Institute of Theology
Theological education for the laity
from the mind and heart of the Church
Why Study Theology?
Studying theology immerses us in the most important questions of life – Who is God and how do we come to know Him? Who is the human person, made in His image? How do we live well, suffer well, make good choices? How do we shape a just world? What is prayer and how do we grow in it? The questions of theology form us and draw us closer to God in wonder and love. This is a beautiful gift.
Moreover, in a world with many hurting people, families, and communities, studying theology forms us in the depth of pastoral charity, skill, and wisdom of the Catholic vision of life.
“We need lay Catholics well formed in mind, heart, and pastoral skill; lay Catholics who can respond wisely and with hope to the cultural, intellectual, and pastoral challenges of our time.”
Fr. Kevin Belgrave, Director, Institute of Theology
Why Study at St. Augustine’s Seminary?
From its very beginnings in 1913, the mission of St. Augustine's Seminary has focused on discipleship: priests well formed in the Church’s mind, teachings, history, and heart; forming ministers whose life would be a bridge for others in finding God. It is with this same heart that the Institute of Theology was established in 1988 to include theological education for the laity.
Whether you are involved in parish ministry, Catholic education, any of the wide range of Catholic charities and social services, or just drawn to dive more deeply into your faith, St. Augustine’s Seminary has something for you. From day-long workshops to certificates, diplomas and full master’s degrees in theology, the St. Augustine’s Seminary Institute of Theology offers a wide range of programs and flexible course formats.
Many of our students value the opportunity to learn alongside both our future priests and other lay Catholics who often work in similar ministries (e.g. fellow Catholic teachers, parish ministers, etc.) The friendships that emerge here promote the kind of authentic collaboration that our Church needs today.
Institute of Theology Academic Programs
The Programs of the Institute of Theology include:
Master of Religious Education [M.R.E.] and Master of Theological Studies [M.T.S.]
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) are offered conjointly with the University of Toronto. Each of these 20-course master’s degrees offers a foundational introduction to the core areas of Catholic theology. From this core, M.R.E. students move toward a greater specialization in the Catholic meaning and practice of education, culminating in a supervised practicum project. M.T.S. students choose a focus from a range of areas in theology, culminating in a comprehensive capstone research project. The M.T.S. and M.R.E. can be completed either full-time (2 years) or part-time (up to 8 years). Up to half of the courses in each degree can be completed online. Certified teachers may receive up to four course reductions in the M.R.E. and other M.R.E. students working in qualified catechetical or religious education ministries may also receive a course reduction.
Conjoint Certificate in Theological Studies (Post-Baccalaureate) [C.T.S.]
The 7-course Certificate in Theological Studies (C.T.S.), offered conjointly with the University of Toronto, gives students an introduction to the essential theological subjects. Perfect for students who need a shorter program that doesn’t sacrifice the core theological courses.
Diploma in Theological Studies [D.T.S.] and Diploma in Lay Ministry [D.L.M.]
The 10-course Diploma in Theological Studies (D.T.S.) and Diploma in Lay Ministry (D.L.M.), similar to the C.T.S., offer students a more compact introduction to theology. Students in the D.T.S. have the possibility of completing the program fully online. D.L.M. students can complete all but the capstone course in lay ministry online.
Our Institute of Theology programs offer flexible course formats, with classes offered weekdays, evenings, Saturdays, online, and in the summer – at both our downtown and Scarborough campuses.
There are three options for classroom sites. Courses are conducted at our main campus sites: St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough (2661 Kingston Road) and Alumni Hall (121 St. Joseph Street) on the University of Toronto St. George Campus. Our extension site is located at the Cardinal Carter Catholic High School in Aurora. Online courses are also offered. Class times are varied and include day, evening, and Saturday classes.
The Association of Theological Schools [A.T.S.] has approved our comprehensive distance education program (online courses).
In order to meet the A.T.S. standards and be eligible for degree completion, a student whose initial registration is May 2008 or later must take a minimum of 10 courses on our main campus sites, without exception.
Students may take up to 10 courses through distance education (online courses) and/or at an approved TST member college extension site towards our Master’s degree programs.
Students in our Diploma in Theological Studies may take 100% of their program online. Students in the Diploma in Lay Ministry may take all of their courses online except for one capstone course.
Students, whose initial registration is January 2008 or prior, also have credit restrictions and should contact the Registrar for details.
For information on how to apply for our programs, visit
staugustines.on.ca/admissions-and-applications
“As a Youth Minister, one of the challenges in my work is to present the Catholic faith to young people in a way that is orthodox, digestible and relevant. The formation I received at St. Augustine’s has equipped me to be a better teacher, leader, evangelist, role model and friend, but most importantly, a closer disciple of Jesus.”
Hilton Chiu, M.T.S. Graduate
“The professors and program at St. Augustine’s have imparted a theological foundation that has been invaluable for my personal relationship with Christ, my pedagogy, forming a pastoral connection to students, and fostering friendships with likeminded Catholic educators.”
Brenelle D’Souza, M.R.E. Graduate
“I chose St. Augustine’s because I knew that the academic formation would be excellent, but also that it would translate into an ability to better communicate the truths of our Faith. I was not interested in scholarship that did not have holiness and heaven as its end. Learning under men and women who embodied what they teach was a gift that cannot be understated.”
Erin Kinsella, M.T.S. Graduate
Spirit & Life Series
Complementing our academic programs, St. Augustine’s Seminary offers for its lay students and the broader public a series of workshops and retreats throughout the year that reflect, from a lay perspective, the four foundational dimensions of seminary formation – spiritual, intellectual, human, and pastoral.
For more information visit:
www.staugustines.on.ca/lay-spiritual-formation