Seminary's Theological Education for Parish Services Program (STEPS) is a graduate level certificate program for adult Catholics who desire a deeper understanding of their faith. Offering classes at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, STEPS expands the opportunity for lay graduate education beyond the Seminary building to a local parish hall. STEPS offers an integrated program of theological coursework, praxis, and spiritual formation to ensure a more professional preparation of its students for Church ministry. Students leave our program with a new enthusiasm and understanding of their faith, ready to live it and share it in their homes, parishes, and work communities.

Application Deadlines

• For enrollment in the Fall Semester, apply by August 1.
• For enrollment in the Spring Semester, apply by December 15.

We accept applications on a rolling basis for admittance to our Summer programs.

Application Requirements
In addition to the general University requirements for admission to graduate studies, ICSST requires the following:

• a baccalaureate degree, preferably in the humanities, from an accredited college or university;
• official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work done to date. Student transcripts or photocopies are not acceptable;
• two letters of reference attesting to the student's academic potential and personal qualifications to pursue advanced theological studies;
• completed application forms with a $50 nonrefundable application fee; and results of the TOEFL Test (for students born or raised in non- English speaking countries).

STEPS Certificate Curriculum
Each semester, two 3 credit courses are offered at our off-campus location in such areas as Scripture, Systematic Theology, Christian Ethics and Church History:  

1. The Old Testament
   BIBL 6529 Spirituality of the Old Testament
   The Old Testament insight into the progressive revelation of Divine Presence and Fidelity. A study of the creation stories; the Exodus event; the sagas; Divine forgiveness and faithfulness; the call to holiness, and its particular and universal aspects.
2. Synoptic Gospels 
   BIBL 6501 Synoptic Gospels
   An historical and critical approach to the study of the gospels, its limits and benefits, and its acceptability to the Church. The `synoptic problem' and the consequences of its resolution for study of the Gospels. Diverse forms within the Gospels and the characteristics of each Gospel.
3. Church History
   HSTD 6809 History of Christianity
   An overview of Christianity from its origins to the present: the evolution of Christianity from a movement within Judaism to a world religion. Issues such as Church-State relations, the Reformation and the influence of the Enlightenment on the Church are major themes.  
4. Documents of Vatican II
   STHO 6246 Theology of Vatican II
   A study of the background against which Pope John XXIII called Vatican Council II, the Council's preparation and its deliberations, as well as some consideration of its implementation.  
5. John and Paul
   BIBL 6505 Introduction to Pauline and Johannine Literature
   An introduction into the various historical, literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul's Letters, especially those to the Galatians and Romans.  
6. Sacarmental Theology
   STHO 6503 Sacraments of Initiation
   A Biblical, historical, theological and liturgical treatment of the sacraments of Christian initiation.  
7. Systematic Theology
   STHO 6202 Revelation and Faith
   A historical and systematic examination of the Catholic understanding of God's Self-Communication and humanity's correlative response in faith.  
8. Moral Theology
   CETH 6130 Major Themes in Christian Ethics
   A survey of Christian ethics including fundamental moral theology and Catholic teaching in sexual morality, health care and social justice.