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Theology
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The 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership

Building an Authentic Culture of Discernment, Encouragement and Accompaniment

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” 

  St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:11-13

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology draws inspiration from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 4:11-13.
These verses remind us that we need to rely on God’s grace to fulfill our unique calling, one that is meant not only for us as individuals but for the Body of Christ, the Church.

This privileged undertaking we take with joyous hearts, bold intentions, and trust in the Lord.

Building Up the Body of Christ

Speaking to those in Church ministry and those in theological education and formation, it stresses the core meaning 
of leadership formation, for ordained ministers (priests and deacons in the Catholic tradition) and lay ministers. We 
believe we are called by God to co-labor in the work of equipping God’s people to build up the Body of Christ, and that 
this work takes on new implications in the context of today’s unique challenges and crises.

 

Profiles in Faith

Witness the academic and personal journeys of our diverse student body: the priests, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians and lay students that shape our community.

View More Profiles

Insights: A Day In a Life of a Seminarian

What does a day in life of a seminarian really look like?

Meet three current seminarians and follow along as they take us through their daily routines and share the moments of prayer, study and community that define their preparation for the priesthood.

Strengthening Pastoral Leadership, Together

Implementing The 4:12 Pathway is an act of love, in the spirit of St. Paul the Apostle and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. It is a joy for us to put forward our hearts and minds, and the work of our hands, to realize the numerous benefits of Pathways 4:12. We trust that, together, we are on a pathway toward true discipleship and leadership in the service of Our Lord. The Seminary’s mission takes on a prophetic aspect, aiming to preach and to teach boldly, as St. Paul calls us in Ephesians 4:12, "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Thank you for joining us in this mission of building up the Body of Christ!