Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology Launches New Online Graduate Certificate Program

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (07/16/2008)(readMedia)--

Beginning in September 2008, the Institute for Christian Spirituality, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University, will offer a new online graduate certificate program in Great Spiritual Books (GSB).

This unique, new program focuses on great spiritual literature from various Christian traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant). More specifically, it introduces the literary foundations of Christian spirituality and Christian themes in great literature. By engaging students from a wide array of professional and life experiences -- religious and lay -- it explores and clarifies specific ways in which Christian literature can help people build friendships, stirs up their zeal for spiritual adventure, invigorates their professional lives and ministries, and builds relationships.

The Great Spiritual Books certificate program curriculum prepares students to apply the gems of Christian spirituality to various forms of ministry and consecrated religious, family and professional life. It consists of seven courses that introduce students to some of Christianity's great literary classics, ranging from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, to the writings of the Church Fathers, Saints, Reformers and Mystics, to the biographies of today's spiritual writers, artists, musicians and film-directors, to the classics of modern "self-help" literature.

A 21-credit, 16-month program, Great Spiritual Books' quality is assured by Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology and SetonWorldWide, the online campus of Seton Hall University. The 21 course credits may be applied toward a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, and most toward a Master of Arts in Theology. A range of scholarships are available to prospective candidates.

"Books are a gateway into a whole other world," says Gregory Glazov, D. Phil, GSB Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies. "This program teaches students to recognize the thrilling possibilities of this world by journeying through the spiritual world of the classics."

For more information about the online Great Spiritual Books graduate certificate program, or to request an application, please e-mail theology@shu.edu. You may also call James Howard at (973) 275-2559 or Debbie Kurus at (973) 313-6329. Please note that only those who apply and are accepted may participate in the program's theological coursework.

About the Institute for Christian Spirituality

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology started the Institute for Christian Spirituality in order to provide a center where those already in ministry or those considering a vocation to ministry, may obtain a solid foundation in their faith, learn effective skills in pastoral ministry and leadership, and be given tools for discernment and spiritual growth.

Taking its charge from 2 Timothy 1:6, "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God within you...." all four of the Institute's "Making Connections" initiatives are designed to call, inspire, train and sustain excellent pastoral ministry.

About Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) is the School of Theology of Seton Hall University and the major seminary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. ICSST admits both seminarians studying for the Catholic priesthood and lay students. Founded in 1861, the Seminary offers men preparing for priesthood the personal, academic, ministerial and spiritual formation essential for conversion to Jesus Christ and their commitment to a life of service to the Church. As a School of Theology, the Seminary provides a theological education for undergraduates, as well as graduate level theology for students who desire to pursue doctoral studies, together with theological, pastoral and spiritual formation for men and women preparing for ministries among the people of God, and varied opportunities for continuing theological education. For more information about ICSST, contact theology@shu.edu

About Seton Hall University

For over 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student, mind, heart and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles by train, bus or car to New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each to better the world through integrity, compassion and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu

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