National Catholic Institute of Theology
Encyclopedia
The National Catholic Institute of Theology (NCIT) was established in Karachi, Pakistan in September 1997. It offers academic courses leading to a diploma in theology, as well as programs for laypeople and Religious involved in Church ministries. At the Institute students can now obtain a Bachelor of Theology
degree from Melbourne University due to the efforts of Yarra Theological Union and the Melbourne College of Divinity
.
which in 1997 was the only theological faculty in the country where seminarians and religious received their doctrinal and pastoral formation for the priesthood. When an urgent need was felt for a relevant and sound theological formation of the religious and clergy to build up and strengthen of the local Church, the Franciscans and Dominicans started serious reflection on the possibility of a second theological faculty which would also be open to lay men and women who wished to undertake degree or diploma theological studies or in-depth Biblical and Theological studies for their faith formation. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan
(CBCP) approved the idea of a National Institute to provide theological formation in the spirit of renewal desired by the Second Vatican Council
, in keeping with theological principles and the challenges faced by the Church in the Asia.
rsm, Fr. Clement Waidyasekara omi , Fr. Arthur Charles
and Fr. Pascal Robert ofm, was formed to prepare a Policy and Procedure Manual for for NCIT. In 1998 the PPM was officially approved by the Board of Governors. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, a centre of theological learning opened for a wider participation of the laity, religious and clergy.
In 2010 there were 35 students studying for their Bachelors in Theology degree at the NCIT.
Bachelor of Theology
The Bachelor of Theology is a three to five year undergraduate degree in theological disciplines. Candidates for this degree typically must complete course work in Greek or Hebrew, as well as systematic theology, biblical theology, ethics, homiletics and Christian ministry...
degree from Melbourne University due to the efforts of Yarra Theological Union and the Melbourne College of Divinity
Melbourne College of Divinity
The Melbourne College of Divinity is a theological education organisation located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.The MCD is an ecumenical consortium of a number of theological colleges from a number of denominations...
.
History
It is located at the Christ the King SeminaryChrist the King Seminary (Pakistan)
Christ the King Seminary is a Roman Catholic seminary in Karachi. It is located adjacent to the Portiuncula Friary. In its early years most of the faculty were provided by the Franciscans....
which in 1997 was the only theological faculty in the country where seminarians and religious received their doctrinal and pastoral formation for the priesthood. When an urgent need was felt for a relevant and sound theological formation of the religious and clergy to build up and strengthen of the local Church, the Franciscans and Dominicans started serious reflection on the possibility of a second theological faculty which would also be open to lay men and women who wished to undertake degree or diploma theological studies or in-depth Biblical and Theological studies for their faith formation. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan
Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan is the episcopal conference of the Catholic bishops of Pakistan. Its objectives are to facilitate coordinated study and discussion of issues affecting the Church, and adoption of a common policy and effective action in all matters concerning the Church...
(CBCP) approved the idea of a National Institute to provide theological formation in the spirit of renewal desired by the Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...
, in keeping with theological principles and the challenges faced by the Church in the Asia.
Organisation
All academic administration is the responsibility of Board of Governors which includes representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan. It is a joint venture with collaboration among the Bishops and the religious orders, who also share responsibility. The Academic Staff emphasize special care to the deepening of theological education and formation in keeping with the changing realities which priests, religious and laity face. Now the study of theology is no longer an exclusive discipline accessible only to a privileged few. Every Christian man and woman can receive an appropriate spiritual and doctrinal formation. The Committee consisting of Sr. Margaret MaddenMargaret Madden
-Education:Madden was born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. Her father was a carpenter and wood carver, and her mother was a nurse. She finished her schooling at St...
rsm, Fr. Clement Waidyasekara omi , Fr. Arthur Charles
Arthur Charles
Arthur Charles received his religious training at the Christ the King Seminary and was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi.From 2005 to 2009 he served as assistant parish priest at St. Jude's Parish, Karachi....
and Fr. Pascal Robert ofm, was formed to prepare a Policy and Procedure Manual for for NCIT. In 1998 the PPM was officially approved by the Board of Governors. For the first time in the history of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, a centre of theological learning opened for a wider participation of the laity, religious and clergy.
In 2010 there were 35 students studying for their Bachelors in Theology degree at the NCIT.