History of Jackson Extension

Jackson was the first site where Spring Hill College offered graduate level theological education.  Bishop Brunini invited Spring Hill to Jackson in 1982 to provide programs in support of lay leadership in the diocese, and we are proud to continue that relationship today.  Classes are held at St. Joseph High School in Madison.  Students can earn the Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS), Master of Arts in Theology (MA) the Bachelor of Arts in Theology (BA) or the Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS) at the Jackson site.  All classes are offered at the graduate and undergraduate course levels.

Theological Studies offer a well-defined and flexible educational program which allows for the diverse goals of individual applicants. The graduate programs in theology and ministry can serve the needs of the following constituencies:

1. Those desiring to teach Theology at the secondary level.
2. Those desiring to prepare for new areas of ministry, e.g., religious education or liturgical ministry.
3. Those seeking theological updating or continuing education, e.g., ministers or clergy, teachers, etc.
4. Those desiring to reflect on their ministries or freshen their grasp of current theological trends.

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Tuition

2008-2009: $270 per credit hour

Course Offerings

Spring 2009

THL 552/353 (Moral)
Human Sexuality and Marriage - Fr. Frederick Gunti
6 Saturdays: Dec 6, 13; Jan 10, 24, 31; Feb 14 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course Description:
Contemporary issues in sexual ethics in the light of the Roman Catholic tradition.  The historical development of that tradition will be examined and critically evaluated.  Christian marriage as a communion of love characterized by fruitfullness, fidelity and permanence; current problems; and issues of canon law.

About Fr. Frederick Gunti:
Fr. Frederick Gunti, a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, has taught at Spring Hill College since 1976.  He teaches primarily in the area of Christian Ethics and holds a doctorate in theology from The Catholic University of America.  He has published articles on "Academic Freedom in Theology," "Teilhard de Chardin," and "Reinhold Neilburth."

THL 540/499 (Systematic)
Philosophy for Theology - Dr. George Gilmore
6 Saturdays: Feb. 28; Mar. 14, 28; April 4, 18, May 2 
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course Description:
This course will present a general survey of Western philosophical thought and how it has been used in Christianity, such as in the ecumenical councils, Christology, trinity and sacraments.  The course will emphasize major examples such as Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, such brilliant 13th century Fransciscan theologians as Bonaventure, Duns Scotus and William of Ockham, and the contributions of some modern philosophers.  Such material is central to such doctrines as transubstantiation.

About Dr. George Gilmore:
Dr. Geoge Gilmore has been teaching full-time as Spring Hill College since January of 1974 and in its MTS/MA program since its inception in 1983.  He has MA degrees in classics (Latin and Greek literature and history), philosophy, and theology, and an interdisciplinary doctorate from Fordham University in philosophy and theology.  Dr. Gilmore, a highly respected and gifted teacher, at both the graduate and undergraduate level, has been selected "Teacher of the Year" on several occasions.  He is facilitator on campus for the Mobile Area Christian-Jewish dialogue, which has been in operation continuously for thirty-three years.  He wrote columns for UNITED Press International for two and a half years.

Summer 2009

Summer Institute of Christian Spirituality in Mobile and Atlanta

Scholarships/Grants Available

Christopher Viscardi, S.J. Scholarship
Spring Hill College offers the Christopher Viscardi, S.J. Scholarship for students in its theological studies program. [ more info]

For more information contact:

Catholic Diocese of Jackson
237 E. Amite St.
Jackson, MS 39201-2168
(601) 969-1880

Driving Directions

St. Joseph High School
308 New Mannsdale Road
Madison, MS 39110

Traveling South on I-55, take exit 108 and make a right onto Highway 463. Continue on 463 past Highland Colony Parkway. The High School will be on your right, approximately 1/4 mile from the traffic signal.

Traveling North on I-55, take exit 108, make a left onto Highway 463, and cross over the Interstate. Continue on 463 past Highland Colony Parkway. The High School will be on your right, approximately 1/4 mile from the traffic signal.