Saint Vincent College & Seminary
Course Listing by Semester
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Upcoming Coursesfeatured learning opportunities
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church history from Christendom to apostolic ageSummer 2026
Church History from Christendom to Apostolic Age
Taught by Father Mike Conway, STL.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-8:30PM EST • 2 credits
This course provides an introduction to the major periods of Church History, including the early Church, the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment and Reformation, and Modern Church History, and introduces the central figures and events in Church History. Students will develop an understanding of how to interpret the history of the Church both topically as well as chronologically and will prepare for the future of Christianity by examining the traditions of the past.
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foundations of counselingSUMMER 2026
Taught by Dr. Bill Rullo
Tuesday evenings 6:30PM-9PM EST • 3 credits
Healing begins with presence. This course introduces essential counseling skills—deep listening, empathy, and healthy boundaries—within a Catholic pastoral framework. Students are formed to accompany others with clarity, humility, and reverence for human dignity, participating in Christ’s healing mission.
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praying sacred scriptureFALL 2026
Taught by Fr. Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 3 credits
This course addresses the ancient practice of praying with Sacred Scripture, traditionally known as Lectio Divina or “Sacred Reading.” To properly set the stage, the topics of divine revelation, literary and historical context of sacred texts, and the arc of salvation history are covered.
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Summer 2026course offerings
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Spiritual Direction Program
IMSD601 • Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment • May 18-22, 2026
IMSD602 • Spiritual Direction 2: Directing Prayer • June 22-26, 2026
Rev. Thomas Acklin, O.S.B. and Rev. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
ON CAMPUS IN PERSONJoin Benedictine Fathers Thomas Acklin and Boniface Hicks, authors of Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, and Personal Prayer: A Guide to Receiving the Father’s Love, in person for “Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment” at Saint Vincent Seminary’s Institute for Ministry Formation. Learn how to help others pray better, grow in their relationships with God, and help accompany others on their spiritual journeys to become better Christians. This course is for everyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding of the interior life, an understanding of the dynamics of growth in the spiritual life, and a listening heart to help others on that journey.
For more information on logistics for SD1 & SD2 follow the link here.
Spiritual Direction 1: Art of Accompaniment is a prerequisite to Spiritual Direction 2: Directing Prayer
Spiritual Direction 1: Art of Accompaniment on May 18-22 is in person Monday - Thursday 9AM-11:15AM EST, 1:30PM-4:30PM EST and Friday 9AM-12:30PM EST.
Taught by Dr. Paul Niemiec
IMSD 700 • Psychology for Spiritual Directors
Wednesday evenings 6:30PM-8:30 PM EST • 2 credits
In this course, students learn to recognize some basic psychopathology and learn when and how to refer directees to psychotherapy professionals. This course also covers some aspects of psychology that will be helpful for spiritual directors.IMSD 630 • Praying Sacred Scripture
Taught by Fr. Nathanael Polinski O.S.B.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-8:30PM EST • 3 credits
This course addresses the ancient practice of praying with Sacred Scripture, traditionally known as Lectio Divina or “Sacred Reading.” To properly set the stage, the topics of divine revelation, literary and historical context of sacred texts, and the arc of salvation history are covered.IMSD 696 • directed retreat
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B
Arranged by Student • 0 credits
A directed retreat of at least 8 days or the Ignatian 19th Annotation.
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catechetics Certificate
IMCA 615 • Church History from Christendom to Apostolic Age
Taught by Father Mike Conway, STL.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-8:30PM EST • 2 credits
This course provides an introduction to the major periods of Church History, including the early Church, the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment and Reformation, and Modern Church History, and introduces the central figures and events in Church History. Students will develop an understanding of how to interpret the history of the Church both topically as well as chronologically and will prepare for the future of Christianity by examining the traditions of the past.
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Catholic Theology
IMTH 770 • Pastoral Care of the Sick, dying & Bereft
Taught by Dr. Helene Paharik
Monday evenings 6:30PM-9PM EST • 2 credits
If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, all the members suffer with them (1 Cor 12:26). For this reason, the Church has always cared for the sick, the dying, and the grieving through works of charity and mutual support in addition to her sacramental ministry. All the baptized share in the ministry of mutual charity to support those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. In this course, students will learn the theological foundation, the pastoral skills, and practical guidance to accompany the sick, dying, and grieving in the parish community. The course will begin with an overview of the Catholic theology of suffering and then explore a mystagogical theology of the Sacraments of Anointing, Communion to the sick and homebound, and Reconciliation revealed in The Pastoral Care of the Sick Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. Catholic moral teaching on end of life will be embedded throughout the lectures. Students will learn the best practices in parish ministries of accompaniment and develop the necessary pastoral skills to enable them to engage effectively in this work of mercyIMTH 832 • Christology
Taught by Father Edward Mazich, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-8:30PM EST • 2 credits
This course presents a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and Tradition. It examines the following topics: the mystery of Christ in Sacred Scripture (Old Testament foundations and the Christ event in the New Testament and the early Christian community); the mystery of Christ in the history of the Church (patristic and conciliar Christology and Christology in the history of theology until Vatican II); and Systematic Christology (the hypostatic union, the pre-existence of the Word, the virginal conception, the freedom and sinlessness of Jesus, and the universality of the salvific work of Christ).
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Pastoral Care
IMTH 770 • Pastoral Care of the Sick, dying & Bereft
Taught by Dr. Helene Paharik
Monday evenings 6:30PM-9PM EST • 2 credits
If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, all the members suffer with them (1 Cor 12:26). For this reason, the Church has always cared for the sick, the dying, and the grieving through works of charity and mutual support in addition to her sacramental ministry. All the baptized share in the ministry of mutual charity to support those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. In this course, students will learn the theological foundation, the pastoral skills, and practical guidance to accompany the sick, dying, and grieving in the parish community. The course will begin with an overview of the Catholic theology of suffering and then explore a mystagogical theology of the Sacraments of Anointing, Communion to the sick and homebound, and Reconciliation revealed in The Pastoral Care of the Sick Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. Catholic moral teaching on end of life will be embedded throughout the lectures. Students will learn the best practices in parish ministries of accompaniment and develop the necessary pastoral skills to enable them to engage effectively in this work of mercy
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fall 2026course offerings
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catechetics
IMCA 600 • principles of prayer & catholic spirituality
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hick, O.S.B
Thursday evenings 8PM-9:15PM EST • 2 credits
This course covers stages of spiritual development including the traditional three ways-- purgative, illuminative and unitive. The course also explores the developments in personal prayer, including vocal prayer, meditation, contemplation. Since all prayer in the Catholic Christian tradition is Trinitarian, students will learn about the personal relationships that are possible with the three Persons of the Trinity. Since all prayer in the Catholic Christian tradition is also Incarnational, the humanity of the one who prays is also brought up into those relationships. Lastly, students in the course will learn to identify mis-directions in prayer and false mysticism.IMCA 610 • creed: I believe! we Believe!
Taught by Vincent Reilly
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-7:45PM EST • 2 credits
This course will assist participants to come to a knowledge of the major doctrines as contained in the Creed and an understanding of the basics of the Catholic faith, with a common vocabulary and unified vision of the whole of the Catholic heritage. Students will explore and appreciate the meaning of faith at a personal and affective level and work to understand his/her own role in the Church; as well as special focus on the topics of Christology and Ecclesiology from the Catechism of the Catholic Church PartIMCA 632: Overview of the New Testament
Taught by Fr. Patrick Cronauer
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-7:45PM EST • 2 credits
This course introduces the books, historical contexts, and central theological themes of the New Testament, with particular attention to the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline and Catholic Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Emphasizing the primacy of the kerygma, the course explores the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the formation of the early Christian communities. In light of Dei Verbum and the Directory for Catechesis, the course presents Catholic approaches to interpreting the New Testament, highlighting the unity of Scripture and Tradition and the Church as the authentic interpreter of the Word of God. Attention is given to the formation of the New Testament canon and the development of the Church’s lectionary, demonstrating how Scripture is received, proclaimed, and celebrated within the liturgical life of the Church.
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spiritual direction program
IMSD 600 • Principles of prayer & Catholic spirituality
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Tuesday evenings 8PM-9:15PM EST • 3 credits
Spiritual directors must become experts at prayer. While having their own personal spiritualities, they must have a broad understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church. This course introduces the student to that broad tradition. Topics include stages of spiritual development; vocal prayer, meditation, contemplation; personal relationship with three Persons of Trinity; identifying misdirections in prayer and false mysticismIMSD 601 • spiritual direction1: art of accompaniment
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Thursdays 6:30PM-7:45PM EST • 2 credits
The need for spiritual direction—or the accompaniment of a spiritual guide—is becoming more prominent in a world where so many are suffering from so many wounds. This course is at the heart of the spiritual direction program and forms students in the interior life, Christian anthropology, the importance and dynamics of vulnerability, a vulnerable listening that reveals and heals, basic psychological insights for spiritual direction.IMSD 630 • praying sacred scripture
Taught by Fr. Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings 6:30PM-7:45PM EST • 3 credits
This course addresses the ancient practice of praying with Sacred Scripture, traditionally known as Lectio Divina or “Sacred Reading.” To properly set the stage, the topics of divine revelation, literary and historical context of sacred texts, and the arc of salvation history are covered.IMSD 660 • moral theology for spiritual directors
Taught by Joel Johnson
Wednesday evenings 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 2 credits
Spiritual directors are called to help Christians grow in holiness, which can be described as heroic virtue. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, particularly in virtue-ethics approach, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as spiritual directors to help their directees grow in the Christian life.IMSD 696 • directed retreat
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B
Arranged by Student • 0 credits
A directed retreat of at least 8 days or the Ignatian 19th Annotation.IMSD 697 • practicum in spiritual direction 1
Taught by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
1 credit
This practicum enables students to learn and practice the art of spiritual direction under the supervision of a mentor.
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catholic theology
IMTH 700 • fundamental theology
Taught by Fr. Edward Mazich. O.S.B.
Tuesdays 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 2 credits
This course is a study of the character, methodology, and significance of theological knowledge, specifically of Christian revelation. The first part of the course treats revelation, understood as the fundamental concept of theology—the “science of faith”, as well as the transmission of revelation in the life of the Church. The second part of the course focuses on the attempt of Fundamental theology to demonstrate how Christian revelation is credible theologically, historically, and anthropologically, for the modern man and woman. The course will analyze man’s openness to revelation; the relationship between faith and reason; Christology as the foundation of fundamental theology; and the place and the credibility of the Church in handing on revelation.IMth 833 • trinity
Taught by Fr. Edward Mazich, O.S.B.
Thursdays 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 2 credits
This course offers a focused theological introduction to the mystery of the Holy Trinity as the central truth of Christian faith and life, approached through the lenses of Sacred Scripture and Fundamental Theology. Drawing on biblical revelation, the development of doctrine, and key magisterial texts, students will examine how the Church confesses God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in response to God’s self-disclosure in salvation history. Attention is given to the relationship between Scripture, Tradition, and the rule of faith, as well as to the credibility and intelligibility of Trinitarian doctrine for contemporary ministry.
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Pastoral Care
IMPC 600 • foundations of counseling
Taught by Dr. David Gosling
Wednesdays 6:30PM-9PM EST • 3 credits
Introduces students to the professional identity, ethical foundations, and core helping skills essential to effective counseling practice. Grounded in CACREP and ATS standards, the course emphasizes the development of intentional listening, empathic presence, and compassionate engagement within diverse clinical, educational, and ministry-informed contexts. Students explore the historical and philosophical foundations of counseling, professional roles and settings, ethical and legal responsibilities, and the integration of personal values and faith-informed reflection. Through didactic instruction, self-reflection, and experiential learning, students begin to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for competent, ethical, and spiritually grounded counseling practice.IMPC 710 • substance abuse and addictions counseling
Taught by Fr. Francois Diouf, O.S.B.
Thursdays 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the dynamics of substance use and behavioral addictions, including biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Students examine prevention, assessment, recovery processes, and referral resources, while developing pastoral responses that support healing, accountability, and resilience within individuals, families, and communities.IMPC 701 • theology and practice of pastoral accompaniment
Taught by Dr. Helene Paharik
Mondays 6:30PM-8:15PM EST • 2 credits
Explores the theological foundations and ministerial practice of accompaniment as a form of relational, spiritual, and pastoral care. Students examine biblical, theological, and ecclesial perspectives on presence, discernment, and compassionate listening, while developing practical skills for walking with individuals and communities in times of growth, suffering, and discernment.IM 660 • Moral Theology
Taught by Dr. Joel Johnson
Wednesdays 6:30PM-8:15PM • 2 credits
Building on the Church’s understanding of nature and grace, this course examines the Church’s development of a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and their opposites in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering and evil. Finally, the course presents the object of Catholic Christian morality as becoming a holy person, shaped by the spiritual practices derived from the faith Tradition.
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Spring 2026course offerings
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Spiritual Direction Program
IMSD 602 SD2 • Directing Prayer
Taught by Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
This course explores dynamics of spiritual direction that will guide beginners and expand the understanding of experienced spiritual directors. Through reading, lectures, and discussions, participants will learn advanced dynamics of spiritual direction including: the interior life and deeper psychological insights into the human person; exploration of the dynamics of prayer as it advances towards stages of union; psychological foundations for woundedness and human/spiritual approaches to healing; and assisting others with tools to enhance their prayer and helping them through difficult times in prayer.
IMSD 650 • Sacramental Theology and Ecclesiology for Spiritual Directors
One section taught by Dr. Helene Paharik
One section taught by Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B.
Tuesday evenings • 2 credits
The Church perpetuates Christ’s saving mission in the world. Like the seven liturgical sacraments, the Church is both a sign and an instrument of God’s grace. As sign, the Church points the faithful, by her very constitution, toward communion with God and neighbor in this life and eternal union forever in the next. Students will receive an overview of sacramental theology and ecclesiology necessary for spiritual directors.
IMSD 660 • Moral Theology for Spiritual Directors
Taught by Dr. Michel Therrien
Tuesday evenings • 2 credits
Spiritual directors are called to help Christians grow in holiness. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as spiritual directors to help others grow in the Christian life.
IMSD 700 • Psychology for Spiritual Directors
One section taught by Dr. Courtney Minerd
One section taught by Dr. Paul Niemiec
Monday evenings• 2 credits
In this course, students learn to recognize some basic psychopathology and to know when and how to refer directees to psychotherapy professionals. This course also covers some aspects of psychology that will be helpful for spiritual directors.
IMSD 600/IMTH 863 • The Spiritual Tradition of the Catholic Church & Principles of Prayer
Taught by Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
Tuesday evenings • 3 credits
This course provides a broad understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church by tracing the historical development of Christian spirituality from ancient times to the present. Topics addressed include stages of spiritual development; vocal prayer, meditation, contemplation; personal relationship with three Persons of Trinity; identifying misdirection in prayer and false mysticism. Course requirements for Master of Arts degree program students includes writing a paper that demonstrates knowledge of a broad understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church along precise insights gained into one (or more) of the topics addressed based on course content and independent research.
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Catholic Theology & catechetics
IMTH 745 • The Epistles
Taught by Father Matthew Lambert, O.S.B.
Monday evenings • 2 credits
This course demonstrates how these texts taken together as a corpus display the mutual development of orthodoxy and orthopraxis. The course will study how the Pauline and apostolic teachings lead to and are rooted in the prayers and worship of the early Church, and how these beliefs and practices lead to later moral, pastoral, and ecclesial developments.
IMTH 715/IMCA 660 • Fundamental Moral Theology
Taught by Father Francis Jin, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
Building on the Church’s understanding of nature and grace, this course treats the Church’s development of a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and the opposite of these in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering and evil. Finally, the course presents the object of Catholic Christian morality as becoming a holy person, shaped by the spiritual practices derived from the faith Tradition. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as catechists to grow with pastoral sensitivity, alongside those in their care, in the Christian life.
IMTH 710/IMCA 670 • Christian Anthropology
Taught by Father Dan Carr
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
This course presents a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and Tradition. It traces the historical developments of how the person of Christ came to be understood within the various theological traditions of the past and present. The course also examines the human person in the light of Christology, and focuses upon such themes as the fall and redemption, grace and freedom, and sin and conversion.
IMSD 630/IMCA 630 • Praying Sacred ScriptureTaught by Dr. John Gresham
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
The course will address the ancient practice of praying with Sacred Scripture, traditionally known as Lectio Divina or “Sacred Reading.” It will provide an overview of the canon of Sacred Scripture and some important considerations for understanding Biblical texts such as the literary genre, literary and historical contexts, and the benefit of accessing the meaning of particular terms in the original languages, drawing from Dei Verbum and other magisterial documents.
IMCA 660/IMTH 715 • Fundamental Moral Theology
Taught by Father Francis Jin, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
Building on the Church’s understanding of nature and grace, this course treats the Church’s development of a moral tradition that identifies the proper character of human actions, the virtuous character of the human person, and the opposite of these in sin and vice. The context for this moral profile is a proper understanding of the weight of law in moral discourse and an acknowledgment of the mystery of suffering and evil. In this course, students will learn principles and applications of moral theology, with a special focus on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Part III, that will assist them as catechists to grow with pastoral sensitivity, alongside those in their care, in the Christian life.
IMCA 680 • Catechesis in the New EvangelizationTaught by Father Cassian Edwards, O.S.B.
Thursday evenings • 2 credits
When presented in a missionary key, catechesis focuses renewed attention on the formation of adults by working with processes of conversion and growth for the development of an intentional discipleship and committed path of faith. This course present catechesis from the documentary tradition by focusing particular attention on the 2020 Directory for Catechesis, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Evangelii Gaudium, and other relevant magisterial documents.
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Grow with the Institute for Ministry Formation
✔ Has anyone ever asked you how they could pray better?
✔ How they could grow in their relationship with God?
✔ How they could be a better Christian?
✔ Has anyone ever shared their spiritual struggles and questions with you?
These are signs you may be called to accompany others on the spiritual journey. Read more.
Register
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