SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
An introduction to theological method: the intellectual and scientific methodology of contemporary theological reflection (sources, criteria, presuppositions and the instruments of theological research). Revelation as divine self-communication experienced in faith. The principles that guide our systematic understanding of Christian faith.
DOGMATIC THEOLOGY
This course involves the student in learning to think theologically. Beginning with the doctrine of Creation and the Fall, the course moves into the Incarnation and its implications. The historical development of the Doctrines of Christ and the Dogma of the Holy Trinity are central to the course. A theological understanding of the nature of the Church, its goal and purpose concludes the course.
MORAL THEOLOGY
An investigation of fundamental themes in moral theology. A discussion of the meaning of Christian personhood, responsibility and freedom, law, norms and context in the Christian life will be explored. The goal of this course is to identify the principles and horizons from which concrete ethical decisions are determined in the Christian life.
SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY
This course will consider the development of general sacramental theology in light of its historical development and recent developments in the areas of scripture, ecclesiology, anthropology, psychology, and sociology regarding the relationship of ritual behavior and spirituality. The goal of the course is to understand 1) the development of sacramental theology in the history of the Church; 2) the dynamics involved in and the means necessary for good parish sacramental celebrations.
ASCETICAL AND MYSTICAL THEOLOGY
This course is not foremost a course about the theology of prayer, rather it is a year-long exercise in which the student is made aware of the long spiritual treasury in the Church history with the view to developing a personal and regular prayer life. The benefit and procedures of spiritual direction are given proper emphasis.
CHRISTOLOGY
This course provides a study of the Nature and Person of Jesus Christ based upon Sacred Scripture, the Councils, and other organs of tradition, with the reflections of leading theologians. Students are required to reflect theologically on the Person of Jesus, his divine and human natures, his passion, death, resurrection, ascension and lordship.
ECCLESIOLOGY
This course is a doctrinal investigation into the nature and characteristics of the Roman Catholic Church and the Old Roman Catholic Church; its attributes; its structures; its mission and its relation to the world.
ECUMENISM
The aim of this course is to equip participants with the essential skills necessary to initiate dialogue with Christian churches separated from Rome. First, the roots of division and the depth of prejudice on both sides will be explored. Then the origins and development of the ecumenical spirit will be traced along with a careful examination of the theological agreements that have been arrived at with some mainline denominations.
PNEUMATOLOGY
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a basic introduction to the person of the Holy Ghost. The student will discover that the study of the Holy Ghost leads to a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and his church. The student will also discover that the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost provide a helpful means to understanding the role of the Holy Ghost in the lives of individual believers.
PROTOLOGY AND ESCHATOLOGY
This course is a study of God as the Creator of all things and the relation of created things to Him. The four last things (death, judgment, heaven and hell) are related to Him as the fulfillment of man and nature, the end of His saving plan.
MISSIOLOGY
This course seeks to assist the student in faithful, respectful and effective Christian outreach locally and globally. Focus will be given to current and developing elements and issues of missiology and cultural diversity/pluralism today: dialogue, evangelization, "frontier situations," and missionary strategies for home and abroad.
APOLOGETICS
In this course students examine the nature of apologetics and the ways in which apologetics is used to deal with the principal facts in Christianity, and God's self disclosure transmitted in the Church to believers in the contemporary world. The scope of study includes the history of apologetics, apologetics as a discipline, the theological nature of apologetics, and the method of apologetics to answer, account for, and defend aspects of the Catholic faith tradition.
MARIOLOGY
The person of Mary of Nazareth will be examined in light of the Church's earliest teachings. In this study her connections to Jesus Christ and to the mystery of the Church will be stressed. Also, ancient liturgical hymns such as the "Akathist" and the homilies of the later Fathers (8th century) will highlight the foreshadowing of the dogmas of the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception. A study of Mary in the New Testament and in the major periods of church tradition up to the present time. Studies the Marian dogmas.
HAGIOGRAPHY
A study in the life, works, writings and documents of or about the Saints.
THE PETRINE MINISTRY
A study of Peter in the New Testament, the Petrine ministry in church tradition up to the present time, and the theme of this ministry in ecumenical considerations.
THEOLOGY OF MINISTRY AND PRIESTHOOD
This course presents a historical and systematic study of Orders: the scripture texts, patristic sources, and subsequent development of dogma. The course includes study of the development and theology of the three degrees of the sacrament of Orders, with emphasis on the configuration to Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Church, in His threefold office of priest, teacher, and pastor in the life of all who are ordained.
THE SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY OF THE CHARISMS OF THE RELIGIOUS ORDERS
This course is an historical survey and comparative study of spiritualities of various religious congregations, including Benedictines, Carmelites, Fathers of Mercy, Franciscans, Dominicans, Paulists, Jesuits, etc.
LITURGICAL THEOLOGY
Liturgical Theology is a study of the origins, developments, discipline and doctrine that surround the rituals and worship of the Church. This course surveys the history of liturgy from its Scriptural origins to the reforms of today, in both Eastern and Western Churches. This survey includes the history and significance of liturgical art, architecture, seasons, feasts and solemnities.
SOTERIOLOGY
This course is a study of the person and work of Jesus Christ in the light of biblical, patristic, conciliar, medieval, modern and contemporary systematic reflection.
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE I
This course presents an overview of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students will read and reflect on Parts I and II in order to grasp its presentation of revealed truth and to be familiar with the text as a sure norm for teaching the faith.
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE II
This course presents an overview of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students will read and reflect on Parts III and IV in order to grasp its presentation of revealed truth and to be familiar with the text as a sure norm for teaching the faith.
THE TRINITY
This course provides a doctrinal study of the nature and attributes of God as known by reason and revelation. Topics include: the proofs for the existence of God, His attributes, and the relation in person and nature of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Biblical, theological, patristic and magisterial sources are considered.
MEANING AND GRACE
This course studies the human search for meaning and its relationship with God's grace from a personal, historical and theological perspective. It considers the basic ways that people communicate, namely through the myths they live by and rituals they celebrate. The Catholic perspective roots the underlying premise that God's Spirit most fully enlightens this meaning search within the context of community. Various modes of meaning, as well as the role of archetype, symbol and story are addressed, as they relate to the sacramentality of the world and the central role of God's grace in the human quest for fulfillment.
PRIMACY AND EPISCOPACY
This course will explore the history of the doctrine of the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff, and the relationship of this history and doctrine to the theology of the office of the individual bishops and the role of the college of bishops.
MORAL VIRTUES
The purpose of this course is to locate the theological and moral virtues within the context of human activity, and to pinpoint practical applications in the light of Catholic teaching. Class discussion is used to determine specific areas of contemporary problems relating to the virtues.
