Below you will find descriptions of the courses offered in our lay formation program.
Theology of Lay Ministry
Theological study of the laity's role as those "called and gifted" for ecclesial ministry,
particularly as affected by the documents of Vatican Council II.
Theology of the Church
The study of the origin, nature, characteristics, and mission of the Church, with particular
emphasis on the Vatican II document Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church).
Liturgy and Sacraments
The two-fold theological study of liturgy as the People of God at public worship and prayer;
and the sacraments as a call to new ways of living with Christ and the Church at particular
points in life. Also explored are the ways in which the question "how are we to live?" is
integrally related to the Christian celebration of liturgy and the sacraments.
Foundations for Moral Theology
Theological and historical study, which responds to the
questions, "What kind of person should I be?" and "Given God and God's gift in
Jesus, what should I do?" Emphasis is placed on the human person as moral subject; the
nature, role and formation of conscience; and social justice concerns in living the moral life.
Introduction to the Old
Testament
A survey course highlighting the history, literary forms, and theology of Hebrew Scripture
(Old Testament).
Introduction to the New
Testament
A survey course highlighting the history, literary forms, and theology of the Christian
Scriptures (New Testament).
Christology
A biblical,
historical and systematic study of Jesus professed as true God and true
man. Among other areas treated are Jesus' resurrection as the core of
Christian faith and redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. The
course concludes with an overview of contemporary concerns and approaches in
Christology.
Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue
Based on documents of Vatican Council II, this course
centers its attention on both the movement of Christians towards the unity Jesus
willed for his church (ecumenism) and the call of Christians to dialogue and
collaborate with persons of non-Christian religions (inter-faith
dialogue).
Pastoral Skills I
This course covers the topics of
the role of prayer in ministry, good communication skills, and techniques
for leading effective meetings.
Pastoral Skills II
This course covers the topics of
leadership in a Church setting, collaborative skills, ministry in a
multi-cultural community, and Canon Law issues for pastoral ministry.
