At the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver, John Paul II called Catholics to a New Evangelization, to renew their commitment to Christ. As a response to this call, Catholic scholars in 2005 established in Denver a graduate school dedicated to transforming Catholic education for the New Evangelization. On May 19, 2007, the first class of 11 students graduated. In the 2009-2010 academic year, the Augustine Institute had 84 students taking courses on campus, and 157 students enrolled in its distance education program. In 2012, AI relocated to the Denver Tech Center.
Academics
The Colorado Department of Higher Education authorizes AI to grant degrees. AI's programs emphasize fidelity to the magisterium, especially as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, as well as flexibility. Some Catholic dioceses use AI programs to help train their permanent deacons. The school stays closely connected with the local Catholic bishop. AI offers a Master of Arts in Theology degree as well as theology certificates. The Master of Theology degree curriculum focuses on the theological foundations for effective catechesis and evangelization. The core curriculum consists of twelve courses that provide students with a foundation in Sacred Scripture, Dogma, Church History, and Evangelization. In addition, students have four elective options. If students utilize their electives in one area of concentration in the curriculum they may receive a concentration certificate in addition to their Master's degree. Certificate concentrations currently include: Evangelization and Catechesis, Sacred Scripture, and Youth Ministry.
Education philosophy
The Augustine Institute was founded in 2005 on the 1650th anniversary year of the birth of St. Augustine of Hippo. Inspired by Augustine's approach to theology and evangelization, the disciplines of theology, history and pedagogy are used in order to equip those who wish to share the Catholic faith with others.
Accreditation
As of June 2012, the Augustine Institute is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools. The AI is applying for candidacy during the spring 2013 semester. This will commence a two year self study. Accreditation will be granted upon the successful completion of this study. In early 2016, the Augustine Institute announced that its graduate school of theology was fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Parish programming
In addition to the graduate school, the AI has expanded to provide disciple-based parish programming and leadership formation to dioceses and parishes across America. These new programs are YDisciple, Opening the Word, FORMED, Beloved, Reborn, Lectio, and Symbolon RCIA. YDisciple uses small group discussions, and youth minister and adult leader training and formation. In 2015, more than 1,500 youth were involved in YDisciple groups around the United States. Opening the Word is a weekly Catholic faith formation resource. Lectio is a dynamic scripture study program with series on St. Peter, the Eucharist, Evangelization, and Prayer. Beloved and Reborn are series for parish sacramental prep for Matrimony and Baptism respectively. Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told is a 10-part documentary based on the book The Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC.
Journal
AI publishes the English edition of the quarterly theological journal Nova et Vetera. The English edition of Nova et Vetera is published quarterly and provides an international forum for theological and philosophical studies from a Thomistic perspective. The journal strives to follow the culturally engaged, ecclesial, broadly Thomistic, and dialogical perspective of the founder of the Swiss Nova et Vetera, Charles Journet. Journet worked at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and biblical studies. Authors who have published articles in Nova et Vetera include Robert Barron, Richard Bauckham, Romanus Cessario, OP, Georges Cardinal Cottier, OP, Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, OP, Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ, Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Richard B. Hays, Russell Hittinger, William Kurz, SJ, Bruce Marshall, Francis Martin, Frank Matera, Edward T. Oakes, SJ, Michele Schumacher, Christopher Seitz, Janet E. Smith, Geoffrey Wainwright, Thomas Weinandy, OFM Cap., and Robert Louis Wilken.
