Pastoral Theology

This practical course for Diaconal Formation includes instruction on the methods and skills necessary for presiding at liturgical rites and preparing a well-constructed and well-delivered homily for that particular liturgy. This one credit hour course will ground the student in the foundational principles of liturgical worship to help in the development of an effective presence at baptisms, marriages, viaticum, RCIA rituals in and outside the context of mass, as well as participation at confirmation, reconciliations, blessings, anointing of the sick, funerals, and rituals for the dying. Emphasis is given to the interplay between the Scripture readings, the ritual, the presider, and the assembly. Students will prepare a ritual of the church and deliver an appropriate homily at the practice ritual, which will be critically discussed and evaluated by the instructor and fellow students.

This course will give students an introduction into to the biblical text and structure and will explore methodologies used in the exegesis of Sacred Scripture drawing upon Dei Verbum from the Second Vatican Council and the Interpretation of the Bible in the Church from the Pontifical Biblical Commission; the major Biblical forms of criticism currently employed by modern exegetes (narrative criticism, form criticism, source criticism, redaction criticism, social-science criticism, canonical criticism, to name a few) including also introduction and survey of patristic exegetical methods pertaining to Scripture and its development will be explored. It is the goal of this course to prepare the student for subsequent examinations of scripture using Catholic methods of scriptural analysis.

Christian Faith I (CCC)

An introductory course in the Old Testament as the story of a people with emphasis on the historical, literary, theological, and social contexts in the development of the Pentateuch and the Deuteronomic historical books, Joshua, and Judges.

Overview of historical context and importance of the Second Vatican Council and in-depth study of its primary texts, including a focus on modern interpretations and implications of the council in relation to the actual teaching and ongoing significance of the documents themselves.

This course offers an introduction to the study of the establishment of the monarchy and the role of the Minor Prophets (Latter Prophets). Areas of inquiry will also include the story of the northern and southern prophets and the Fall of Jerusalem. Special emphasis will be given to the style of communication and theological themes of the prophets.

Course studies the biblical genre of Wisdom as expressed in the Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Book of Wisdom, Wisdom of Sirach, Baruch, and parts of the Psalms. The study will include the nature of the Scriptural genre of Wisdom as normative direct address, including single sentences, proverbial and hortatory, and in longer discourses and poems, with discussion also of the interplay between theology and philosophy in these books.

An introduction to the foundations, components, and progression of classic philosophical thought. Course includes the contributions of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and others important philosophers.

This course will introduce students to the history, theology, spirituality, praxis and challenges of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. The course will be grounded in the Vatican II documents: Unitatis Redintegratio and Nostra Aetate and will consider recent developments, documents and official dialogues with Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant and Evangelical Christians and the relationships with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

This course offers an introduction to the contemporary study of the Deuteronomistic Historical Books (Former Prophets) and the Major and Minor Prophets (Latter Prophets). Typical areas of inquiry will include the story of the Conquest, the Judges, pre-Israelite prophecy, the northern and southern prophets and the Fall of Jerusalem. Special emphasis will be given to the prophets' style of communication as well as the role of the prophet in Israelite and Judahite society.

This course will explore the writings of Paul and seek to understand his importance for the early Christian Community. We will explore how Paul goes from being a leader in the persecution of Christians to becoming the Apostle to the Gentiles. It is Paul’s understanding of Judaism that helps guide the Early Church to becoming its own religion, distinct from Judaism. From his letters, we can see clearly the issues, concerns, problems and faith of the Early Church.

This course seeks to give students a comprehensive summary of church history. Church History will survey development of the Church from its Jewish roots through the period of the Church Fathers on through the Vatican II era of the present day; attention will also be given of the American Catholic Church, including the early missionary period to the present. This course will include lecture, discussion, and primary source readings.

This course is a theological exploration of God’s divine self-communication to humankind in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit and humankind’s graced response to that revelation in the life of faith. The course will begin with a reflection on the nature of human experience as the locus of the encounter between God and humankind. Reflections on the relationship between faith and reason, philosophy and theology prepares introduces the ways of knowing God. We will then explore the way in which the one divine revelation is mediated through Scripture and Tradition and given normative expression in dogma and doctrine. The respective roles of the magisterium, theologians and the sensus fidelium in the faithful transmission and reception of the Catholic faith will also be explored at length.

This course seeks to examine the nature of the church as the mystery of God's communion with us and our communion with each other in him. We examine various approaches to ecclesiology, in particular the approach of communio. Attention to the four marks of the church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic provides a framework for consideration of particular issues facing the church. Ecumenical issues are examined throughout the study and pastoral application for ministry are discussed when appropriate.

This course will explore: the God of Judeo-Christian revelation, the economic and immanent Trinity, trace the development of Trinitarian theology, examine the person of the Father in creation, the Son Jesus Christ and His mission of salvation, and explore the Holy Spirit as Lord and Sanctifier. All of these theological explorations will be understood in the context of the Church's tradition.

This course offers a systematic study of the person and mission of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture and Tradition. The course will provide an examination of the development of Christology and soteriology with special emphasis on the authoritative teaching of the Church. The course will also develop theological reflection on the role of Mary as the Virgin Mother of the Savior. Prerequisite: Revelation and Faith

The course will deal with contemporary moral issues in the context of Roman Catholic moral principles and the clinical/pastoral applications. Topics include: Perinatology issues (birth control, abortion, human reproductive assistance, etc.), organ transplants, genetic engineering, sexuality and gender issues, stem cell research, dying and death, resource allocation and some aspects of environmental ethics.

An introduction to the Church’s public worship and to the Sacraments. Principles of sacramental theology especially with regard to catechesis and pastoral practice. A close study of the various rites which are part of the Sacraments of Initiation and the Eucharist which deacons can either celebrate or use as they prepare others.

An introduction to the Church’s public worship and to the Sacraments. Principles of sacramental theology especially with regard to catechesis and pastoral practice. A close study of the various rites which are part of the Sacraments of Marriage, Penance, and Orders, and Ministries to the Sick and Dying.

An introduction to the Church’s public worship and to the Sacraments. Principles of sacramental theology and study of the various rites which are part of the Sacraments of Initiation and the Eucharist, catechesis and pastoral practice. Attention also to the Sacraments of Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance and the Anointing of the Sick, and of the Funeral Rites which deacons may celebrate or prepare others for.

An introductory course in the Old Testament as the story of a people with emphasis on the historical, literary, theological, and social contexts in the development of the Pentateuch and the Deuteronomic historical books.

Introduction to Liturgy

Study of the Gospel of John, with the view of its use in the liturgy and pastoral ministry. The background, structure, characteristics, and theology of the Gospel are discussed, with focus on its Christology and Sacramental Theology specifically. The Johannine Epistles (1, 2, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation are also given special attention.

Course will provide a study of the human person in the light of Christian revelation as created in the image of God, fallen through original sin and restored in Christ, to include a systematic discussion of grace, justification, good works and merit in the history of theology with an orientation to contemporary ecumenical dialogue.

Founded on a Christian understanding of Incarnation and anthropology, course studies the natural and supernatural destiny of the human person as created by God. Attention will be given to the classic Last Things, death, judgment, heaven and hell, as well as issues in theodicy, Christian hope, and the human entry into the fullness of the mystery of God.

Course explores the person and work of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture and received in the Church, the formation of the Church’s doctrinal and theological tradition, the questions raised by contemporary methods of biblical study, and theological approaches to the mystery of Christ’s person and his place in the economy of salvation. Examination of the God of Judeo-Christian revelation with consideration of the predicament of Theology in the face of atheism and secularism. This course will explore God’s self-revelation in the Old and New Testaments as well as the economic and immanent Trinity, and trace the development of Trinitarian theology.

Consideration of the moral and spiritual life from the apostolic age to the present, with reflection on the role of human nature, human action, conscience, judgment, character, virtue, vice, and the relationship of nature and grace in human action, the role of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of scripture and theological reflection on the moral life. From these foundations, students will study conscience formation in moral decision making and the role of the magisterium in dealing with moral questions and conflict--course will engage students in study and reflection on contemporary issues in medicine, the use of medical technology, genetic research and biomedical science.

This course will explore the ways that the mystery of salvation is signified in the liturgical life of the Church, and the devotional life of the Christian. Through examining the elements of liturgy and the liturgical year, the student will explore the unfolding of the year of grace, so that the Christian will come to know and experience how “all time belongs to Him and all ages.” Through lecture, practicum and reading, the course will heighten the awareness that the Church’s Liturgical year is filled with sign and symbol, in language, ritual action, art and architecture, and music, to promote active participation in the Church’s mysteries to deepen the encounter with Christ in every time and season.

This practical course on presiding and homiletics for Diaconal Formation includes instruction on the methods and skills necessary for presiding at liturgical rites and preparing a well constructed and well delivered homily for that particular liturgy. This one credit hour course will ground the student in the foundational principles of liturgical prayer to help in the development of effective leadership as presider as well as the basic principles and practical advice necessary to prepare a good homily. Emphasis is given to the interplay between the Scripture readings, the ritual, the presider, and the assembly. Students will prepare a ritual of the church and deliver an appropriate homily at the practice ritual, which will be critically discussed and evaluated by the instructor and fellow students.

This practical course for Diaconal Formation includes instruction on the methods and skills necessary for presiding at liturgical rites and preparing a well-constructed and well-delivered homily for that particular liturgy. This one credit hour course will ground the student in the foundational principles of liturgical worship to help in the development of an effective presence at baptisms, marriages, viaticum, RCIA rituals in and outside the context of mass, as well as participation at confirmation, reconciliations, blessings, anointing of the sick, funerals, and rituals for the dying. Emphasis is given to the interplay between the Scripture readings, the ritual, the presider, and the assembly. Students will prepare a ritual of the church and deliver an appropriate homily at the practice ritual, which will be critically discussed and evaluated by the instructor and fellow students.

This Directed Reading course will not be used often, but it pro vides the possibility for a student to add one necessary hour of coursework when needed--for example, a student transferring in hour s from another institution where the credit-hour equivalency is not exact; this one-hour Directed Reading could add the required hour s necessary for program completion.