Students master the fundamental principles of theology, spirituality and pastoral practice, and learn how to evaluate and employ the best resources in all of these domains. Students are thereby equipped to create, implement and direct pastoral programs guided by the wisdom of the lived experience of the Church, and to adapt these programs to the specific needs of a particular ecclesial community. We offer a flexible course of study to accommodate scheduling limitations due to job, family and distance that prevent students from attending classes several evenings each week. The intensive weekend format entails one weekend monthly, August through May, and consists in six three-hour blocks, meeting Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Students take a maximum of six credit-hours each semester.
Those who take a full-load can complete the program in three years. Some IRPS students have come to our Irving campus from as far away as California, Indiana and Massachusetts. Others drive as many as five hours each way to attend our monthly classes. The monthly format is greatly appreciated by our students because it allows for tremendous flexibility regarding the hours of study between classes. The intensive weekend experience provides an occasion to share meals, prayer and Sunday liturgy with fellow students.