Research & Consultations

The Seminary Department sponsors many research projects related to seminaries, the priesthood and church life. We work with other church organizations in a consulting role to support their research projects.

PARRESIA PROJECT
A $150,000 grant was received in May 2010 to look at the enculturation needs of international priests and seminarians. It will utilize the internet and other modern technologies to help these men adjust to ministry in the U.S. It will also address the needs of dioceses and receiving parishes, and will conclude in 2013.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT
A grant of $100,000 was given in 2006 to study the psychological assessment practices of dioceses, seminaries and religious communities of men. A Consultor’s Committee met in May 2007, with represntatives from the bishops, priest organizations, psychologists, formators and others. The project was published in June 2010 and is available to NCEA members for $15 plus $6 shipping and handling from NCEA Publications at 800-711-6232.

TO PREACH THE GOOD WORD WELL
The department received $100,000 to improve preaching in the church. The project developed a DVD and CD showcasing good preaching, with interviews of preachers and the findings of research on what lay people said good preaching looks like. The project team developed a rating scale based on input from lay people, along with a survey of preaching characteristics important to laity. The DVD of homilies and commenary along with a CD package of supporting educational materials was released in January 2012. It is available from NCEA Publications for $10 (includes shipping and handling). Call 800-711-6232.

CATHOLIC DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK
The department received $70,000 to fund a project to develop a network of seminaries offering distance-learning courses. The program helps seminary professors use instructional technologies and distance learning strategies within and between seminaries. The grant is completed now, but the CDLN lives on. To learn more, visit: http://www.catholicdistance.org/