The perfect Church for imperfect people
THE OLD CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
Theological Education • Spiritual Formation • Ministerial Preparation
About The Old Catholic University
The Old Catholic University is a center of theological education and spiritual formation established within the ministry of The Old Catholic Church and its Patriarchate. The University is dedicated to the preservation, study, and transmission of the apostolic faith of the historic Church as received by the Holy Undivided Church of the first millennium.
Rooted in the living tradition of Western Orthodoxy, the University seeks to remain faithful to the ancient faith of the Church while forming ministers, scholars, and faithful disciples capable of serving the people of God with theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
The theological identity of The Old Catholic University is grounded in fidelity to Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, the witness of the Fathers of the Church, and the doctrinal teaching of the Ecumenical Councils.
Within this tradition, the University embraces a theological identity that is:
Catholic but not Roman
Orthodox but not Eastern
This identity reflects the historic faith of the Holy Undivided Church, preserved within the spiritual, liturgical, and theological heritage of the Christian West.
At the heart of the University's life is a Christ-centered theology enriched by authentic Marian devotion, reflecting the ancient tradition in which devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary always leads the faithful more deeply into the mystery of Christ and His saving work.
A Tradition of Western Orthodoxy
The Old Catholic University stands within the theological and spiritual tradition often described as Western Orthodoxy. This tradition seeks to preserve the apostolic faith as it was lived and expressed in the Western Church prior to the divisions that later shaped Christian history.
Western Orthodoxy represents the continuity of the ancient Catholic faith within the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Christian West while maintaining fidelity to the doctrine of the Holy Undivided Church.
This tradition affirms:
• fidelity to the faith of the Holy Undivided Church
• the authority of Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Tradition
• the doctrinal witness of the Ecumenical Councils
• the theological heritage of the Fathers of the Church
• the sacramental and liturgical life of the historic Church
Within this context, theological education is understood not merely as academic study but as participation in the living tradition of the Church.
Christ-Centered and Marian Spirituality
The spiritual life of The Old Catholic University is deeply Christ-centered, recognizing Jesus Christ as the source and center of all theological reflection, pastoral ministry, and Christian life.
Within this Christ-centered faith, the University also embraces the historic Marian devotion of the Church, understanding the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model of faithful discipleship and a guide who leads the faithful toward a deeper participation in the mystery of Christ.
In the ancient tradition of the Church:
Mary always leads the faithful to Christ.
Christ remains the center of faith, theology, and salvation.
This Christ-centered and Marian spiritual heritage forms an integral part of the University's theological and spiritual identity.
Formation for Ministry
The Old Catholic University exists to support the formation of clergy, ministers, scholars, and the lay faithful of the Church who are called to serve within the life and mission of the Church.
Through its programs of theological education and ministerial formation, the University prepares individuals for:
• pastoral leadership
• service within the life of the Church
• theological scholarship
• spiritual formation and discipleship
• teaching and catechesis within the Church
While the University serves candidates discerning a call to ordination within The Old Catholic Church, it also welcomes students from other ecclesial traditions who desire serious theological study within the context of the apostolic faith of the Holy Undivided Church.
St. Matthew of South Mimms Seminary
As part of its commitment to the formation of clergy, The Old Catholic University includes within its academic life St. Matthew of South Mimms Seminary. The Seminary serves as a center of clerical formation, theological study, and pastoral preparation for those discerning a call to ordained ministry.
The Seminary reflects the same theological vision that guides the University:
• fidelity to the faith of the Holy Undivided Church
• reverence for the sacramental life of the Church
• formation of clergy grounded in spiritual maturity and theological depth
An International Community of Learning
The Old Catholic University serves a diverse and international community of students.
To support this global mission, the University offers its programs in:
• English
• French
• Spanish
This multilingual approach allows theological education to be accessible to students from many regions of the world and contributes to the formation of leaders who will serve the Church in diverse cultural contexts.
Study, Prayer, and Service
At the heart of the life of The Old Catholic University is the integration of study, prayer, and service.
Theological education is understood not simply as academic instruction but as a journey in which:
• intellectual study
• liturgical participation
• spiritual discipline
• pastoral service
are united.
Through this integration, the University seeks to form leaders who are spiritually grounded, theologically informed, and devoted to the service of Christ and His Church.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The mission of The Old Catholic University is to provide theological education, spiritual formation, and ministerial preparation rooted in the apostolic faith of the Holy Undivided Church of the first millennium.
Faithful to Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, and the theological heritage of the Fathers of the Church, the University seeks to preserve and transmit the historic Catholic faith within the tradition of Western Orthodoxy.
The University affirms a theological identity that is:
Catholic but not Roman
Orthodox but not Eastern
and seeks to remain faithful to the apostolic faith while drawing upon the spiritual, theological, and liturgical heritage of the Christian West.
Vision
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The vision of The Old Catholic University is to serve the Church as a center of theological learning, spiritual formation, and ministerial preparation rooted in the apostolic faith of the Holy Undivided Church.
Through its programs of theological education and ministerial formation, the University seeks to form ministers, scholars, and faithful disciples capable of serving the Church with theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and spiritual maturity.
The University aspires to contribute to the renewal of Christian leadership by forming leaders who will faithfully proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacramental life of the Church, and guide the faithful with wisdom and compassion.
Spiritual Identity and Theological Tradition
Spiritual Identity and Theological Tradition
Spiritual Identity and Theological Tradition
The Old Catholic University is rooted in the theological and spiritual tradition of the historic Catholic faith as preserved in the Holy Undivided Church of the first millennium.
The University stands within the tradition of Western Orthodoxy, preserving the apostolic faith as expressed in the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Western Church.
This tradition affirms:
• Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Tradition
• the teachings of the Fathers of the Church
• the doctrinal authority of the Ecumenical Councils
• the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church
Students are encouraged to engage deeply with the classical sources of theology and the spiritual wisdom of the ancient Church.
The spiritual life of the University is nourished through:
• prayer
• liturgical worship
• reflection on Sacred Scripture
• participation in the sacramental life of the Church
The University also draws inspiration from the Western monastic tradition, particularly the Rule of Saint Benedict, which emphasizes humility, stability, obedience, and the sanctification of daily life through prayer and work.
Core Values
Spiritual Identity and Theological Tradition
Spiritual Identity and Theological Tradition
Fidelity to the Apostolic Faith
We are committed to preserving and teaching the faith transmitted by the apostles and faithfully expressed within the undivided Church.
Western Orthodox Identity
We uphold the ancient Catholic faith expressed within the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Christian West.
Christ-Centered Theology
All theological study and spiritual formation are centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Marian Spirituality
Authentic devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary leads believers more deeply into the mystery of Christ and the life of the Church.
Integration of Faith and Learning
Academic theological inquiry is integrated with prayer, liturgical life, and spiritual discipline.
Pastoral Formation
Students are prepared for ministry through the development of pastoral wisdom, humility, and compassion.
Community of Learning
Faculty, clergy, and students participate together in a community dedicated to theological study and spiritual growth.
Global Mission
The University serves students from many nations and cultures while remaining firmly rooted in the apostolic faith of the undivided Church.
Academic Programs
Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition
The Old Catholic University offers programs of theological education and ministerial formation designed to support the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral development of individuals serving the Church.
Programs emphasize the integration of:
• theological scholarship
• spiritual formation
• pastoral leadership
• ecclesial service
The University currently offers programs at the following academic levels:
• Undergraduate theological education
• Graduate theological education
• Doctoral study in theology and ministry
Areas of Study
Academic programs include the classical disciplines of theological education:
• Sacred Scripture and Biblical Studies
• Historical Theology and the Fathers of the Church
• Systematic and Dogmatic Theology
• Liturgical Theology and Sacramental Studies
• Pastoral Theology and Ministry
• Ecclesiology and Church Leadership
• Christian Ethics and Moral Theology
• Spiritual Theology and Christian Spirituality
• Ecumenical Studies and Church History
Degree Programs
Bachelor Level
Bachelor’s Degree
- Bachelor of Old Catholic Theology (B.O.C.Th.)
The Bachelor of Old Catholic Theology is the foundational undergraduate degree of the University. It provides students with a structured introduction to Sacred Scripture, dogmatic theology, patristics, Church history, liturgical theology, sacramental theology, and Christian philosophy.
Master’s Degrees
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Master of Ministry Leadership (MML)
The Master of Divinity is the principal graduate degree for candidates preparing for ordained ministry, with advanced formation in theology, pastoral ministry, liturgical studies, and sacramental practice.
The Master of Ministry Leadership is a graduate ecclesiastical degree designed for clergy, lay leaders, and church leaders seeking advanced preparation in pastoral leadership, ecclesial governance, spiritual formation, and ministry development.sterial formation.
Doctoral Degrees
Ecclesiastical Purpose of Degrees
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
- Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.Th.D.)
The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced professional doctorate intended for experienced clergy and ministers seeking deeper pastoral, theological, and ministerial development.
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the University’s highest academic research degree, intended for theologians, scholars, and experienced clergy engaged in advanced theological research and scholarly contribution to the life of the Church.
Ecclesiastical Purpose of Degrees
Ecclesiastical Purpose of Degrees
Ecclesiastical Purpose of Degrees
All degrees awarded by The Old Catholic University are granted for religious and ecclesiastical purposes, including:
- ordination preparation
- theological education
- spiritual formation
- ministerial development
- ecclesiastical leadership training
- service within the Church
These degrees do not lead to state licensure and are not represented as secular professional qualifications.
Academic Catalog
Ecclesiastical Purpose of Degrees
Academic Catalog
The University maintains an academic catalog that outlines the structure of its programs, academic policies, and requirements for theological study and ministerial formation.
The catalog is periodically updated to reflect the continuing development of the University’s programs.
A revised catalog containing detailed course descriptions and program requirements will be made available as part of the University’s ongoing academic development.
Theological Formation and Ordination Preparation
Formation for Ordained Ministry
Formation for Ordained Ministry
Formation for Ordained Ministry
The Old Catholic University provides theological education and formation for individuals discerning a call to ordained ministry within The Old Catholic Church.
Preparation for ordination is rooted in the sacred tradition of the Holy Undivided Church and the theological heritage of Western Orthodoxy.
Candidates for ministry are formed through:
• theological study
• participation in the sacramental life of the Church
• spiritual discipline and prayer
• pastoral formation and ecclesial guidance
This formation seeks to prepare clergy who faithfully proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments of the Church, shepherd the faithful, and preserve the apostolic faith.
Formation of the Lay Faithful
Formation for Ordained Ministry
Formation for Ordained Ministry
In addition to preparing candidates for ordained ministry, The Old Catholic University serves the theological formation of the lay faithful of the Church.
Lay students pursue theological education in order to:
• deepen their knowledge of Sacred Scripture and the tradition of the Church
• strengthen their understanding of the apostolic faith
• serve the Church through teaching, catechesis, and pastoral service
• cultivate a deeper spiritual life grounded in prayer and sacramental participation
While the University primarily serves the faithful of The Old Catholic Church, it also welcomes students from other ecclesial traditions who desire serious theological study within the context of the apostolic faith of the Holy Undivided Church.
Global Community of Formation
Formation for Ordained Ministry
Global Community of Formation
The Old Catholic University serves an international community of students and welcomes not only those preparing for ministry within The Old Catholic Church, but also clergy, lay leaders, and students from independent churches, non-affiliated ecclesial communities, and other Christian bodies who seek serious theological, philosophical, and religious studies for ministry and service.
In support of this global mission, the University offers its academic programs in English, French, and Spanish, making theological education accessible to students from many regions of the world and from diverse pastoral contexts.
While the University remains rooted in the apostolic faith, the sacred tradition of the Holy Undivided Church, and the heritage of Western Orthodoxy, it also provides broader programs of study in theology, philosophy, and religious studies designed to support the formation needs of churches and ministries whose traditions, structures, and pastoral standards may differ.
Through this international and inclusive approach, The Old Catholic University seeks to provide accessible formation for those called to serve their communities with greater theological understanding, spiritual depth, pastoral wisdom, and fidelity to their vocation.
Academic Life at The Old Catholic University
Academic life at The Old Catholic University is designed to be more than the pursuit of knowledge. It is an invitation to enter into a meaningful journey of theological discovery, spiritual growth, and preparation for service within the Church.
Our programs are structured to make serious theological study accessible, manageable, and affordable, allowing students from many backgrounds and responsibilities to engage in formation while continuing their work, ministry, and family life. Through flexible learning and personal guidance, the University seeks to make theological education available to those who feel called to deepen their understanding of the faith and their service to the Church.
At The Old Catholic University, academic formation is always joined to spiritual formation. Students are encouraged not only to study theology, philosophy, and the sacred tradition of the Church, but also to cultivate a deeper life of prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
Faculty, clergy, and mentors accompany students throughout their studies, fostering a learning environment where intellectual development, spiritual maturity, and pastoral sensitivity grow together. The goal of this formation is not simply academic achievement, but the preparation of faithful leaders who are grounded in the apostolic tradition, attentive to the needs of the Church, and committed to serving the people of God with wisdom and humility.
Through this integrated approach to formation, The Old Catholic University invites students to participate in a community of learning dedicated to faith, tradition, scholarship, and service.
Seminary of St. Matthew of South Mimms
Seminary of St. Mathew of South Mimms
The Seminary of St. Matthew of South Mimms serves as the principal center for clergy formation within The Old Catholic University.
As an academic institute of the University, the Seminary is dedicated to the preparation of candidates for Holy Orders and to the continuing theological and pastoral formation of clergy.
Rooted in the apostolic tradition of the Church, the Seminary integrates spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and liturgical formation in order to prepare ministers who are faithful in doctrine, reverent in sacramental life, and wise in pastoral service.
Through its close relationship with the University, the Seminary supports the formation of deacons, priests, and church leaders for service within The Old Catholic Church and for broader ecclesial ministry in communities seeking serious theological preparation.
Governance of The Old Catholic University
The Old Catholic University operates under the ecclesiastical authority and patronage of The Old Catholic Church and its Patriarchate. Its governance reflects the Church’s mission of theological education, ministerial formation, and fidelity to the apostolic tradition.
Ecclesiastical Authority
Chancellor
The highest ecclesiastical authority of the University is vested in the Chancellor, who serves as the spiritual guardian and canonical overseer of the institution. The Chancellor safeguards the theological integrity of the University, ensures fidelity to the doctrine and discipline of The Old Catholic Church, approves major academic and institutional policies, confirms the appointment of senior academic officers, and guides the long-term ecclesial vision of the institution.
The office of Chancellor is held by:
His Beatitude +++ Mar Andrew Mathew (Angarita), CJ.
Patriarch of The Old Catholic Church
Founder and Chancellor of The Old Catholic University
Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor serves as the principal ecclesiastical deputy to the Chancellor and assists in the oversight of the University’s mission, ecclesial identity, academic development, and pastoral direction:
The office of Vice-Chancellor is held by:
His Grace +++ Mar Geoffrey Lazarous (Robinson), CJ.
Vice-Chancellor of The Old Catholic University
Coadjutor Patriarch of The Old Catholic Church
President
The President serves as the chief executive officer of the University and is responsible for the overall administration and operational leadership of the institution. The President oversees the academic and administrative life of the University, coordinates institutional initiatives, and supports the development of its educational programs.
The office of President is held by:
+ Mar Fredy Castro Rodriguez, CJ.
President of The Old Catholic University
Academic Dean
The Academic Dean is responsible for the academic standards and educational integrity of the University. The Academic Dean oversees curriculum development, faculty supervision, course offerings, academic evaluation, and student academic progress.
The office of Academic Dean is held by:
Rev. Fr. Felipe Cardenas Henriet + CJ.
Academic Dean of The Old Catholic University
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body responsible for the institutional stability, financial stewardship, policy guidance, and long-term development of the University. Working in collaboration with the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, President, and Academic Dean, the Board supports the mission of the University and its development as a center of theological education and ministerial formation.
Members of the Board may include bishops, clergy, and qualified lay professionals committed to the mission and vision of the institution.
