Previous Years' Course Catalogues

The Roman Catholic Church is in the midst of a Synodal process, one which Pope Francis has declared to be the ongoing manner of proceeding for the Church. "The Synod is not a parliament or an opinion poll; the Synod is an ecclesial event and its protagonist is the Holy Spirit." This course will trace the theological origins from Vatican II (Lumen Gentium and the particular focus on the People of God) and key characteristics of the process (listening, spiritual conversation, discernment, all of which have a significant theological foundation). The responses already received from the universal church will be considered including concern for: the ecumenical and inter-faith engagements that have occurred; the importance of co-responsibility; the participation of women and young people; and a universal concern for minority groups; the ongoing need for formation. The course will also consider the challenges that the process faces as it continues.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church's understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse theologies of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church’s understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse ‘theologies’ of Church through some of the
primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational—interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church¢‚¬„¢s‚ understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the‚ world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical‚ development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the‚ ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some‚ pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and‚ ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse ¢‚¬Ëœtheologies¢‚¬„¢ of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to‚ understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed‚ interest in interdenominational¢‚¬€interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and‚ the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist‚ methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church's understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse "theologies" of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church's understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse theologies of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church's understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse theologies of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of the Church and the Church's understanding of itself as a principal mediator of the mystery and grace of God in the world. The approach of the course will be threefold: 1) a study of the historical development of ecclesial structures with special emphasis on understanding the ecclesiology of the second Vatican Council. This will include, a discussion of some pertinent issues arising from the Council such as the magisterium, collegiality, and ministry; 2) an understanding of the diverse theologies of Church through some of the primary images and models in which it understands itself; and 3) an attempt to understand the ecumenical emphasis of Vatican II that has given rise to a renewed interest in interdenominational interreligious dialogue, mission and inculturation, and the emergence of contextual approaches such as the feminist and liberationist methodologies.

Catholic education, catechesis, and schooling are rooted in a centuries-long tradition of educating in faith as articulated in a variety of schools of spirituality. These schools of spirituality influence not only what is taught, but the educational approaches and practices that are used. This course will explore the foundational texts from major schools of spirituality and explore the ways that these have led to a variety of pedagogical practices in the formation of faith. Particular attention will be given to how these spiritual traditions inform the life of Catholic schools and universities, but application to other congregational and other ministerial contexts will also be explored.

Catholic education, catechesis, and schooling are rooted in a centuries-long tradition of educating in faith as articulated in a variety of schools of spirituality. These schools of spirituality influence not only what is taught, but the educational approaches and practices that are used. This course will explore the foundational texts from major schools of spirituality and explore the ways that these have led to a variety of pedagogical practices in the formation of faith. Particular attention will be given to how these spiritual traditions inform the life of Catholic schools and universities, but application to other congregational and other ministerial contexts will also be explored.

Examines the theology and sacramental foundations of the priesthood of the baptized and the ministerial priesthood and their interrelationship within the church envisioned as an ordered community.