600

THE 600 Philosophy for Theology

The proper task of theology "is to understand the meaning of revelation and this, therefore, requires the utilization of philosophical concepts which provide a solid and correct understanding of man, the world, and God" (The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum Veritatis).  This course will introduce the students to the need of a suitable philosophy for theology by examining the relationship and nature of philosophy and theology as "sciences" in the classical sense.  This course examines the teaching of the Church's Magsterium on "perennial philosophy" and investigates a number of the more important fundamental philosophical insights critical for theology.  Topics may include: physical motion, matter, form, privation, substance, accident, being, act, potency, the good, natural law, the end of man, natural knowledge of God, among other matters.  The goal is for the student to attain a genuine philosophical understanding of these realities so that what God has revealed may be understood theologically and scientifically.

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THE 606 Dogmatic Theology I: Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology

This course examines the doctrines--and their sources in Scripture and Tradition-- of the Triune God, the Incarnate Word, and His saving deeds.  It will also examine those Marian doctrines inextricably bound to the Incarnation and Redemption.  While the primary focus will be on divine revelation and the teaching of the Church's Magisterium on these sacred mysteries some attention will be devoted to currently unresolved questions in these matters.

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THE 607 Dogmatic Theology II: Church, Sacraments

This course examines the doctrines--and their sources in Scripture and Tradition--of the Church with Christ as its founder and head, the Holy Spirit as its soul, and the Blessed Virgin Mary as its model, and of the seven Sacraments.  While the primary focus will be on divine revelation and teaching of the Church's Magisterium on these sacred mysteries some attention will be devoted to currently unresolved questions in these matters. 

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THE 608 Dogmatic Theology III: Christian Anthropology, Eschatology, Mariology

This course examines the doctrines--and their sources in Scripture and Tradition--of the human person, sin and grace, the Four Last Things (death, judgement, heaven, and hell), and the Blessed Virgin Mary. While the primary focus will be on divine revelation and teaching of the Church's Magisterium on these sacred mysteries some attention will be devoted to currently unresolved questions in these matters.

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THE 609 Church Renewal

This course consists of a study of central issues related to the renewal of the Church and Christian life today. Both the spiritual and institutional dimensions of Church renewal will be discussed. Lessons drawn from the history of renewal and reform in the Church will be applied to present movements, such as Cursillo and charismatic renewal.

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THE 610 Theology and Ministry of the Word

This course will discuss how the Christian people are formed by the Word of God as presented in Scripture and Church Teaching. This information is the result of a sound theological understanding of the Word and its effective proclamation through preaching, teaching, prophecy, and catechesis based on the Word of God.

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THE 611 Interpreting the Old Testament

This course introduces the student to the interpretation of Scripture with specific reference to the Old Testament.  Magisterial teaching on the interpretation of Scripture will be reviewed, as well as a historical review of the development of biblical hermeneutics, touching on Patristic, Medieval, and modern periods. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the historical-critical method as applied to the Old Testament (for example, the Documentary Hypothesis, etc.), evaluating the challenges and possibilities it poses for incorporation into a hermeneutic of faith.  In addition, students will be exposed to the content of revelation in the Old Testament, including an overview of the traditional genre divisions: Pentateuch, Prophets, Psalms/Wisdom, and Historical Books.  

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THE 612 Interpreting the New Testament

This course introduces the student to the interpretation of Scripture with specific reference to the New Testament.  Magisterial teaching on the interpretation of Scripture will be reviewed, as well as a historical review of the development of biblical hermeneutics, touching on Patristic, Medieval, and modern periods. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the historical-critical method as applied to the New Testament (for example, various solutions to the Synoptic Problem, etc.), evaluating the challenges and possibilities it poses for incorporation into a hermeneutic of faith.  In addition, students will be exposed to the content of revelation in the New Testament, including an overview of the traditional genre divisions: Synoptics and Acts, Pauline Literature, Johannine Literature, and Catholic Epistles.

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THE 613 The Church from Christ to the Council of Trent

This course provides a survey of the history of the Catholic Church from the Incarnation to the Council of Trent. Through primary and secondary texts, the major figures and events of this period of Church history are introduced. This class provides the historical and ecclesial context for the development of doctrines, foundation of religious orders, progress of reform movements, and emergence of Church structures and liturgies. The relationship of the temporal and spiritual is examined through early Church persecutions, the conversion of empire, and the rise of the medieval order. Challenges to Church unity from within and without and the Church’s response to these challenges will also be addressed.

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THE 614 The Church from Trent to the Third Millenium

This course, the second in the Church history sequence, surveys the history of the Catholic Church from Trent to the dawn of the Third Millenium. Through primary and secondary texts, the major figures and events of this period of Church history are introduced. The Catholic Reformation, the implementation of Trent, and the colonialization and evangelization of the New World continue the historical narrative of the first course. The early modern and modern period marked a new stage in the Church’s engagement with the world. The Church had to respond to Protestantism, the Enlightenment, and ideological, scientific, cultural, and political revolutions. The First and Second Vatican Councils and papal magisterial teaching will be considered as a response to these new developments.

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THE 615 Moral Theology

This course explores the fundamental themes of Catholic moral theology, such as Christian discipleship, the human vocation to beatitude, freedom, law, conscience, virtue, sin, the proper understanding of human acts, and moral absolutes, in order to identify the principles of Catholic morality.  The course will focus on the manner in which these principles are rooted in the New Testament teachings on Christian discipleship and are expressed by the magisterium of the Catholic Church and by theologians in union with the magisterium, while also considering current controversies and debates regarding these principles.  The course will also examine how the principles of Catholic morality apply to various perennial and contemporary moral issues.

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THE 616 Advanced Moral Theology

This course, which presupposes undergraduate background in moral theology, is an exploration of some foundational issues in moral theology. One topic treated is the distinctively Christian contribution to our understanding of morality. In addition, one or more of the following are covered: the structure of the human/moral act, the meaning of natural moral law, the meaning of virtue, the meaning of conscience, the meaning and possibility of sin. One text used is Veritatis Splendor. In addition, other texts that serve as important background or context for Veritatis Splendor, and/or that contribute to subsequent theological discussion about the topics treated, are also used.

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THE 617 Teachings of Vatican II

The teachings of the Second Vatican Council constitute the contemporary basis for Roman Catholics' understanding of the Church and its renewal. This course examines the history and importance of ecumenical councils, the historical and theological background of the Second Vatican Council, and, most important, the meaning and application of the council's teachings in the Church today.

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THE 618 Fundamental Theology

This course examines the rational foundations of the Christian faith and the principles for understanding divine revelation and magisterial teaching.  As such, this course will treat the distinction and relationship between faith and reason; the notion, possibility, and need for divine revelation; the motives of credibility; and the principles for a proper interpretation of Magisterial teaching (including discussion of the “theological notes” or “qualifications”).

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THE 619 Biblical Hermeneutics

This course will present the basic principles of the interpretation of the Bible within the Catholic tradition. It will evaluate the strengths and difficulties of biblical criticism as it has developed in recent centuries. Alternate approaches, such as that of the early Christian fathers, will be examined. Differences in biblical interpretation among Christian denominations will be discussed. The Bible will be shown as the foundation of Christian prayer, catechetics, and family and community life.

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THE 630 Sin, Conversion, and Evangelization

This course will seek a theological understanding of the basic Gospel call to recognition of sin, repentance, and conversion, and pastoral approaches to enabling men and women to respond to that call today. It will explore the relationship of the Church to the world through application of the theology of evangelization presented by Pope Paul VI and the Second Vatican Council.

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THE 641 Deposit of Faith

This course examines Jesus as the essential content of all catechetical endeavors. It identifies the four pillars of the Deposit of Faith-creed, liturgy and sacraments, Christian moral living, and prayer-as the basis for the Christian life. It discusses the implications of the kerygma on catechesis, i.e., emphasis on insertion into the mystery of Christ. This course considers necessary elements of any catechetical work as explicated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and includes practice in the development of curricula for specific catechetical needs.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 602

THE 642 Analyzing Doctrine

This course, building on the work undertaken in the graduate class, CAT 602: Deposit of Faith, examines the transmission of the faith, analyzing the elements involved in this transmission in light of what the Church calls the "original pedagogy" of the faith. Learning the craft of transmission according to this pedagogy is understood as the fostering of faith, hope and love through an intellectual, affective and practical environment that nurtures the development of one's relationship with Christ. The pattern of transmission is analyzed through a study of the annunciation narrative, with the different elements of proclamation, dialogue, questioning,application to life and so on, being inspired by this narrative. A detailed examination is made of the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, gifts that enable us to share in the "dialogue of salvation" and respond to the promptings of God, making a full assent and adherence to him.

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Prerequisites

CAT 602

Cross Listed Courses

CAT 742

THE 643 Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis

This course introduces revelation as the teaching technique of God the Father and examines the content and method of Jesus' teaching. The apostles' teaching styles, the content of their catechesis, and their use of Scripture are covered as well. The scriptural basis of the catechesis of the Fathers of the Church is included. The course also explores implementation of Bible studies and liturgies of the Word for evangelical and catechetical purposes and provides practice in biblical narrative and teaching from Scripture.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 601

THE 645 Pastoral and Spiritual Direction

Offering direction for living the Christian life has been part of the Church's heritage from the beginning. This course will study some of the many approaches to pastoral and spiritual direction in the Church's history, from the time of the early fathers of the Church up to present-day approaches including Catholic covenant communities and third order groups. Both classical and current theological and spiritual literature will be considered, with practical pastoral applications discussed.

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THE 651 Biblical Spirituality

This course is an introduction to Biblical Spirituality. It is designed to survey and highlight the biblical foundations of Christian spirituality. The central focus will be to identify the manner in which the New Testament (with OT links) witness to Jesus Christ signifies and mediates transforming union with God. A simple presentation on lectio divina will provide a foundational experience for the practice of lectio in class.  The course will be in seminar format.

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THE 652 Lectio Divina

This course is an entry level graduate course on the theory/theology and practice of lectio divina or the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture. There are two axes for the course. Theories: theologies of lectio will be reviewed from the perspective of Carthusian, Benedictine, Cistercian and lay practice (assigned readings). Practice: students will experience lectio throughout the semester and produce a daily log of their experiences.

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THE 655 Mariology I: Dogma, Doctrine and Devotion

The course will consist of a theological investigation of the doctrines and magisterial teachings concerning the singular role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the providential plan of salvation. This will be followed by examining the relationship between Mary and the Holy Spirit as contained in the writings of the Franciscan martyr St. Maximilian Kolbe. Lastly, there will be a theological and pastoral analysis of the Marian messages from the principal apparitions of Mary in the modern world, with special emphasis on the messages of Lourdes, Fatima, and the present reported apparitions from Medjugorje.

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THE 660 Pastoral Issues

This course will focus on a particular topic or area of importance in pastoral theology, or practical pastoral work. Examples of possible topics are: Youth Ministry, Parish Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Structures (Church Government), and Pastoral Guidance (Spiritual Direction), Church Law and Discipleship.

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Notes

This course may be taken more than once on different topics.

Cross Listed Courses

CAT 660

THE 671 Introduction to Canon Law

This course will examine the nature, history, and function of Latin Church law.  The course will survey select canons of the 1983 Code of Canon Law in light of the documents of the Second Vatican Council and post-conciliar documents.  The topics to be considered will include: general norms; the People of God, including the rights and obligations of the Christian faithful, Church structures, and institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life; the teaching office of the Church; the temporal goods of the Church; and, sanctions in the Church.  N.B.: Due to limitations of time, this course will not address the canonical aspects of the Church's sanctifying office or the applicable procedures for trials.

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THE 675 Pastoral Perspectives on Marriage and Family

The course will seek out and discuss pastoral wisdom for marriage and family life from the Catholic tradition and other Christian sources. This would include the teachings on marriage and family from the great teachers of the Catholic tradition, such as St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom. It will also include contemporary Christian wisdom related to the special situation of Christian families and married couples in the modern world, as well as consideration of the contributions of the social sciences and of modern theology to the development of a sound Christian pastoral approach to marriage and family life today.

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THE 678 Sacramental Preparation

This course explores the sacramental life of the Church from the perspective that the hallmark of the adult Catholic life must be liturgical. We will discuss preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick in regard to their Rites, Canon Law, pastoral practice, and the truths they express. The primary objective is to understand how to prepare people to be fully conscious of what is happening in the sacraments, actively engaged in the rites, and enriched by them.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 678

THE 680 Applied Christian Ministry

Providing a broad overview of ministry positions within the Church, students are taught spirituality skills and methods for ministry using the content of their theology courses. Observations and field experiences as well as peer and practice teaching are included. Preparation and projects are focused on actual placement. This is a suggested course for those not pursuing the Graduate Specialization in Catechetics. This class is not an elective for those pursuing the Graduate Specialization in Catechetics.

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Corequisites

It can be taken along with THE 780 and THE 641

THE 681 Catechetical Practicum

Opportunities to participate in supervised catechetical ministries such as the RCIA, parish adult programs, Catholic schools, or parish religious education are available for students to obtain teaching experience. This may be elected twice for different ministries.

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Prerequisites

THE 691, THE 692, and THE 641

THE 685 Evangelization and the Liturgy

This course begins by exploring the fundamental conviction that evangelization is the deepest identity of the Church and therefore influences every facet of her life.  The Church's liturgy - because it makes present the Pascal Mystery - is both summit and font of this evangelistic mission.  Students will investigate not only the nature and interdependence of evangelization and the liturgy, but also their importance to the contemporary renewal of catechetical practice.  Students will additionally come to understand how a close study of sacramental theology can positively influence catechetical practice, particularly by way of well-conceived approaches to sacramental preparation and mystagogical catechesis.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 600

THE 688 Evangelizing Young People in the U.S.

"Even if it is not always easy to approach young people, progress has been made in two areas:  the awareness that the entire community is called to evangelize and educate the young, and the urgent need for the young to exercise greater leadership" (Francis, EG 106).  This course provides a sociohistorical examnation of youth culture and the Church's response to that culture (successes and failures) in the United States.  It examines the role and definition of young people within the Church and society (tweens, teens, and emerging adults).  Finally it seeks to propose effective models on how to apply what the Church has taught regarding evangelization to young people in various settings, such as parish youth ministry and campus ministry.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 720

THE 690 The New Evangelization

This course addresses selected contemporary questions that demand a mature response from the informed Christian. This course emphasizes guided thought into specific dogmatic, moral, and spiritual issues.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 700

THE 691 Pedagogy of God I

This course introduces organic teaching methods that integrate the academic grasp of Christianity and Christian critical thinking with Christian witness, continuing conversion to Christ, and a call to action in the Church. Practical applications of the principles of evangelization and catechesis are practiced with continuing conversion as the goal. Stages of faith and moral development are studied to facilitate teaching the faith at all levels. Learning styles and models are examined to make them applicable to teaching the faith. Basic communication skills as they apply to the catechetical situation are used.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 603

THE 692 Pedagogy of God II

This course continues the organic teaching method described above and includes the uses of liturgy, prayer, music, and Catholic literature and art in the catechetical endeavor. Examination of the culture to be evangelized and catechized is included. A major 50-minute catechetical presentation is required.

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Prerequisites

THE 691

Cross Listed Courses

CAT 604

THE 693 RCIA and the Catechumenate

This course studies the development of the Christian initiation process by the Fathers of the Church, highlighting their methods and the content of their catechesis. The revised Rite of Christian Initiation is studied closely, highlighting its catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral components and the initiation into the Church of adults and children.

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Notes

This course may be taken more than once on different topics.

Cross Listed Courses

CAT 710

THE 694 Catechetical Practice Today

This course studies the needs of the Church in the United States regarding current catechetical practice. Specifically, it covers family-based catechesis, Catholic schools, religious education, PSR, adult catechesis, catechesis for conversion, catechesis and culture, and alternative structures for catechesis. The theory and elements of each type of program are examined, and practice in the development of new programs for specific needs will be provided.

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Prerequisites

Students must have completed all other catechetics courses; may be concurrent with THE 692.

THE 696 History of Catechetics

Students will examine significant periods, figures and texts in the history of catechetics, particularly as this came to be expressed in the Western tradition.  Topics include:  the classical paideia and its impact on formation of early Christian education and catechesis; the development of catechetical schools; the development of the Creeds; the development and features of the catechumenal model; monastic and cathedral schools in the Carolingian period; liturgy, culture and catechesis in the medieval period; the history of catechisms, with a highlight on the Roman catechism; catechetical movements in the twentieth century; the pivotal importance of Vatican II and trends and movements in post Vatican II catechetics.  Students study the catechetical importance of certain perennial texts, including Clement of Alexandria, Paedagogus; Ambrose: de Mysteriis; de Saramentis; Cyril of Jerusalem; Catechetical Lectures; Augustine; De catechizandis rudibus; De doctrina Christiana.

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 760

THE 698 The Mission of Catholic Schools

Through an examination of Gravissimum educationis, the Vatican II Declaration on Christian Education, as well as key post-conciliar documents on Catholic schools, this course facilitates the formation of a Catholic educational philosophy within the teacher and the school.  Key themes include characteristics of a Catholic school, formation of personnel, implications for the curriculum, intercultural dialogue, and the service of the common good.  

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Cross Listed Courses

CAT 750

THE 699 Proseminar in Graduate Theology

This course introduces students to the MTS and doctoral programs in theology. Weekly presentations inform the students on the structure of the MTS and doctoral programs, the nature and research tools/methods of the principal branches of theology, the master’s thesis and dissertation defense processes, and other topics essential to the MTS and doctoral programs.

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