The Master of Catholic Thought program was designed to respond to the need for Catholics who provide leadership in areas such as health care, social services and education to be theologically informed about Roman Catholic life and thought.
As the Roman Catholic university in the Diocese of Hamilton, we want to provide a quality, master's-level theological program for persons who live and work within this diocese. We also want to serve those Catholics and non-Catholics alike who, for personal reasons, want to pursue a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic tradition.
Since its inception in 1865 by Father Louis Funcken of the Congregation of the Resurrection, the educational institution that has become St. Jerome's University, has provided its students with a balance of liberal arts and religious instruction with the context of Roman Catholic teaching. Its role in educating both community and Church leaders was firmly established by 1960, when it became the founding college of the University of Waterloo. At that time, St. Jerome's University entered into a Federation Agreement with the University of Waterloo. St. Jerome's waived its degree-granting rights with only one exception: the future right to confer degrees directly in theology. It is that right which St. Jerome's is exercising through the establishment of this Master of Catholic Though (MCT) program.
We believe that the theological education received through this program will enrich the work that Catholics and non-Catholics are doing in their community and in their Church.