Fellowship of Catholic University Students

 

March 30, 2005                                                           For Immediate Publication

                                                                                    Contact: Nikki Shasserre, FOCUS

                                                                                    (970) 336-9881

nshasserre@focusonline.org

www.focusonline.org

 

New Catholic Graduate Program to Open its Doors in Denver

 

Denver, CO (FOCUS)- With the blessing of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver, The Augustine Institute will open its doors this fall to the first class of students.  The Institute, located in Denver, CO, is a graduate program dedicated to forming Catholic lay men and women from across the nation in Catholic Leadership.  MasterÕs Degrees will be available in Evangelization and Catechesis, and Sacred Scripture.  The Augustine Institute has assembled a founding faculty of professors who have gained recognition for excellence in teaching, speaking, scholarship and leadership.  They include Jonathan Reyes, Timothy Gray, Sean Innerst and FOCUS Founder and President Curtis Martin.

            Augustine Institute President, Jonathan Reyes, describes the goal of the Institute as working to Òreunite the Catholic faith with everyday life and thereby help in the renewal of Catholic life through training lay people in the New Evangelization.Ó 

The program combines intellectual formation, practical training, and character formation.  The core curriculum of the Augustine Institute comprises a deep immersion in Catholic history, culture, dogma, and Scripture- all faithful to the Magisterium of the Church and in accord with the Holy FatherÕs document on higher education, Ex Corde Ecclesiae.  The students attending the Augustine Institute will also receive extensive practical training for lay ministry in the Church through course work and a year-long internship program.  Finally, for those who seek greater formation in Catholic culture and community life, Houses of Formation will be available. ÒThis three-fold formation will form Catholic leaders who embody in their lives what they know in their intellects,Ó said Dr. Reyes.    

Although not officially tied to the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Chaput has welcomed the program to Denver, ÒI have had the privilege of reviewing the curriculum and the formation program of the Augustine Institute and I have complete confidence in it.Ó   Echoing the sentiments of Pope John Paul IIÕs call for the New Evangelization, the Archbishop said, ÒI believe the Augustine Institute will some day draw young people from all over the world and train them to take the New Evangelization back to their homes, parishes, schools and communities.Ó   

Entrance Requirements include a BachelorÕs degree (BA or BS) or a minimum of 90 undergraduate credits.  The G.R.E. is not required, but will be considered for scholarship awards.  Scholarships are available through the Institute.  To contact the Augustine Institute directly, please call the office at: (303) 715-3279.  www.augustineinstitute.org