Course Catalogue 2026-2027

This course is a historical, systematic, and pastoral study of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (reconciliation, sacrament of the sick), sacraments of vocation (marriage and orders) in Roman Catholic practice.

This course is a historical, systematic, and pastoral study of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (reconciliation, sacrament of the sick), sacraments of vocation (marriage and orders) in Roman Catholic practice.

This course is a historical, systematic, and pastoral study of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (reconciliation, sacrament of the sick), sacraments of vocation (marriage and orders) in Roman Catholic practice.

This course is a historical, systematic, and pastoral study of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (reconciliation, sacrament of the sick), sacraments of vocation (marriage and orders) in Roman Catholic practice.

Historically, the experiences of Indigenous Christians in the churches have not been honoured or valued. At best, they were marginalized, and this is still the case today. Using Indigenous methodologies of teaching and learning and a storytelling approach, Indigenous Christian elders and teachers offer in this course a different view of Indigenous Christian experiences and highlight their theological, spiritual, and ecclesial contribution to the churches. Learning to honour Indigenous Christian experiences is a gift to the transformation of the churches and an important step on the journey towards reconciliation.

This course explores the key concepts and thinkers of the critical pedagogy movement and how these have informed Christian theology and education. The course is grounded in the writings of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, exploring his critical pedagogy as a response to situations where human dignity is threatened. The further contributions of scholars of critical and feminist pedagogies will expand the conversation to consider critical pedagogy as a Christian response to suffering and oppression. Centered on Freire’s dialogical approach to education, the course invites students to examine the interconnectedness of love, hope, justice, and dialogue in religious education and pastoral ministry.

Many major philosophical figures addressed educational issues and had a significant impact on the theory and practice of education, both in their own immediate contexts and in the longer term. Each time the course is offered, a selection will be made from the writings of two or three of these philosophers (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Dewey). Particular attention will be given to anthropological and epistemological convictions and the implications of these for an understanding of learning and the conception of an educated person. Participants will be able to focus on the connections between the selected authors’ educational thought and their broader philosophical concerns or on the influence and implications of their writings for the current practice of education. They will be encouraged to discern insights and distortions in the light of a biblically informed view of the person as they develop further their own perspective on education.

This course is designed to enable participants to understand, develop and encourage faithful leadership in Christian schools. The vision of Christian schooling that leaders seek to sustain is not simply their own, but school leaders are a vital link in the translation of parents' priorities into the life of classrooms. Participants will examine leadership and management structures critically in light of: communal and personal educational focus and values; the need to nurture community; the need to sustain a dynamic vision for schooling. This online course employs an extensive Study Guide, a book, book chapters and journal articles, with an online discussion forum and Skype/telephone conferencing. Participation in the forum and a professionally-oriented research paper will provide the basis for evaluation.

This course is designed to enable participants to understand, develop and encourage faithful leadership in Christian schools. The vision of Christian schooling that leaders seek to sustain is not simply their own, but school leaders are a vital link in the translation of parents' priorities into the life of classrooms. Participants will examine leadership and management structures critically in light of: communal and personal educational focus and values; the need to nurture community; the need to sustain a dynamic vision for schooling. This online course employs an extensive Study Guide, a book, book chapters and journal articles, with an online discussion forum and Skype/telephone conferencing. Participation in the forum and a professionally-oriented research paper will provide the basis for evaluation.

The course deals with the relationship between the Catholic educator and theology. This course is distinct from a theology of education, but there are common themes. Students will be introduced to the themes that draw out the relationship between theology and the role of the educator in the context of Catholic education. Students will read texts on the nature of theology and how it informs and shapes the mission and vocation of the educator, and the place of theological reflection specific to the educator.

The course deals with the relationship between the Catholic educator and theology. This course is distinct from a theology of education, but there are common themes. Students will be introduced to the themes that draw out the relationship between theology and the role of the educator in the context of Catholic education. Students will read texts on the nature of theology and how it informs and shapes the mission and vocation of the educator, and the place of theological reflection specific to the educator.

Foundational philosophical issues in education. The identity and distinctiveness of Catholic Education. Canadian Catholic education. Curriculum integration and unity of knowledge, unity of truth, and unity of the human person. Ecclesial documents and pedagogy. Lecture, seminar, attendance, participation, two papers.