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An historic step forward A number of historic firsts converge at St. Jerome's this coming September. For the first time in its 140-year history, SJU will offer a post-graduate course in theology that will lead, ultimately, to its own unique degree: the Master of Catholic Thought (MCT). The idea for the program emerged after extensive consultation around the need for greater theological formation for Catholic lay leaders and for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Roman Catholic tradition. One mobilizing concern was that Catholic institutions -- school boards, hospitals and social service agencies -- are increasingly reliant upon lay people to articulate their own unique traditions and missions. "It became clear," says President Michael W. Higgins, "that leadership of these Catholic institutions was devolving to lay people who, however capable as board members and administrators, felt less certain of their qualifications in the area of theological understanding. As the only Roman Catholic university in the Diocese of Hamilton, it was incumbent upon us to address this growing need." The program, which is open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, has been approved by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS). It is intended for people in mid-career wishing to pursue studies on a part-time basis. "We purposely designed this as a part-time program, to be offered at times convenient to those who work," says Dr. Cristina Vanin, Director of the program. "This is a course-based degree that can be completed within four to seven years, depending upon the student's needs and personal circumstances." Core courses focus on Roman Catholic theology, history, morality, and spirituality, while electives explore issues of social justice, education, ethics, and feminism within the Roman Catholic tradition. St. Jerome's has received generous support from many donors to help launch the program, in particular the Congregation of the Resurrection, the University's founding order, and the Diocese of Hamilton. Historically, St. Jerome's offered post-secondary degrees through the University of Ottawa before federating with the University of Waterloo in 1959. At the time of federation, SJU waived all degree-granting rights with the exception of theology. The launching of the Master of Catholic Thought will mean that St. Jerome's will, for the first time, confer its own degree. "This is an exciting prospect for us," Higgins observes, "in terms of both our service to the Roman Catholic community and the evolution of our own academic aspirations." For more information, please consult the full program outline on page 7 or visit our website at www.sju. ca. St. Jerome's University Volume 23 Number 1 Spring/Summer 2005 Inside this Issue: The retiring Douglas Letson A tale of two Deans Roy Romanow at SJU Honouring "Dr. Cummings" Mind, Heart and Spirit Donor Report centre insert