Director: Dr. Mathew Anatharackal, CMI

Associate Directors: Dr. Mathew Maniampra, CMI

 Board of Directors:

Prof. Dr. Francis Thonippara CMI (President)

Dr. Paulachan Kochappilly CMI (Dean, Faculty of Theology)

Dr. Mathew Anatharackal CMI (Convener)

Dr. Mathew Maniampara CMI

Dr. Jose Thadavanal CMI

Dr. Kurian Perumpallikunnel CMI

Fr. Thomas Joseph Parayil CMI

The Institute offers the following courses:

1.     M.A. in Formative Spirituality and Counselling

2.     Diploma in Formative Spirituality & Counselling

3.     P.G. Diploma in Spiritual Theology (DADE)

4.     P.G. Diploma in Counselling Psychology (DADE)

In June 1992, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, in response to the repeated requests from Bishops and Major Superiors of religious Institutes in India, started a systematic diploma programme of one full academic year (two semesters) with a rich academic and practical course of study for the benefit of the formation personnel of various religious congregations and dioceses. The purpose of the programme was to prepare competent formators who could foster growth and wholeness in themselves as well as in the youth entrusted to their care. After running the programme for five years, in 1997, the DVK authorities began to think of upgrading this programme into a Master’s programme which will promote a balanced blending of spirituality and psychology, enriching and equipping the future formators of the Church for more effective works of evangelization. The Congregation for Catholic Education in accord with the statutes of the Pontifical Athenaeum approved the Master of Arts programme in Formative Spirituality on 12^th December 2003, thus authorizing the Faculty of Theology of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram to grant the M.A. in Formative Spirituality and Counselling.  The Congregation for Catholic Education in its letter of promulgation dated 12 December 2003 (Prot. N.946/2000/21-727/79) given through the Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, the Chancellor of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, says that they commend the director and his collaborators in their efforts to maintain the proper balance between culture and faith, between spirituality and psychology, and between academic and practical aspects of the programme of study. It was made an Institute of Spirituality and Counselling in the year 2004 for its growth and effective functioning as directed from the Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome.

 Objectives:

The M.A. and Diploma programme are meant to prepare competent formators who can foster growth and wholeness in the adolescents and the youth entrusted to their care.  The specific objectives of the courses are as follows:

    To enhance the would-be formators to impart religious and Christian leadership training at Diocesan, Congregational, and parish levels.

    To promote a balanced blending of culture and faith, spirituality and psychology and academic and practical aspects, enriching and equipping the future formators with the skills for more effective evangelization.

     To help them offer psycho-spiritual counselling to the individuals as well as groups at schools, colleges, hospitals and other institutions.

 Requirements for Admission:

For the admission to the M.A. in Formative Spirituality and Counselling:

    The applicant must be below 45 years of age. In certain cases, the age requirement may be relaxed at the discretion of the Director, after an aptitude test is successfully completed.

    A bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Sc.) from a recognized college or university or an equivalent degree.

     Adequate theological studies at any Catholic Theological Institute or University.

     An interview and exam if required.

     For admission to 2^nd year M.A. a minimum high second class (55%) in the first year M.A. is required.

For the admission to the Diploma programme:

    The applicant must be below 45 years of age. In certain cases, the age requirement may be relaxed at the discretion of the Director, after an aptitude test is successfully completed.

     A higher secondary certificate with the minimum marks of 50% or any higher degree from a recognized school or college.

     An adequate theological study at any Catholic Theological Institute or University is highly appreciated.

     An interview and exam, if required.

 Procedures:

The applicant must submit the following:

     A completed application form

     Official transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas from all previously attended institutions, colleges and universities.

     A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s major superior/local ordinary.

     Health certificate.

     For foreign students: passport number, time of expiry of visa, nature of visa, etc. Photocopies of important pages of passport.

SYLLABUS

FIRST YEAR M.A.

FIRST SEMESTER

1. Dharmasadhanas: Eastern and Western Perspective

Prof. Dr. Cyriac Kanichai           Hours 45                       credits  3

 2. Discipleship in the Gospels

Prof. Dr. Paul Savio Pudussery                         Hours 45           Credits  3

 3. Foundations of Human Behaviour

 Dr. Baburaj Kakkassery                                 Hours 45   Credits 3

 5. Psycho spiritual Approaches to Formation

Prof. Dr. T. Aykara  & Dr. A. Puthenangady                    Hours 60     Credits 4

6. Theories of Counselling

T. J. Parayil                                           Hours  45                      Credits  3

7. Psychological Testing I

Dr. Swarnalatha                   Hours  45                Credits  3

8. Neuro-Linguistic Programme

Dr. Dalmesia Panikulam,               Hours 30          Credits 2

Elective:

Personality and Human Development (PRH) Programme.  “Who Am I”

PRH Team of Experts.   20hours.                            Credit 1

SECOND SEMESTER

1. Spiritual Guidance

William Sequera                        30 hours           Credits 2

2. Prayer Experiences in Bible

Dr. Joy Philip Kakanattu & Dr. George Edayadiyil           Hours 30   Credits 2

 3. Sexuality, Celibacy and Intimacy

Dr. Shaji Kochuthara                  Hours 45                        Credits 3

 4. Psychopathology

 J. T. Thurackal & T. J. Parayil            Hours 45                          Credits 3

 5. Foundations of Professional Counselling

Dr. A. Puthenangady & Dr.Lawrence       45 hours           Credits 3

 6. Psychological Testing II

Dr. A. Puthenangady, T. J. Parayil & J. T. Thurackal        45 hours   Credits 3

 7. Formation in the Social Context

Seva Team                                30 hours                       2 Credits.

8.  Satsang – Theology of Christian Community Life

Dr. Paul Puthenangady  Hours 30                        Credits 2

9. Elective:

Formation of Conscience:

Dr. P. Kochappilly.        20 Hours                       Credit 1

THIRD SEMESTER

1. The Franciscan Spirituality

Dr. Jerry Lobo               Hours 30                                  Credits  2

2. Eastern Christian Spirituality

Dr. T. Kollamparampil, CMI         Hours 30               Credits 2

3 Group Counselling

J.T.  Thurackal               45 hours                                   Credits 3

4.  Psychometry, Research Methods and Psychological Statistics

Dr. S Chackalackal and V. Painadath             Hours 45    Credits 3

5. Advanced Theories and Techniques in Counselling

Dr. A. Puthenangady & Dr. Lawrence,     Hours 45           Credits 3

6. Family Counselling

                      T. J. Parayil                                Hours 45                         Credits 3

8. Elective: Pastoral Administration and Management.

Dr. Popen and Team from Christ College MBA faculty.   Hours 30    Credits 2

FOURTH SEMESTER

1. Advanced Course in the Art of Spiritual Guidance

Dr. Francis Menezes                  Hours 30            Credits 2

 2. Counselling Practicum (Internship)

Dr. J. Thadavanal, J. Thurackal  & T. Parayil     80 hours   Credits  4

3. Comprehensive Written Examination  (3 credits)

4. Thesis Writing and Defence (3 credits)

Other Topics:

          . Yoga Spirituality                   

             Anto Christopher Mundanmani               Hours 30           Credits 2

           . Authority in Priestly and Religious Life           

             Dr. Jose Kuriedath                                Hours 30           Credits 2

          . Canonical Issues and Teachings of the Church on Formation

            Dr. George Thanchan                             Hours 30           Credits 2

     Diploma in Formative Spirituality & Counselling 2008-09