for applications is April 1 and all students who enroll in the first semester will receive a 50 percent tuition discount. For more information, go to trs.cua.edu/academic/grad/religioused/mcat.cfm , email cua-strs-gradadmissions@cua.edu , or call 202-319-5683.