Certificate of Studies in Spirituality
at Lebh Shomea House of Prayer
As a whole, the course offerings at Lebh Shomea as School of Prayer represent a single comprehensive program for a person wishing to study Spirituality. This comprehensive program ordinarily requires two years to complete. It comprises the equivalent of six full semesters (or 72 credit hours). The program includes a two-month guided research project and a two-month pastoral practicum of one's choice.
The course listings in the comprehensive program are divided into five sections: Scripture, History, Theology, Research and Pastoral Studies. The course offerings within those general sections are further divided into the following four topics:
1. Introductory Courses (numbered 11-19). Depending on the background and needs of the student, these courses may be equivalent to 1 to 3 semester hours each.
2. Survey Courses (numbered 20-29). Usually, these are equivalent to 3 semester hours each and are offered to students for whom the more specialized studies are not practical.
3. Specialized Studies (numbered 30-39). Ordinarily, these are equivalent to 3 to 6 semester hours each.
4. Advanced Studies (numbered 40-49). Usually, these are equivalent to 3 to 6 semester hours each.
All courses represent graduate or post graduate level education. We do not offer a Certificate for undergraduate studies.
Many students either cannot take or do not need all the courses described in the comprehensive program. An individual syllabus or personally adapted course offering may be worked out to suit their needs. A Certificate of Studies may be granted to personalized programs provided that the student successfully completes the equivalent of one semester or more.
The only requirement for entering a Certificate program is that the student be capable of engaging in these studies on a graduate level of performance, maintaining a "B" (3.0) average.
Certificate of Studies Course Offerings
Biblical Studies (Sacred Scripture)
Historical - Doctrinal Studies
Systematic Theological Studies
Guided Research
Pastoral Studies
Resources at Lebh Shomea School of Prayer
The contemplative-eremitical life of the House of Prayer.
The library: a specialized library of over 30,000 volumes in spirituality and related fields such as theology, philosophy and psychology; biblical, Islamic, Middle Eastern and Judaic studies; ancient history, Christian Antiquity and Church history; Oriental mysticism; Byzantine and Russian spirituality; over 50 periodicals; extensive audio/video facility.
The Core Community and Spiritual Directors:
Fr. Francis Kelly Nemeck, O.M.I.: B.A., M.A., S.T.L., S.T.D.
Sr. Marie Theresa Coombs, Hermit: B.A., M.T.S., Ph.D.
Sr. Maria Elizabeth Meister, Hermit: B.A.
A person living at Lebh Shomea and participating in a program at Oblate School of Theology is expected to pay the suggested stipend for room and board at the House of Prayer, plus the regular tuition and fees stipulated by Oblate School of Theology.
A person living and studying at Lebh Shomea apart from any degree program at Oblate School of Theology is expected to pay only the suggested stipend for a Guest at the House of Prayer. Because study is integral to the contemplative-eremitical life of Lebh Shomea, there is no additional cost for tuition. However, a slight fee may be asked to cover administrative expenses for Certificate of Studies candidates.
Lebh Shomea House of Prayer
La Parra Ranch
P.O. Box 9
Sarita, TX 78385-0009
Tel: 361-294-5369 ~ Fax: 361-294-5791
e-mail: info@lebhshomea.org