The Theology Division of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary shares the vision and philosophy of the overall Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Formation Program and builds upon the foundations of the College Division Programs. Through its Master of Divinity Degree Program, the Theology Division has as its primary purpose the four-fold formation (human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral) of potential candidates for priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Its guiding focus is the example of the one Priest, Jesus Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for the many” (Mark 10:45).

In theological instruction and pastoral education, the Theology Division seeks to engage seminarians in a process of reflection on the problems of life, to provide a better understanding of the Gospel message and a clearer awareness of the historical development of the Christian faith, and to impart a sensitivity to the human concerns and spiritual demands faced by contemporary
men and women of faith. Of particular emphasis is a strengthening of the seminarian’s personal commitment to celibate priesthood and of his ability to explain and articulate the Catholic faith to members of the Catholic community and to men and women of other Christian traditions and other faiths.

By means of its integration of the four components of formation (human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral), the Master of Divinity Degree Program has these as it primary goals:

1. The fostering of Human Formation consistent with the attainment of the maturity demanded for ordained ministry as a Roman Catholic priest.
2. The deepening of Spiritual Formation to sustain a lifetime of priestly service and to advance that continual conversion of mind and heart so necessary for every baptized member of the Church and especially to be expected of its ordained priests.
3. The sharpening of Intellectual Formation effectively to assimilate a graduate, professional theological education consonant with the ability faithfully to grasp, represent, and apply the Church’s Tradition as an ordained priest.
4. The broadening of Pastoral Formation to develop the specific capacities for ministerial and public leadership required for priestly service.