Exploring graduate theological studies through Emmaus
The Clough School of Theology and Ministry’s admission team accompanies prospective students throughout their graduate school discernment process. But what would happen if the team extended that accompaniment before then—to young people who were only beginning to contemplate a career in ministry or theological education at the graduate level?
That was the idea behind Emmaus, a two-day experience that invites participants ages 19 to 29 to explore graduate theological studies through a particular encounter with CSTM students, faculty, and staff.
Launched in 2024, Emmaus brings a small group of participants to campus in the fall for an immersive experience. They sit in on classes, attend the weekly school-wide Mass and repast, and participate in a discernment workshop, among other activities.
“We introduce the participants to tools for vocational discernment and invite them to reflect on key moments from their own life story,” said CSTM Associate Dean for Graduate Enrollment Management Anthony Russo, who oversees Emmaus. “The goal is to help them locate where their gifts intersect with a sense of call to serve the Church and the world.”
The program’s name is drawn from Luke’s gospel where the Risen Christ encounters two disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the passage, the disciples do not initially realize they are walking with Jesus but reflect later that while with him “their hearts were burning.” According to Russo, the Emmaus story grounds the program’s aim of helping participants be attentive to God’s presence in their own lives and identify what makes their own hearts “burn.”
2025 Emmaus participants
During Emmaus, participants hear from CSTM Dean Michael C. McCarthy, S.J., as well as CSTM faculty and students who reflect on their own journey into theological education. Current students engage in small group discussions with the Emmaus participants, each of whom is matched with a faculty or staff member—a conversation partner to help them sift through what they have learned and experienced over the two-day visit.
According to Russo, Emmaus brings together two strengths of CSTM Admissions: a culture of hospitality and a commitment to discernment. “We view our work as a discernment ministry,” he said. “And our culture of hospitality is very much animated by our identity as a faith community and is one that we take a lot of pride in.”
The Emmaus group is limited to about 18 participants to make it an intentionally intimate experience. All travel and lodging expenses are paid for by the Clough School. A second cohort of Emmaus participants visited campus last year and a third session is planned for the coming fall.
“Emmaus was a lovely opportunity to gain information about graduate studies, but also to pray and be in community with people who shared many of my questions."
Ten participants from the 2024 cohort ultimately applied to the Clough School, with seven enrolling.
“I was drawn to the program particularly because of the opportunities to actually sit in on courses and to meet with professors and current students,” said 2024 participant Katie Dutton, who is currently pursuing a master of divinity degree at CSTM.
“Even though BC had not really been on my radar prior to this program, it led me to look at the website and read extensively about their offerings. I was especially hoping to discover if the community was somewhere I could feel at home in, as well as if the courses truly excited me and made me want to study theology further.”
“Emmaus was a lovely opportunity to gain information about graduate studies, but also to pray and be in community with people who shared many of my questions,” said CSTM M.Div. student Madeline Lenius, who also took part in 2024. “My favorite parts were the many opportunities to get to know current CSTM students. Hearing stories of how they felt called to graduate theological studies and their experiences here helped me understand the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and goals of CSTM students. I was able to see myself in the students and imagine myself as a part of this community.”
According to the admission team, Emmaus was designed in part to address the shrinkage in traditional pathways that would lead prospective students to graduate theological studies. Colleges across the country have seen a reduction in theology majors, while the landscape of post-graduate service programs has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
Another reality cited by Russo is the need to expand the sense of imagination of the possibilities toward which a theological education can lead students. The best way to do this, say organizers, is for those in the early stages of exploring a degree in theology and ministry to come and see for themselves. Emmaus provides space for participants to discern the path to which God is calling them and the place of theological education in pursuing that path.
Russo calls Emmaus “a labor of love” for the entire admissions team and expressed gratitude for the support the program has garnered from Fr. McCarthy and the entire CSTM community.
During Emmaus, Dutton, who plans on a career in chaplaincy most likely in a hospital setting, was paired with Melissa Kelley, CSTM associate professor of pastoral care and counseling. “Dr. Kelley provided invaluable insight into not only the world of the CSTM, but also the world of pastoral care,” she said. “This was something I had not yet had the chance to connect with someone about, and her insight truly shaped my decision to apply for the M.Div. [program] and to see the ways that the CSTM might help to jumpstart my career in chaplaincy.
“Emmaus is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be immersed in a community of inquisitive, kind, and caring people, and it is truly possible to leave changed.”