Our Reading and Tutorial program makes theological education available to people preparing for ministry who are unable to relocate to Montreal. It is designed to provide students a basic introduction to the fundamentals of the Christian tradition and prepare them for Christian ministry in a local context.
At the centre of the program is the relationship between the student and the tutor. The college makes arrangements for the tutor, who is often an experienced priest in the same region as the student. The tutor helps guide the student through the program, by reflecting on the readings, engaging in conversation, and encouraging the student to pursue new avenues of thought and practice.
The program consists 12 units, each of which covers a major area in the Christian tradition. Each unit consists of an introduction to the topic, questions for reflection and journaling, a reading list, a list of assignments, and guidelines for meetings with the tutor. For each unit, the student meets with the tutor at least twice. Completed assignments are sent directly to the college for marking. It is expected that each unit will take about 150 hours of work, including all reading, writing, preparation, and meeting time. Students work at their own pace, with an expectation that each unit will be completed within six months.
Students may also take the online courses that the college offers and substitute these for Reading and Tutorial units, allowing a mixed economy of distance and online learning.
Successful completion of the 12 units of the Reading and Tutorial program leads to the award of a Certificate in Theology. Transfer credit from previous theological study can be counted towards this certificate, as can successful completion of online courses offered by the college.
The 12 units of the Reading and Tutorial program can serve as the basis for admission to the In Ministry Year. This 30-credit program (one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study) combines a field placement with coursework in pastoral ministry. Successful completion of the 12 units of the Reading and Tutorial program plus the In Ministry Year leads to the award of a Licentiate in Theology from the college. Transfer credit from previous theological study can be counted towards the Licentiate, as can successful completion of online courses offered by the college.