Non-Degree and Certificates

The Certificate in Sacred Scripture introduces students to the background of the Old Testament and New Testament and how they are understood and interpreted today. This certificate will especially benefit those who long to explore the sources of the Christian faith more deeply.

Program Curriculum – This program is delivered on-campus with most classes offered in the evening at the Franciscan School of Theology on the University of San Diego campus. Talk to us about the days and times of each course offered in this program. Classes can be taken one at a time each semester and can be completed in three semesters. This program is 9-semester credits with two required core classes (denoted by *) and one additional elective class that can be selected from the electives listed below.

*Introduction to the Old Testament
After a brief introduction to the Bible as a whole and various approaches to it, this course seeks to present an overview of the Old Testament by studying its main literary works, theological traditions, and the historical context in which they grew. The primary focus is on theology and spirituality.

*Introduction to the New Testament
Introduction to the New Testament studies the writings of the New Testament, with a special focus on the Four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Pauline letters. This course covers the history and methods for interpreting the New Testament, especially in light of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Verbum Dei (1965)

Electives (Select one)
The Psalms
This course will present basic approaches to and study of the Psalms, their language, and literary forms: the Psalms and Old Testament theology, worship, canon, and prayer.

Letters of St. Paul
An introduction to the letters of St. Paul, their historical context, theological message along with questions for their significance for the development of early Christian communities.

The Certificate in Catholic Social Teaching and Morality draws on the Franciscan tradition to explore how we, as human beings, interact with our world and our communities. Students will learn the basic theological principles of Catholic morality and how it applies to everyday life and encounters. This certificate will be of great interest to people concerned with the moral questions of today, especially those around climate change, migration, and all aspects of the common good.

Program Curriculum – This program is delivered on-campus with most classes offered in the evening at the Franciscan School of Theology on the University of San Diego campus. Talk to us about the days and times of each course offered in this program. Classes can be taken one at a time each semester and can be completed in three semesters. This program is 9-semester credits with two required core classes (denoted by *) and one additional elective class that can be selected from the electives listed below.

*Catholic Social Teaching
“Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a central and essential element of our faith” and so there is an urgent need of a strengthened commitment to sharing it ”at every level of Catholic education and faith formation” (USCCB). This course will study CST, with a special focus on the encyclical, Laudato Si, in order to develop skills for critically applying this teaching to present ethical dilemmas and to topics related to social justice. The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition will also be a source of inspiration.

*Fundamental Moral Theology
This course outlines the basic structure and method of Roman Catholic moral theology, with a particular emphasis on the Franciscan moral vision. By means of common readings, discussion, case studies, and lecture, it introduces basic concepts of moral theology and moral methods from a Franciscan perspective.

Electives (Select one)
Spirituality and Sustainability: Leading Socio-Ecological Transformation
Students will deepen their understanding of the social justice ethics, eco-spirituality and theories of change that foster authentic transformation. This course will feature Laudato Si, it’s call for global socio-ecological transformation and it’s vision of ecological education and spirituality as pathways to a more sustainable future. As a result of this class, students will develop and articulate their personal leadership philosophy rooted in ethics and spirituality and create a toolkit of practices that will nurture that philosophy over time. The final project will support and deepen a real-world initiative in socio-ecological change, such as the Laudato Si Action Plan.

Sexual Morality and Bioethics
This course will build upon the foundations of moral theology by examining the Church’s moral tradition regarding sexuality and bioethics. This course will utilize both primary source materials in dialogue with modern theological interpretations. The student will leave this course with a better understanding of the elements comprising the Church’s sexual teachings along with the principles, virtue, and values that guide a Catholic approach to bioethical challenges.

Leadership Ethics for Working with Migrants and Migration
The course nurtures a moral vision and ethical reasoning skills for those working with migrants and issues of migration. Students will develop and deepen their own leadership practice, informed by political philosophy, Catholic Social Teaching, Biblical wisdom, feminist ethics, liberation theology and the moral vision of Pope Francis. As a result of this class, students will be able to: 1) Analyze the moral discourses and rhetorical strategies that shape societal responses to refugees, migrants and migration; 2) Design and deliver moral arguments that address contested topics in this area; and 3) Propose ethical solutions guided by compassion, spirituality and social innovation. This course provides credit toward the Interdisciplinary Certificate in Trauma Awareness and Resilience.

Systematic Theology explores all questions of belief and the tradition of the church. Students in this certificate program will receive a foundational education in theology, focusing on questions such as “who is God” and “who am I?” This course is ideal for catechetical instructors and teachers of religious education, and for all those who wish to understand their Christian faith more deeply.

Program Curriculum – This program is delivered on-campus with most classes offered in the evening at the Franciscan School of Theology on the University of San Diego campus. Talk to us about the days and times of each course offered in this program. Classes can be taken one at a time each semester and can be completed in three semesters. This program is 9-semester credits with two required core classes (denoted by *) and one additional elective class that can be selected from the electives listed below.

*Theology, Church and World: Introduction
An introductory course in theology which will discuss sources, methodology, relationship to the world, and an understanding of the Catholic Magisterium. This course will have lectures, small group discussions, written midterms, and finals as well as a short oral presentation. Intended audience is first-year theology students.

*Theology of God and Trinity
This is a basic course in the theology of God. We will consider the various understandings of God that have developed within Christianity over history and the challenges that are posed by science, philosophy, and atheism.

Electives (Select one)
Franciscan Theological Anthropology
Course description to come

Intercultural Theology
A course exploring issues of Catholic theology, mission, and indigenous culture.

Sacraments of the Church
An exploration of the sacraments of the Catholic Church, their scriptural and historical background, development over the centuries and current practice. Special emphasis will be placed upon the Franciscan tradition in the theology of the sacraments.

The culture and tradition of the Franciscan movement provide a lively and enriching background to Christianity today. This certificate program will introduce students to the richness that inspired generations of women and men to live in faith and generosity. After the introductory history courses, students can focus on literature, spirituality, or sacramental life. This course is ideal for teachers, catechists, and Christians who want to know more about their faith.

Program Curriculum – This program is delivered on-campus with most classes offered in the evening at the Franciscan School of Theology on the University of San Diego campus. Talk to us about the days and times of each course offered in this program. Classes can be taken one at a time each semester and can be completed in three semesters. This program is 9-semester credits with two required core classes (denoted by *) and one additional elective class that can be selected from the electives listed below.

*History of Christianity I
The first part of a two-semester course in the history of Christianity, the semester will have two modules of 6/7 classes each: the development of early and ancient Christianity, and medieval Christianity, Gregory the Great to the eve of the Reformation.

*History of Christianity II
A continuation of History of Christianity I, this course covers the development of Christianity from Reformation times to the 20th century. Taught in modules of 6 or 7 week, the first part covers the Reformation to Vatican I, and the second part covers the history of Catholicism in the United States.

Electives (Select one)
Catholic Literary Imagination
The Catholic literary imagination provides a unique lens to view the world. Do Catholic novelists and poets offer a distinct vision of the world? This course will examine such core concepts as sacrament; creation; transcendence; sin, suffering, death, and redemption; mercy and forgiveness; the nature of God; and the ultimate meaning of life. How does the Catholic literary imagination speak to and in a multicultural, pluralistic society today? How has it changed over time? Authors: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Graham Greene, Shusaku Endo, Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy, J.F. Powers, Alice McDermott, Mary Gordon, Gene Luen Yang, Phil Klay, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Francis Thomson, Jack Kerouac, Thomas Merton, and Daniel Berrigan.

Introduction to Christian Spirituality
This course explores the historical development of Christian spirituality by examining the inspirational texts that have touched the minds of Christians throughout history. The course also discusses the development of the definition of spirituality and various approaches to the modern studies of spirituality.

Sacraments of the Church
An exploration of the sacraments of the Catholic Church, their scriptural and historical background, development over the centuries, and current practice. Special emphasis will be placed upon the Franciscan tradition in the theology of the sacraments.

The objective of this program is to provide a culturally focused formation of pastoral leaders, both professional staff and volunteer lay, who serve the growing number of Asian Pacific Islander Catholic communities around the United States.

We will look at immigration histories, cultural and religious practices, and Catholic teachings and traditions, from the API perspective. We will also unpack the US Bishops’ document, Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters, to see what practical guidance it offers for those working on the ground with API communities.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will:

1. Know the immigration history, religious practices, and sociological challenges of API Catholics in the US;
2. Have a broad overview of Catholic teachings and theology as well as church history and  structure, scripture, liturgy, catechesis, and API immigration history in the US;
3. Be able to more effectively understand the needs of API Catholic communities;
4. Be better equipped to implement culturally effective ministerial strategies for various API communities.

If you are interested in joining the 2024 cohort which will begin next August, contact us at apicertificate@fst.edu.

Program Dates: August 2024-June 2025

Course Modality: Online meetings twice per month;­­­­­ Two in-person sessions in Oceanside, CA: TBA

Certificate Completion Requirement: Students are required to attend all on-line meetings and complete all course assignments. Assignments will include short reflection papers and a final pastoral project addressing a topic of API ministry, chosen by the student.

­­Cost:

$1,200

Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Schedule:

Thursdays @ 5pm (PT)/8pm (ET)

IN-PERSON (Mandatory) Sessions in Oceanside, California: TBA

Click here to view last year’s topics and course schedule (2023-2024)

Program Directors:

• Fr. Linh Hoang, OFM, PhD
• Ms. Eunice Park, MTS, MAMC

Are You Longing to Grow in Your Catholic Faith?

This program is designed to provide a culturally focused formation of Latino/a Catholics as pastoral leaders, who serve the growing number of Hispanic communities in Southern California. Emerging from the directives of the V Encuentro and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, it will provide a foundation in Catholic teachings and traditions, cultural and religious practices, and the Church’s role in our present times. Students will be given opportunities to grow in their faith through reflection on their experiences in light of the teachings of the church, in a supportive and welcoming community of faith.

WHO SHOULD COME?

• Latino/a adults of all ages over 18 in the San Diego area
• No previous experience necessary
• Sessions will be in English; conversations can be in English or Spanish

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Articulate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the Catholic faith.
2. Reflect on life experiences through the teachings of the Church and Scripture.
3. Engage in dialogue on the role of the laity in Church ministry today.
4. Build community with others on a similar path.

WHEN AND WHERE

Tuesdays twice a month starting September 2024

Click here to view last year’s calendar (2023-2024)

6:30-8 pm at the Diocese of San Diego Pastoral Center: 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117

Click here to view last year’s course content (2023-2024)

MODALITY

• Presentation combined with small group conversations
• Participants will be provided with all needed materials plus references for further exploration

COST

• $100, payable $50 at registration and $50 due January 31, 2025
  • Participants under 40 years of age pay only $75 ($50 at registration and $25 by January 31, 2025)

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ, PhD.

Clelia Sallaberry, M.A.

For more info email: hispanicministry@fst.edu