Ascension Theological College

An educational program … must not be only a school, but a movement in spirit that goes beyond the reason of the academy. It must nurture the roots of life with balanced rations of mysticism. Only mysticism sustains the vitality and reality of faith. Education nowadays is often an attempt to serve the status quo. It shall not be so with us. We will lead you into brighter horizons and out into greater fulfillment. We will share many treasures with you that will open new vistas into a better and finer life. – Archbishop Herman Adrian Spruit, 1959
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Ascension Theological College is a non-accredited, highly decentralized, program of study that offers structured guidance and mentorship to those willing to undergo rigorous study and practice that may lead to ordained or non-ordained ministry within the context of an inclusive, "independent," Catholic spiritual renewal movement.

Decentralization and Individualization
A hallmark of our approach is that we recognize there are many legitimate ways to learn and that our candidates may come from almost anywhere in the world, with diverse needs, resources, and local study opportunities. These may include but need not be limited to the following:
  • Distance learning courses through our program
  • Ascension workshops, “intensive” courses, and retreats held at the Hermitage or other locations
  • Graduate studies at other institutions of higher learning
  • Distance learning courses taken at other institutions
  • Independent study courses done with an approved instructor according to the provisions of an independent study contract
  • Individualized readings courses (by theme or author) done under the supervision of an approved reader, to include assignments and the submission of a final Integration Paper
  • Hands-on projects
  • Practica, CPE, or other supervised applied learning experiences
  • ​Attendance at specialized workshops by approved teachers or organizations

Current Leadership​
  • Rev. Leslie Aguillard, General Assembly Representative, Board of Governors
  • Most Rev. Bernie Finch, D.D., D.C., Bishop; Permanent Member, Board of Governors
  • Most Rev. Roberto Foss, D.D., J.D., Presiding Bishop; Archbishop; Member, Board of Governors
  • Most Rev. Patsy Grubbs, D.D., Presiding Bishop Emerita; Archbishop; Permanent Member, Board of Governors
  • Most Rev. Alan R. Kemp, D.D., D.Min, Founder & Presiding Bishop Emeritus; Archbishop; Permanent Member, Board of Governors
​For more detailed information, please see the college’s catalog, which is available in pdf format from our website or on request by postal mail.​

What We Offer

We strive to provide high quality academic programming at a modest cost. Our programs help prepare seminarians for sacramental ministry (Catholic apostolic priesthood), non-sacramental ministry, and pastoral counseling. We offer the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Divinity degree to those who do not already have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; the Master of Divinity to those who do; the Master of Pastoral Counseling for qualified candidates who feel called to do counseling within a spiritual context; the Master of Spirituality for those interested in personal enrichment or non-ordained creative ministry; the Master of Theological Studies for those interested in ordained non-sacramental ministry; and the Doctor of Ministry to select students who have a master’s degree and extensive ministry experience, see below, under “Doctoral Studies.” The course of studies is both structured and individualized. The educational expectations are comparable to those of other seminaries though the curriculum reflects our unique renewal philosophy and style of learning.
Legal Notice: Religious Exempt Status
The Washington Student Achievement Council has determined that Ascension Theological College qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree- Granting Institutions Act for the following programs: Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Pastoral Counseling (M.P.C.), Master of Spirituality (M.Sp.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.). The Council makes no evaluation of the administration, faculty, business practices, financial condition or quality of the offerings by this institution. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at [email protected].
We are pleased to report that our state's regulatory body, the Washington Student Achievement Council, has renewed our religious-exempt status for another two years. This makes it possible for us to lawfully award academic credit and confer theological degrees within the State of Washington.
Nondiscrimination Policy
​Ascension Theological College admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or sexual orientation, in the administration of our educational policies; scholarship and loan programs; and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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