Natchez — A college-level theology study program from Loyola University in New Orleans is scheduled to begin at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez at the beginning of August according to the Rev. David O’Connor, pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption parishes.

“St. Mary Basilica has been chosen as a Theology Learning Center by Loyola. The planning process has been under way for about six months, and I am delighted that this program will be available for interested persons in southwest Mississippi and in north east Louisiana.”

This theology program, consisting of 12 courses, 36 credit hours, can lead to either a master’s degree or certificate level in religious education or pastoral studies.

According to Ruth Powers who has been chosen to facilitate the program the theology program is designed for three categories of people — persons in ministry, persons who are interested in entering ministry and people who are seeking personal enrichment.

“It aims to make an in-depth theology study program available in areas that are distant from major theology centers, to train congregation members for ministry, and to update those who already have a theology background.”

It is suited for Sunday school teachers, youth ministers, lay parish ministers, family life coordinators, directors of evangelization, parochial school teachers and administrators.

This theology program was offered previously in Natchez in 1992 and culminated with nine candidates completing their studies in 1996.

One of these, Ruth McWilliams is now the full-time program coordinator at St. Mary.

Louise Mallory, another member of the graduating class in 1996, and a theology instructor at Cathedral School, said the program aides her every day.

“It gave me a solid theological foundation for which I am grateful every day in the classroom,” she said.

The course content, process and methodology are prepared and presented by Loyola Institute for Ministry. Participants meet 10 times for three hours for each course and the meetings are led by a trained facilitator. Participants should expect to spend two or three hours of personal study each week between each class meeting.

Content input for the program is provided online, by course manuals and textbooks, by the facilitator, and also with the use of DVDs. Examinations and projects are designed and assessed by the academic staff of Loyola. Library facilities are available at St. Mary Basilica. Participants are expected to bring their life experience to the study, and will have the support of their learning group.

O’Connor explained that a person may enroll at one of two levels — graduate (masters) level, and certificate level (undergraduate degree not required). The certificate level does not require the research work required at masters level.

The first course, beginning in August, will be an Introduction to pastoral theology.

In addition the core courses are: Jewish roots of Christian faith, Christian origins (New Testament), grace, Christ and the spirit, church, sacraments and ministry, spirituality, morality and ethics. The ministry context courses include faith and culture, pastoral leadership, and educational praxis. Each person will be encouraged to select their own focus area of ministry.

Information for the program is available from St. Mary Basilica office by calling 601 445-5616.

The deadline for application is June 5.