Catholic University of Valencia to launch online master's in synodal conversion

The Universitat Catolica de Valencia (Catholic University of Valencia), known by its initials UCV, will present in September a new Master's in Continuing Formation in Synodal and Missionary Conversion, a program for priests, religious and lay people who lead pastoral processes. The program aims to provide tools for forming communities of missionary disciples, in line with the teaching of Pope Leo XIV and of Pope Francis on the missionary conversion of the Church.

The master's will be taught online and consists of 60 credits. It is based on the results of a study by the UCV's Faculty of Theology on parish best practices in Spain. Drawing on that study, the university designed course content combining the human sciences and theology for those who want to lead a change toward evangelizing communities.

The UCV said the program seeks to help pastoral workers reflect on and master the principles and tools needed for their work. On completing the program, students will be able to argue theologically that the Gospel has the real power to generate missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.

Competencies and objectives of the program

Participants will be able to plan and lead processes of pastoral conversion that move communities from maintenance to evangelization. The teaching staff includes professors from the Faculty of Theology in Valencia, among them the dean, Santiago Pons, and experts who took part in the study on good practices in evangelizing parishes, such as Vicente Tur.

Outside academics also take part, among them Jose David Urchaga, Javier Palop, Miguel Lopez Varela and Lluc Torcal, along with specialists in pastoral conversion such as Tote Barrera and Carlos Luna.

Integrated approach and formation networks

The program covers more than classroom theory. It also promotes contact networks among pastoral leaders with a missionary focus, the development of working groups and continuing formation platforms, and outreach to motivate other leaders along the same lines.

Students will assess different methods and tools of evangelization from their theological foundations, adapted to the changing contexts of Church life today.