Ministry Practicum - Year of Service - Field Education

While open to all students, field education is a requirement of all Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students, Master of Pastoral Studies (MAPS) students, and Master of Arts in Specialized Ministries. Students take either one semester or a full year of Ministry Practicum based on their program requirements. Having practical experience in ministry is essential to the development of skills needed to be an effective minister. Ministry Practicum experience occur in a variety of areas, some examples are: • Working with Kolbe House on issues of restorative justice and prison ministry • Praying with detainees through the Interfaith Committee on Detained Immigrants • Working with Aquinas Literacy tutoring English as a Second Language • Religious education with mentally challenged populations • Working on the team of young adult ministry at Old St. Patrick’s Church • Offering RCIA classes to students at UIC or The University of Chicago • Learning about Spiritual Direction through the Claret Center All placements are direct service, hands on, and supervised. Distance students have the opportunity to work in field education placements in their home community.