100% Placement Rate
All M.Div. students receive comprehensive professional development and placement assistance. Our program is able to place all its graduates not only because they are exceptionally well prepared for ministry, but also because faculty and ministry professionals work for and with them to find positions to which they are well suited.
Meet some of our alumni who represent the range of placement opportunities that our graduates discover:
“I finished the M.Div. program in 1998 and after a summer job search, moved to Chicago to accept a position with the Cathedral here -- Holy Name. I am a certified Pastoral Associate for the Archdiocese, and about 80% of my own work is with young adults (20s and 30s, single and married) -- who comprise a high percentage of the population in this area. Most of the work has been created by my own or other's initiative -- bible studies, faith forums, speaker series, mom's group, clothing drives, teaming up with local organizations to feed lower income residents, service events, social events with other parishes. Additionally, I am often a speaker at parish or archdiocesan events”
--KRISTIN (SADIE) SCHWARZ (M.Div. ’98)
“The Master of Divinity program provided me with a strong foundation of theological education, pastoral praxis, spiritual development and ministerial formation. I was given both the support and freedom to explore my identity as a professional minister in a communal and healthy environment. As a lay woman in full-time ministry I regularly utilize the many pastoral and liturgical skills which were at the heart of my M-Div. experience. Upon graduation I felt very prepared to pursue leadership roles within the Catholic Church. For that, I am deeply grateful.”
--ANGEL APPLEBY PURCELL (M.Div. ’97)
“The most practical and useful classes I took at Notre Dame were my homiletics courses. As the Director for the Office of Peace and Justice for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and having previously worked for various Cardinals and the U.S. Bishops Conference I have given, as well as written, numerous speeches and presentations. Integrating the importance of story and symbol along with the skills of public speaking have been essential in my work for transformative education.”
--BILL PURCELL (M.Div. ’92)
“I have yet to hear of a ministry formation and training program to equal Notre Dame's Master of Divinity program. As a lay minister, the liturgical celebration and preaching courses prepared me to serve diverse needs in parish life and campus ministry. I was given a solid background in Catholic liturgical traditions and practice, and was guided to grow in spiritual understanding, practical skills and personal confidence. The Spirit is truly alive and at work among the faculty and students. My class of lay and ordination-track students developed a wonderful sense of community and nearly a decade after graduation, these friendships continue to sustain us in our ministries. The blessings of the M.Div. program continues to unfold in each day of my ministry."
--KATE FAGAN TAYLOR (M.Div. ’96) diocesan campus minister and parish pastoral minister, Victoria, British Columbia
