Integrating Spirituality and Practice
All pastoral counseling and spiritual care programs work toward an integration of theory and practice in the person of the pastoral counselor/spiritual care practitioner and challenges the candidate to integrate one’s spiritual experience. The goal of the M.S. and C.A.S. programs is to assist individuals in becoming knowledgeable and competent practitioners committed to the counseling ministry. The goal of the Ph.D. is to prepare competent advanced level practitioners and faculty who wish to enter the field as leaders.
The M.S. and C.A.S. Programs
All candidates are encouraged, especially lay men and women, to investigate the level of theological training which is required in their respective denominations for a call to ministry. The program requires candidates who do not have degrees in theology, or no recent graduate courses in theology (within the last 5 years), to enroll in two basic theological courses prior to enrollment in the PC 700 Pastoral Integration Seminar. While these two courses represent the minimum formal theological requirement, lay candidates are strongly encouraged to supplement their programs with additional electives within the Department and to investigate opportunities within their respective denominational theological schools in the area. The two required theology courses are Contemporary Religious Perspectives (PC 665) and Theological Anthropology (PC 608).
Ph.D. Program
At the doctoral level, candidates are required to take specified spirituality courses as a part of their Ph.D. program of study.
M.A. Program
The M.A. program has theology courses specified in its curriculum.
Personal Spiritual Growth
One of the unique dimensions of the Loyola program, with its origins and base within a Roman Catholic institution has been its interest, from the earliest days of the program, in the area of personal spirituality. The tradition has deep roots in many religious communities which are represented in the faculty and student body and has a special place within the tradition of the Society of Jesus. While founded in the Roman Catholic tradition, the department is ecumenical in nature and encourages students of all faiths to explore the traditional meaning of pastoral counseling ministry within their denomination. Over the years, the Loyola program has offered elective courses in the area of personal spirituality and spiritual direction. Faculty and students alike have been enriched by these personal opportunities.
Chapel on the Grounds of Loyola’s Main Campus
On the main campus of Loyola, a truly impressive Gothic Chapel serves as a symbol of the college’s religious heritage and ongoing liturgical life. Many important college functions are held in the chapel while larger events are held in the Baltimore Cathedral of Mary our Queen.
Meditation Room Located in Room 380U of the Pastoral Counseling Department
The concept emerged, over the years, of allocating some space within the contemporary office and classroom complex to serve as a Meditation Room where individual faculty, staff and students might step aside from the hectic pace of academia to spend some time in quiet prayer. The meditation room is located on the third floor in room 380U.
Worship Services
Throughout the semester a variety of worship experiences are offered to the pastoral counseling community. All are welcome to participate.
