Formation

The CSTM experience is so much more than education. It emphasizes the formation of students as whole people, helping them grow and flourish throughout the intellectual, spiritual, ministerial, and human dimensions of their lives.

The Four Dimensions of Formation

Intellectual Formation

Intellectual inquiry, persistent questioning, the collaborative pursuit of knowledge—these values have always been at the heart of Jesuit, Catholic theological traditions. Our approach to intellectual formation prioritizes rigorous scholarship that elevates these values and makes a positive impact on local and global communities.

Spiritual Formation

At CSTM, we believe that theology can never be only an academic study—it must be a personal, spiritual pursuit that actively envelops one’s entire being. That’s why we support students with a variety of opportunities for reflection, prayer, worship, retreats, and spiritual direction. Many of our degree programs include an intentional spiritual formation component, and our students are valued members of faith communities across the Boston area.

Human Formation

How will you serve and lead? Who do you want to become? These questions imbue everything we do, from curricula to student support, immersion experiences abroad, and service opportunities here in Greater Boston. Professors, administrators, and peers alike encourage student to engage outside of the classroom and value the insights they bring back with them.

Ministerial Formation

All across campus and in parishes across Greater Boston, our students are challenged to grow as ministerial leaders and excel through supervised ministry placements. They serve as mentors in a variety of programs and conduct Confirmation, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and faith formation programs. These experiences, in turn, shape classroom conversations and inform the process of vocational discernment.

Sr. Barbara Quinn, RSCJ

Wisdom and Grace

The administrators, faculty and staff at CSTM see their day-to-day work as a ministry, a vocation. Our commitment is to provide the best individualized programs so that each student continues to grow in wisdom and grace and to develop as mature, well-rounded ministers for the Church and the world today.
Sr. Barbara Quinn, R.S.C.J., Associate Director of Spiritual Formation

Formation Opportunities

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Our Approach: Formative Theological Education

Reflect, discern, and grow—in the classroom and beyond.

Develop intellectually, spiritually, and socially while embracing your vocation at CSTM. Learn about our integrated approach to education that cultivates hearts as well as minds.

Upcoming Formation Events

Alumni Experiences

Meet two alumni and hear about what drew them to CSTM.


Julia Novotny, M.Div. Alumna


Joshua Mayfield, M.A. Alumnus

International Experiences

Whether they are traveling to El Salvador and the U.S.-Mexico border, exploring Greater Boston, or attending exchange programs around the world, CSTM students find many opportunities to bond with the universal Church, become more alive to the world's needs, and serve as women and men for and with others.

CSTM Global

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