Pastoral Studies

An introductory survey of the first five books of the Old Testament--as the story of the people of Israel, with emphasis on the historical, literary, theological, and social contexts that shaped the development of the Pentateuch, its foundational importance, and continued relevance

This course explores the possibility and fact of revelation in Israel and Christ; its mediation in Scripture (inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, and exegesis) and tradition; its reception in faith and expression in doctrine; faith and reason; the method and tasks of theology; and the role and importance of religious experience and of the teaching office of the Church.

This course explores the foundations and development of Catholic moral theology. Emphasizing methodology and traditional Catholic approaches, this course focuses on the role of the human person as moral agent. The course includes lecture, moral case studies and seminar discussions.

This course is an introduction to the Church’s public worship through the seven sacraments. It will focus upon the systematic historical and theological frameworks within which the principles and practice of the sacraments developed. The principles of sacramental theology will be explored with particular regard to catechesis and pastoral practice, with some attention to the relevant canon law.

This course introduces the history of the Church from its Jewish roots to the present. Particular attention is paid to the geographical expansion of the Church, its engagement with various cultures, and the relations between Church and state.

This course orients students to the major themes of creation and exodus, covenant and prophecy, law and wisdom in the Old Testament. Consideration is given to the development of Israelite monotheism and the development of Messianic expectations in Israel.

Patrology, or the study of the early Fathers of the Church, is in a very real sense the study of ourselves. The Fathers, not having the benefit of first-hand experience of Our Lord, relied upon testimony of those who had, i.e. tradition. The study of Patrology is the story of our beginnings as a Catholic Church and is an endeavor which connects us to both our earliest traditions and provides us with the foundations of our doctrine.

This graduate introduction to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) will focus on the text of each of these Gospels and their respective literary, historical and social contexts. The course will begin with an overview of the OT traditions that the canonical Gospels build upon. Following an introduction to the canonical Gospels, special attention will be given to key texts that will help to provide a greater understanding of the teaching of Jesus as well as insight into the theological perspective of each of the individual evangelists. Attention will also be given to the origin and growth of these Gospels and the communities they address within the context of early Christianity. Included is the study of how each gospel is fashioned in such a way so as to make them unique and effective in deepening the faith of their own particular churches and of us today as well. This is a Roman Catholic approach to the Scriptures in light of Dei Verbum that makes use of the critical tools of contemporary biblical scholarship of historical, literary, theological (that includes the spiritual) and pastoral interest.

An introduction to the study of the Church's public worship, beginning with a study of ritual action as constitutive of life. Principles of liturgical theology. A survey of the history of the evolution of liturgical practice culminating with a study of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Directory for Masses with Children, the Episcopal documents on music, art & architecture and Eucharistic practices, the Lectionary for Mass, the Liturgical Year, and the General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours. A study of liturgical spirituality and an overview of the structure of the liturgy of the Eucharist from a historical and cultural perspective.

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 introduces the student to the doctrine of God, the Trinity, Incarnation, and the nature of revelation and faith. Critical to understanding the foundation of Christian theology is the role of reason in relationship to faith and established Church teaching.

This course presents the mystery of the Triune God revealed in the mission of Christ and the gift of the Spirit. Special attention is given to: the transformation of Jewish monotheism by New Testament revelation; the tandem development of trinitarian and christological doctrine in the patristic Church; a systematic perspective on the Triune God, the person and work of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit; and the pastoral implications of the Catholic doctrine of God and Christ. Prerequisite: Sacred Scripture.

The capstone course, CG 5323 Christian Anthropology and Eschatology explores the human person in the light of Christian revelation: the human person as created in the image of God, intended human nature as corrupted by original sin, its restoration in Christ through grace; and, the doctrines of justification, good works (human cooperation), and merit in the history of theology. This course also explores the destiny of the human person according to the doctrine of Christian eschatology with a view towards the hope of eternal union with God. The capstone experience assesses each student's understanding of themselves in light of the doctrines of anthropology and eschatology and integrates the program's course of study in a written paper.

This course presents the origins of the Church in the mission of the Messiah, and the development of Christian understanding of the mystery of the Church. Special attention is given to the ecclesiology of Vatican II: the mystery of the Church with its hierarchical and charismatic gifts, the communion of saints, the Catholic Church’s commitment to ecumenism and religious liberty, and the mission of the Church today. Some consideration will also be given to Catholic social teaching as an articulation of the Church’s mission. Prerequisite: Sacred Scripture, Church History.

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.

This course will explore the rich variety of New Testament letters attributed to the Apostle Paul in their early Christian contexts. Attention will be given to specific and key biblical texts and major theological themes as well as foundational events and experiences that gave rise to this life-giving faith witness. The methodology makes use of the important tools of contemporary biblical scholarship of literary, historical, theological and pastoral significance and interest.

Directed Reading: Scripture

Directed Reading: Church History

Directed Reading: Sacraments

Directed Reading: Systematic Theology

Directed Reading: Pastoral Theology

This Directed Reading course will offer the student the opportunity to identify areas of Christian spirituality with the cultural context in which the American way of life is formed and shaped. The student will be expected, particularly, to relate aspects of human development, Christian spirituality and the American way of life.