Particularly noteworthy are the large numbers of lay men and women who have responded to the call to use their gifts in service to the Church. Increasingly they seek advanced education, formation and training in order to develop their gifts and serve more effectively. The effectiveness of ecclesial service directly correlates with the formation of those engaged in it. Bishops, pastors and servant-leaders providing ecclesial service recognize the urgency of the task. They have called and looked to Catholic universities and colleges to provide programs of formation.
Students master the fundamental principles of theology, spirituality and pastoral practice.
They are thereby equipped to evaluate, use and adapt the best resources in these disciplines. They are thus able to implement and direct ministerial programs based squarely on the Catholic Tradition and at the same time adapted to the specific needs of a particular ecclesial community. The program does not attempt to prepare specialists for particular apostolates in the Church, although some specifically focused courses are offered periodically. Rather, our aim is to offer a general theological education and spiritual formation, with a pastoral orientation, as a foundation for effective participation in the Church's life and mission.