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Course Descriptions

Center for Diaconal Formation

Center for Diaconal Formation Course Descriptions

Course

Course Description

Course

Course Description

Synoptic Gospels
BIBL 6501
An historical and critical approach to the study of the gospels, its limits and benefits and its acceptability to the Church.
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Revelation and Faith
STHO 6202
An historical and systematic examination of the Catholic understanding of God's Self-Communication and humanity's correlative response in faith.
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Spirituality of the Old Testament
BIBL 6529
The Old Testament insight into the progressive revelation of Divine Presence and Fidelity.
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Christian Anthropology
STHO 6205
Beginning with the Scriptural understanding of human origins, an examination of the human condition from the viewpoint of Christian revelation.
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Christology
STHO 6203
The faith response to the Mystery of Jesus Christ, god's gift to us, in Scripture and Church tradition; an attempt to answer the question "Who do you say I am?" [Mt. 16:15] in light of contemporary concerns. Trinity
STHO 6204
A systematic and historical examination of the doctrine of the Triune God.
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History of Christianity HSTD 6809 An overview of the development of Christianity from its origins to the present.
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Major Themes in Christian Ethics
CETH 6130
This course will provide a survey of Christian ethics, including fundamental moral theology and Catholic teaching in sexual morality, healthcare and social justice.
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Intro to Preaching for Deacons
PTHO 6108
Introduction to homiletics and engagement in the process of biblical preaching, with attention to its pastoral function.
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Sacramental Theology-General
STHO 6504
A study of the Christological and ecclesial dimensions of the seven sacraments in general.
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Introduction to Pauline & Johannine Literature BIBL 6506
OR
Theology of Paul and John
STHO 6550
This course aims to introduce the student to an appreciation of various historical, literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul's Letters, especially those to the Galatians and Romans.
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Ecclesiology
STHO 6207
The mystery of the Church in its various human incarnations throughout history; the Church's foundation, nature and fundamental structure.
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Canon Law for Deacons CETH 6401 A survey of Canon Law with an emphasis on topics central for diaconal ministry.
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MA Seminar: Deacons and Christian Worship STHO 6888 A study of the history and theological development of the liturgy of the Roman Rite, with attention to the Liturgy of the Hours and the Liturgy of Vatican II, especially the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian living.
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Canon Law of Christian Marriage CETH 6405 The role of the deacon in the preparation of couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony in light of the current legislation of the Church.
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Theology of the Spiritual Life
STHO 6728
Theology of the Christian spiritual life: Biblical foundations; Patristic writings; classical sources; contemporary writings; anthropological foundations; progress in the spiritual life and its various stages; and mysticism.

Synoptic Gospels
BIBL 6501

An historical and critical approach to the study of the gospels, its limits and benefits and its acceptability to the Church. The "synoptic problem" and the consequences of its resolution for study of the gospels. Diverse forms within the gospels and the characteristics of each gospel.

Revelation and Faith
STHO 6202

An historical and systematic examination of the Catholic understanding of God's Self-Communication and humanity's correlative response in faith. On revelation: transmission of revelation; natural and supernatural revelation; Reformation and sola Scriptura; Trent and tradition; Newman on doctrinal development; and la nouvelle theologie and Vatican II. On faith: grace and faith; faith and scholasticism; Luther and sola fides; Trent on fides fiducialis; Vatican I and rational preparation for the act of faith; Blondel and the apologetics of immanence; and contemporary attempts (e.g., Rahner, Tracy, Metz) to ground the act of faith.

Spirituality of the Old Testament
BIBL 6529

The Old Testament insight into the progressive revelation of Divine Presence and Fidelity. A study of the creation stories; the Exodus event; the sagas; Divine forgiveness and faithfulness; the call to holiness and its particular and universal aspects.

Christian Anthropology
STHO 6205

Beginning with the Scriptural understanding of human origins, an examination of the human condition from the viewpoint of Christian revelation. The relationship of God with humanity; sin and redemption; the significance of grace, brokenness and healing; and the meaning of death and resurrection. Consideration of particular and general eschatology in developing a theological anthropology.

Trinity
STHO 6204

A systematic and historical examination of the doctrine of the Triune God: dialectical nature of God as both hidden and revealed, immanent and transcendent; attributes and perfections of God; Patristic and Conciliar debates about the nature of the Trinity; persons, processions, relations and missions within the Godhead; speculation in relation to the "economic" and "immanent" Trinity, as well as contemporary retrievals of psychological analogies.

History of Christianity
HSTD 6809

An overview of the development of Christianity from its origins to the present: the evolution of Christianity from a movement within Judaism to a world religion; Church polity, belief and spirituality in succeeding periods; current challenges facing contemporary Christianity. Issues such as Church-state relations, the Reformation and the influence of the Enlightenment on the Church are major themes.

Major Themes in Christian Ethics
CETH 6130

This course will provide a survey of Christian ethics, including fundamental moral theology and Catholic teaching in sexual morality, healthcare and social justice. Not applicable to M.Div. or M.A. with Christian ethics concentration.

Intro to Preaching for Deacons
PTHO 6108

Introduction to homiletics and engagement in the process of biblical preaching, with attention to its pastoral function. Emphasis on organization, composition and delivery. Evaluation of several homilies as preached to the class.

Sacramental Theology - General
STHO 6504

A study of the Christological and ecclesial dimensions of the seven sacraments in general; including the biblical, historical and liturgical development of each sacrament, especially those central to diaconal ministry.

Introduction to Pauline & Johannine Literature
BIBL 6506
OR
Theology of Paul and John
STHO 6550

This course aims to introduce the student to an appreciation of various historical, literary and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul's Letters, especially those to the Galatians and Romans. Special attention is paid to the way in which these writings reflect, interpret and develop the early Christian kerygma (proclamation) and thereby contribute to the Christian interpretation of Jesus, person and mission (Christology and Soteriology) and the means by which faith in him as the Christ and Son of God communicates abundant life (the Sacraments and Ecclesiology).

Ecclesiology
STHO 6207

The mystery of the Church in its various human incarnations throughout history; the Church's foundation, nature and fundamental structure. Themes: pluralism and the development of ecclesial life; 'models' of the church; the importance of Mary in the life of the Christian community.

Canon Law for Deacons
CETH 6401

A survey of Canon Law with an emphasis on topics central for diaconal ministry. Topics include: general norms, rights and obligations of the Christian faithful, especially the clergy, Sacraments (other than matrimony), particularly Christian initiation, Christian burial, Temporal Goods and Sanctions.

MA Seminar: Deacons and Christian Worship
STHO 6888

A study of the history and theological development of the liturgy of the Roman Rite, with attention to the Liturgy of the Hours and the Liturgy of Vatican II, especially the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian living. Course material will have the goal of integrating these themes with the life and ministry of a deacon.

Canon Law of Christian Marriage
CETH 6405

The role of the deacon in the preparation of couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony in light of the current legislation of the Church. Topics will include marriage law and procedural law (including annulments and tribunals).