Boston College is asserting international leadership in Catholic education and scholarship by creating a new school—the first since the School of Education opened in 1952. The Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, which is scheduled to open its doors in September 2008, will comprise the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, the Boston College Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (IREPM), and some adult education components of C21 Online.
Noting that Weston Jesuit held the status of a school within Boston College from 1959 to 1974, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., said that he was “confident that re-affiliation will strengthen both schools and enhance Weston’s efforts not only to prepare future priests and lay people for ministry in the Church, but also to engage critical issues of our day.” The merger will also have the effect of raising the number of Jesuits at Boston College to 176, nearly doubling the size of the Jesuit community.
Founded in 1922, Weston Jesuit offers master’s degree programs in theological studies, divinity, and theology, as well as a master of arts in spiritual direction, a licentiate in sacred theology, and a doctorate in sacred theology.
Through the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, the new Boston College school, which will be located on the University’s Brighton Campus, will offer academic, professional, and theological programs that prepare candidates for the priesthood, and that educate lay people for ministry. Through IREPM, founded in 1971, the school will provide the training and education for lay and religious students, offering master’s and doctoral degrees in religious education and pastoral ministry. The new school will work to expand the Church in the 21st Century Online adult education programs and help Boston College achieve an ultimate goal of being the largest provider of online adult education among Catholic universities.
The School of Theology and Ministry will also collaborate with the University’s theology department on developing new courses and programs and on developing opportunities for undergraduates to explore ministerial vocations.
“Few American Catholic universities have the potential to become the world’s leading Catholic university,” said President Leahy. “Now, more than ever, Boston College is becoming that leader.”
also in development
- Institute for the Advancement of Catholic Intellectual Tradition
- Church in the 21st Century Center
- Hispanic Ministry Program
