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Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality
Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality (BenSpir)
This Certificate brings together practical application of the Rule of Saint Benedict and historical reflections on the development of Benedictine life, spirituality, and practices. Taught by experts within the faculty of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and other major Benedictine leaders and oblates, this certificate offers opportunities to further explore the Benedictine charism.
At a Glance
Formats
Online
In-Person
Hybrid
Length
15 Credits
Application Deadline
Rolling
Audience
Benedictine Oblates
Vowed Monastics
Benedictine Mission Integration
Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality Overview
The Certificate in Benedictine Spirituality requires the completion of 15 credit hours. The BenSpir Certificate includes 9 credits Benedictine Spirituality, 3 credits Liturgy or Scripture, and 3 credits of unrestricted electives to create a dynamic and customizable learning experience. One-Credit courses bring opportunities for diverse exposure to sub-topics within the field of Benedictine Spirituality. In either breakdown option, students are required to take a course in the Rule of Benedict.
Certificate Breakdown (option 1)
Benedictine Spirituality: 9 Credits Total
- 6 one-credit Benedictine Spirituality Courses: 6 Credits
- 1 three-credit Monastic Studies Course: 3 Credits
Electives: 6 Credits Total
- Scripture or Liturgy Course: 3 Credits
- Unrestricted Elective: 3 Credits
Certificate Breakdown (option 2)
Benedictine Spirituality: 9 Credits Total
- 3 one-credit Benedictine Spirituality Courses: 3 Credits
- 2 three-credit Monastic Studies Courses: 6 Credits
Electives: 6 Credits Total
- Scripture or Liturgy Course: 3 Credits
- Unrestricted Elective: 3 Credits
Oblate/Monastic Discount
Vowed Monastics and Oblates who follow the Rule of Benedict can receive a special discounted rate to earn this particular certificate, please contact the admission office with any questions [email protected].
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Letters of Intent
Applicants are required to upload a typed letter of intent as a part of the application. This letter should be about 350-500 words. Applicants should indicate their familiarity and experience with the Benedictine tradition and point to ways in which this education would further their personal, vocational, and/or professional development.
Resume/CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.
Letters of Recommendation
- Benedictine Spirituality applicants are required to request 2 letters of recommendation from educational, religious/formational, or professional contacts, within the online application system.
- Recommenders should be able to speak to the applicant’s capacity for success in graduate theological coursework, their spiritual disposition, and/or potential professional application of coursework.
- Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Our Office of Admission is available to walk with you in your discernment. Whether you’re questioning which degree is the best for your personal, vocational, and professional goals or if you feel ready to start your application today, our team is prepared to accompany you through the process.