Assistant Professor, Systematic Theology

Job Description

As a Faculty Member
To "introduce future priests to sacred doctrine and accompany them in it have a particular educational responsibility..." never forgetting "that as a teacher he is not presenting his personal doctrines but opening to and communicating to others the understanding of the faith, in the last analysis in the name of the Lord and his Church. In such a way, the theologian, using all the methods and techniques provided by his science, carries out his task at the mandate of the Church and cooperates with the bishop in his task of teaching." (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 67)

As a Formation Advisor:
"They observe seminarians and assist them to grow humanly by offering them feedback about their general demeanor, their relational capacities and styles, their maturity, their capacity to assume the role of a public person and leader in a community, and their appropriation of the human virtues that make them 'men of communion.'... They offer encouragement, support, and challenge along the formational path. These formators function exclusively in the external forum and are not to engage in matters that are reserved for the internal forum and the spiritual director." (Program of Priestly Formation, 80)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Participating in the Academic Program

Teaching 5 courses per academic year, usually this is a 3/2 or a 2/3 semester load, according to the program of Academic formation and its degree and certificate programs as outlined in the Seminary Faculty Handbook, Academic Norms, and Degree Programs.
Meeting the expectations for advancement in rank and retention contract as explained in the Seminary Employee Handbook, and to submit classroom observations, self-evaluations, updated CV and register of activities, participate in department activities and degree program expectations (comprehensive exams, for example). Included in the expectation is participation in the activities of the department(s) in which one serves, and following the expectations outlined for promotion and retention contracts.
Being assigned to a department and assigned to teach specific core courses in such a way as to meet department goals, degree program standards, and the program of priestly formation.
Serving on committees as needed.
Learning how to make appropriate use of campus electronic classroom management software and hardware both for instructional technology as well as for the formation program and house communication.

2. Providing Formation Advising in the external forum for seminarians assigned to him by the Coordinator of Human Formation.

The duties of the position include:

Meeting with each seminarian on average once per month or more frequently if needed.
Helping the seminarian to set formation goals in each of the four areas of formation.
Monitoring the seminarian's progress with his goals and also his over-all progress and fitness for diocesan priesthood.
Attending all Formation Team meetings corresponding to the respective Team (Team 1 is for First and Second Philosophy; Team 2 is for First, Second, Third, and Fourth Theology).
Attending vocation director meeting for the respective Advisee.
Bringing any formation concerns back to his Formation Advisee.
Voting for the advancement of candidates.
Serving on committees, providing conferences, and directing formation seminars as indicated by the Rector.
Not engaging in matters that are reserved for the internal forum and the spiritual director. (cf. Program of Priestly Formation, 80)

Job Requirements: Education, Experience and Skills:

To have good teaching skills in order to teach at the graduate level.
To have good leadership skills marked by humility and competency.
To be loyal to all the Church's teaching and exhibit a love for the priesthood.
To exhibit a high degree of integrity, dependability, a strong work ethic and ability to collaborate with others.
To have the ability to work independently, perform multi-tasks and demonstrate competence in all areas of responsibility.
To be able to work with all members of the seminary community in a professional and charitable manner.
To be able to use Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel.

Educational and Minimum Requirements:

To possess at least an advanced, preferably a terminal degree, in an ecclesiastical science. To take the Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith, and to receive the Mandatum upon his appointment to the Seminary faculty. To comply with the norms of the Archdiocese of Baltimore with regard to the Protection of Minors.

Salary/Benefits

This is a full-time position with full benefits and annual, holiday and sick leave. The university offers a generous benefits package, including tuition remission for graduate and undergraduate classes at Mount St. Mary's University, retirement program with a match as well as a generous paid time off schedule. Competitive salary commensurate to experience.

Seminary Information:

Mount St. Mary's Seminary prepares men for the Catholic ministerial priesthood in the Third Millennium: men who love with the heart of the Church, think with the mind of the Church, and are formed to have an integrated core of human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral virtues modeled by Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

Founded in 1808 by French immigrant missionary priest Father John Dubois, Mount St. Mary's Seminary is located on the side of what is called "Mary's Mountain," and has a solid tradition of excellence in the formation of future Catholic priests.

About the Employer

Mount St. Mary's University, the second oldest Catholic university in America, seeks faculty members eager to engage and support our Catholic identity. Application materials should discuss how you might contribute to the University's Catholic liberal arts mission, how your work engages with the Catholic intellectual tradition, or how your own faith tradition informs your vocation as teacher and scholar