Augustine Institute

The Augustine Institute (AI), located in Denver, Colorado, United States, is a private Catholic graduate institution that aims to answer Pope John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization.[1]

Augustine Institute
MottoFecisti Nos Ad Te (Latin)
Motto in English
You Have Made Us for Yourself
TypePrivate Catholic Non-profit Coeducational Higher education institution
Established2005
Religious affiliation
Catholic
Academic affiliation
ATS
PresidentDr. Tim Gray
DeanDr. Christopher Blum
(Academic Dean)
Benjamin D. Akers, S.T.D.
(Associate Dean)
Academic staff
11
Students264
Location
6160 S. Syracuse Way Suite 310 Greenwood Village Denver
,
Colorado
,
US
CampusUrban
ColorsGold      and      Blue
NicknameAI
Websitehttp://www.augustineinstitute.org/

History

At the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver, John Paul II called Catholics to a New Evangelization, to renew their commitment to Christ. As a response to this call, Catholic scholars in 2005 established in Denver a graduate school dedicated to transforming Catholic education for the New Evangelization.[2]

On May 19, 2007, the first class of 11 students graduated.[3] In the 2009-2010 academic year, the Augustine Institute had 84 students taking courses on campus, and 157 students enrolled in its distance education program. In 2012, AI relocated to the Denver Tech Center.[4]

Academics

The Colorado Department of Higher Education authorizes AI to grant degrees.[5]

AI's programs emphasize fidelity to the magisterium, especially as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, as well as flexibility.[6] Some Catholic dioceses use AI programs to help train their permanent deacons.[7] The school stays closely connected with the local Catholic bishop.[8]

AI offers a Master of Arts in Theology degree as well as theology certificates.[9] The Master of Theology degree curriculum focuses on the theological foundations for effective catechesis and evangelization. The core curriculum consists of twelve courses that provide students with a foundation in Sacred Scripture, Dogma, Church History, and Evangelization. In addition, students have four elective options. If students utilize their electives in one area of concentration in the curriculum they may receive a concentration certificate in addition to their Master's degree. Certificate concentrations currently include: Evangelization and Catechesis, Sacred Scripture, and Youth Ministry.

Education philosophy

The Augustine Institute was founded in 2005 on the 1650th anniversary year of the birth of St. Augustine of Hippo. Inspired by Augustine's approach to theology and evangelization, the disciplines of theology, history and pedagogy are used in order to equip those who wish to share the Catholic faith with others.

Accreditation

As of June 2012, the Augustine Institute is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools. The AI is applying for candidacy during the spring 2013 semester. This will commence a two year self study. Accreditation will be granted upon the successful completion of this study.

In early 2016, the Augustine Institute announced that its graduate school of theology was fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Parish programming

In addition to the graduate school, the AI has expanded to provide disciple-based parish programming and leadership formation to dioceses and parishes across America. These new programs are YDisciple, Opening the Word, FORMED, Beloved, Reborn, Lectio, and Symbolon RCIA.

YDisciple uses small group discussions, and youth minister and adult leader training and formation. In 2015, more than 1,500 youth were involved in YDisciple groups around the United States.[10]

Opening the Word is a weekly Catholic faith formation resource.[11]

Lectio is a dynamic scripture study program with series on St. Peter, the Eucharist, Evangelization, and Prayer.

Beloved and Reborn are series for parish sacramental prep for Matrimony and Baptism respectively.

Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told is a 10-part documentary based on the book The Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC.

Journal

AI publishes the English edition of the quarterly theological journal Nova et Vetera. The English edition of Nova et Vetera is published quarterly and provides an international forum for theological and philosophical studies from a Thomistic perspective. The journal strives to follow the culturally engaged, ecclesial, broadly Thomistic, and dialogical perspective of the founder of the Swiss Nova et Vetera, Charles Journet. Journet worked at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and biblical studies.

Authors who have published articles in Nova et Vetera include Robert Barron, Richard Bauckham, Romanus Cessario, OP, Georges Cardinal Cottier, OP, Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, OP, Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ, Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Richard B. Hays, Russell Hittinger, William Kurz, SJ, Bruce Marshall, Francis Martin, Frank Matera, Edward T. Oakes, SJ, Michele Schumacher, Christopher Seitz, Janet E. Smith, Geoffrey Wainwright, Thomas Weinandy, OFM Cap., and Robert Louis Wilken.[12]

Commencement speakers

References
  1. "Augustine Institute on the forefront of the New Evangelization :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)". Catholic News Agency. 2007-11-05. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  2. "Augustine Institute to open in Denver :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)". Catholic News Agency. 2005-02-24. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  3. "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - New Augustine Institute". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  4. "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2013-02-24. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  5. "Private Accredited - Colorado Department of Higher Education". Highered.colorado.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  6. "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  7. "Denver’s Augustine Institute Spreads Message Through DVD Courses"
  8. "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  9. "Grad School Info Night. A New Home. A New Evangelization. Are you being called?". Augustine Institute. 2012-07-27.
  10. "YDisciple". Augustine Institute. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  11. "Opening the Word". Augustine Institute. Archived from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  12. "Nova et Vetera". www.nvjournal.net/. Retrieved 2013-01-18.
  13. "Cardinal Arinze urges grads to give dynamic Christian witness". Archden.org. 2009-06-03. Archived from the original on 2012-06-16. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
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