Purpose: To offer to those already serving or hoping to serve as Lay Ministers the chance to enhance their ministry through theological education. This is not an Archdiocesan certification program but rather a coordinated combination of introductory courses. This may lead to further studies.

Goal: To provide a theological foundation allowing the student to focus on areas related to his or her personal ministerial goals.

The requirements for the Diploma in Lay Ministry are: Core Courses (7)

1. Foundations in Theology

2. Introduction to Old Testament

3. Introduction to New Testament

4. General Survey Course in Church History

5. Introduction to Moral Theology

6. Sacramental Theology Course

7. Lay Ministry in the Diocesan Church (capstone course, hybrid)

Elective Courses (3)

Emphasis in a particular area will be decided by each student in consultation with the Registrar, in view of his or her ministerial goals.

The Diploma programs are non-conjoint programs, therefore students in these programs are not eligible for student services at the University of Toronto. Basic student services will be provided by St. Augustine’s Seminary in association with the Toronto School of Theology.

Admission Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree or non-traditional applicant with an appropriate background.

2. Complete academic application and official transcripts from all post-secondary education [as noted in the Academic Admissions section].

The Diploma programs may be done on a part-time or full-time basis. Courses completed in the diploma programs may be eligible for transfer to a degree program depending on the academic eligibility of the student and the grade received for the course. Article 11.9 of the

T.S.T. Basic Degree Handbook further explains the policy regarding grades earned in the 60-69 range. Courses receiving these grades are counted towards St. Augustine’s Seminary diploma programs but are not transferable to a master’s level program.