The Pontifical University at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, is nationally and internationally recognised for the quality and value of its contribution to theological learning, scholarship and research since its original foundation as the Catholic National Seminary in 1795. In 1896 it was recognised as a Pontifical University with Faculties of Theology, Canon Law and Philosophy. The Faculty of Theology of St Patrick’s College offers eighteen programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The College campus is shared with Maynooth University.
Since 2011, all awards accredited by the Pontifical University have been submitted to the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ), the statutory body that recognises academic awards in Ireland. The Faculty of Theology was evaluated by the Holy See’s Agency for the Evaluation and Promotion of Quality in Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties (AVEPRO) in 2014.
St Patrick’s College offers undergraduate and postgraduate awards in Pastoral Theology and seeks a Director of Pastoral Training suitably qualified in theology, pastoral ministry and supervisory skills to coordinate the pastoral formation of seminarians and lay students in collaboration with the seminary formation team and academic staff.
Skills and Experience
Applicants are required to have a Doctorate or PhD, desirably in pastoral theology or pastoral studies or theology with a specialisation in pastoral care; a successful candidate will also be required to have a Licentiate in Theology or equivalent from a Pontifical or Catholic University, so as to permit teaching modules in both the canonical and non-canonical degree programmes.
An applicant will be required to have a record of successful undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and a capacity to supervise postgraduate research at both masters and doctoral levels and to develop postgraduate programmes.
The successful candidate will show evidence of research and publications in the area of Pastoral Theology and or Pastoral Studies together with specific future research plans.
The successful candidate should have key managerial skills and experience; to oversee: the organisation, co-ordination and supervision of students on pastoral placements and in pastoral reflection groups; the organisation and delivery of the Master’s Degree in Theology, specializing in Pastoral Theology (MTh) and the Higher Diploma and Diploma in Pastoral Theology (HD/PTh and Dip/PTh).
Applicants should show an openness: to innovative and contemporary approaches to collaborative ministry and the pastoral training of the laity; collaborating with the Rector and formation staff of the National Seminary in the pastoral formation of seminarians; also in collaboration with those responsible for other seminarians participating in the pastoral programmes.
An applicant will be required to attend and organise conferences in the field of Pastoral Theology / Pastoral Studies.
Applicants will also be committed to: the mission of the Pontifical University which seeks a distinctive educational and scholarly excellence that is founded on its Catholic identity; an appreciation of the Catholic magisterium, faith and liturgical tradition and the role of the ordained minister.
A successful applicant will be committed to collaborating in a team context and of providing leadership in developing the teaching, research and mission of the Pontifical University; and to implementing the strategic plan and goals of the Pontifical University. He or she will perform the normal academic and administrative duties incumbent on a member of the Faculty as directed by the President or Dean.
Applicants must have good communication and IT skills; be willing to develop and deliver on-line and distance-learning modules in accordance with Faculty programmes.
Applicants may be required on occasion to serve on committees and commissions of the Irish Episcopal Conference in the mission of the Irish Catholic Church; contribute to the life of the Church especially in developing, new approaches and programmes in evangelisation, pastoral structures, lay ministry, etc.
The post is assisted with up to seven hours administrative support a week.
Tenure track: is available for academic posts subject to satisfactorily meeting and exceeding certain requirements including continuous positive evaluation of performance of lecturing and other duties, evidence of interest and achievement in the pursuit of 1) research scholarship and innovation, 2) teaching and learning, and 3) contribution to school/college/university/society, departmental development and the wider community.
Salary: An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and status which will include salary, contribution to pension, income protection plan and life insurance.
Applications: Applicants should forward Curriculum Vitae giving details of education, qualifications, experience, research interests, publications, pastoral engagement and future research plans. The names and addresses of two academic referees, who are acquainted with the applicant’s academic work as well as a Pastoral Practitioner familiar with his/her pastoral experience, each of whom may be contacted by the College, should also be given. A Priest or Religious should also furnish a letter of recommendation from his/her Bishop or Religious Superior.
Closing Date: The latest date for receiving applications is 12th April 2019. All correspondence should be emailed to president@spcm.ie with the subject reference – DIRPASTTRAIN. Any queries on the position should be directed to President’ Office – 017083958.
The appointment may be made at the meeting of the Trustees in June 2019.