SCU Now Offering Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy Program

In an exciting new venture beginning in September 2019, Santa Clara University is now offering a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries with an Emphasis in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy.

The novel program is the first MA in the country with an emphasis on restorative justice.

“There seems to be a rising interest and awakening to this important area in both the academy but also and for us more importantly in ministry,” said Dr. Joseph Morris, director of the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries at Santa Clara University. “Many students in our program were interested in it and also we encountered the need for it in the various parishes and dioceses we visited.”

The program will feature a pastoral approach to trauma and healing in a broken world. It will include an introduction to the criminal justice system as well as intercultural and interreligious competencies.

Degrees in Pastoral Ministries could provide the opportunity for chaplaincy work; bereavement, hospice and social justice ministries, as well as advocacy.

“The fundamental call of the gospel is to spread the mercy and love of God to others and to develop ministries that bring healing where there are brokenness and injustice,” Dr. Morris said.

“As there are many people in the dioceses throughout California that minister and serve in various capacities both within and outside of prisons and jails, this program is uniquely focused on assisting those ministers to investigate the gospel foundations of restorative justice and how it can enhance both one’s own spirituality but also using its practices in their ministry,” he said.

The program will feature a total of 15 courses in theology and ministry, with two locations – one in northern California (location to be determined) and one in San Diego at the Diocese of San Diego.

The courses are taught through a combination of face-to-face, video conferencing and online experiences. All courses, therefore, provide live video conferencing with the professor and other students, but also at least three all-day classes held face-to-face with the professor.

The deadline to apply for the Fall 2019 quarter is August 15. For those that qualify, scholarships are available. There is the opportunity to register for classes out of interest without the intent of completing a degree.

Visit www.scu.edu/pastoralministries for more information.

 

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