Session One: Theology As A Field of Study
This session is meant to help participants feel more comfortable with the study of theology in general. Topics include a definition of theology, what it means to think "theologically," and different approaches to theology as a whole.
Session Two: Emerging Role of the Laity
This session focuses on the role and theology of the laity in the church and in the world, particularly in light of Vatican Council II. The baptismal foundation of all ministry is highlighted.
Session Three: Structure and Mission of the Church
An introduction to various models of church with an emphasis on the church as mystery and the role of the Holy Spirit and of the baptized who make up the church on earth.
Session Four: Jesus: His Mission, His Message, His Ministry
"Jesus Christ: Why The Word Became Flesh" is the focus of this session, highlighting the message of the Kingdom, and what was proclaimed about Jesus.
Session Five: Sacred Scripture
A basic introductory exploration of how and why the bible came to be as well as attention to how Catholic Christians study and interpret the bible.
Session Six: Prayer
Using an experiential approach, this session focuses on a particular method of prayer which the group will experience together. Also presented is prayer's place in the life of the believer and different forms and settings of prayer, both communal and personal.
Session Seven: Liturgy
This is an interactive session using a video on the liturgy as a jumping off point. Participants will focus on the meaning behind the celebration of liturgy today.
Session Eight: Moral Theology
What is "morality"? What does it mean to live the moral life? What is conscience and how is the conscience formed? Is Catholic Social Teaching really the church's "best kept secret"? These are some of the areas explored.
Session Nine: One Church, Many Faces
An up-close look at who and what make up the church of Brooklyn and Queens as well as the universal church to which all Catholics belong. What constitutes us as the one church even as we speak and pray in different languages and come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds?
Session Ten: Theological Reflection, Theological Research and Closing Ceremony
Part I Another highly interactive session in which the group will use the theological reflection process to reflect on their experience of the past ten weeks and to discern their call to ministry from this point forward.
Part II Bibliographies, websites, and other materials are distributed and explained to enhance further reading /research/reflection. Information on the Lay Leadership Formation for Ministry Program is also presented.
