The figures relating to a three-year digital degree course in Catholic theology, jointly launched by the University of Passau and the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt a year and a half ago, have attracted considerable attention. The course started with 70 students; this autumn, there are 89 first-year students enrolled. In Passau, this has contributed, among other things, to a sevenfold increase in the number of bachelor’s and master’s degree students in the Department of Catholic Theology over the last three years, with over 140 students enrolled from across the German-speaking world. Among the new enrollees, more than 60% are aged 40 or over, work full-time or part-time, and have family commitments; a traditional on-campus programme such as a master’s degree is therefore not an option for them. The dual digital study programme in religious education at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences (KSH) in Munich/Benediktbeuern is also a sign of renewal. The reasons why students enrol in this programme are similar in many respects to those of students in Passau and Eichstätt: “These are committed people from parishes who have a strong interest in church-related professions but cannot easily travel to campus”, said Ralf Gaus, professor of religious education and head of the study programme. They are often people from other professions and educational backgrounds who are considering becoming parish workers. “The format is very popular with dioceses, as students are involved in parish work from the outset and play a key role”, Gaus explained.