Theology

Offered as an initial elective for students who may be interested in pursuing graduate studies, this course aims to provide a condensed introduction to major themes in Catholic biblical studies and systematic theology as well as to the practices of theological reflection and discernment. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationship between core concepts and on the connection between course content and students’ ongoing practice of ministry.

The course examines the nature of theology. It looks at revelation (Scripture and Tradition), spirituality, liturgy, philosophy including the role of faith and reason, and the human sciences. It reviews the major periods of history of the church and the role of the teaching office (Magisterium).

Jesus Christ as Lord: the expectation of the Messiah, the first proclamation of Jesus as Christ and Lord; the development of doctrine; contemporary understanding. A review of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity through biblical, liturgical, historical and contemporary theology on the Trinity.

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This course is an overview of Catholic social teaching, focusing on papal encyclicals and Vatican statements as well as other documents.

The course leads the students to the exploration of the rich tradition of the Church in various ministries. It also provides a solid theological education, preparing students for lay ministry in the church that is grounded to the ministerial leadership paradigm of Jesus Christ.

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This course will introduce students to the sources, development, and history of moral theology using scriptural, patristic, theological, and magisterial sources. Particular attention will be given to the foundational moral theology of the Catholic tradition and the call of the Second Vatican Council for the renewal of this discipline by a return to its sources and an integration of moral studies with other areas of theology.

The course introduces public prayer of the church, the Sacraments and the liturgy of the hours. It includes the study of the Christian understanding of the liturgy, the sacraments in general and the sacraments of initiation and sacraments of healing from a biblical, historical, systematic, and pastoral perspective with attention to current issues in sacramental theology.

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This course will study how the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), responding to the goals set by Pope John XXIII (aggiornamiento, unity of Christians) undertook a profound reflection on ecclesiology, in the hopes of better defining the Church’s nature, her essential structure, and the meaning of her mission in the modern world.

From a Christian perspective what it means to be human. Attention will be given to the transformative process and how Jesus transforms our lives. Consideration will be given to how our human lives are shaped by religion, grace and sin by looking at moments of sin, conversion and grace alongside the human realities of finitude, freedom, relationships, autonomy, growth and history.

The course provides an overview of the role of Canon law in the life of the Roman Catholic Church. It aims to give the students an understanding of what the law encompasses, as well as to be a practical guide for how to resolve canonical issues that are part of parish life.

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