Lay Ecclesial Ministry

ECCLESIOLOGY
This course addresses the biblical, magisterial, and historical foundations of Church identity and leadership.  Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the mission of the Church as evidenced at universal and local levels of Church life.  The course also addresses the role of the deacon in the hierarchical structure of the Church.

Registration Form Ecclesiology

WISDOM LITERATURE AND PSALMS

This course is a study of biblical Wisdom Literature and selected Psalms with a focus on their underlying message and the literary contribution of ancient Israel to world literature.  The course will also present a careful study of the literary character and theological themes in the Book of Psalms.

Registration Wisdom Literature and Psalms

THE WRITINGS OF JOHN

This course considers the theology and spirituality of the Church as expressed in the Fourth Gospel.  Attention is given to the theological and cultural setting of John’s Gospel as well as the principle images and themes concerning Jesus and the Church found in the Gospel.  The special vocabulary and spiritual program of John will be considered.  Literary, structural and theological topics will also be examined as will the position of the Johannine Church in the early Christian community.

Registration Form The Writings of John

SACRED SCRIPTURE AND SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

This course is a theological examination of the biblical record of God’s saving interaction with His people through His Word, Jesus.  It is a general introduction to the Scriptures through an analysis of their forms and content.  Some emphasis will also be given to biblical scholarship, the nature of exegesis, hermeneutics and literary tools for biblical study.

Registration Form Sacred Scripture and Synoptic Gospels

INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW (PART I)

This course provides an introduction to the Code of Canon Law in preparation for ministry in the Church.  Areas of consideration include the structure and history of canon law, general norms, sacramental law, diocesan and parish structures, marriage law, and the rights and obligations of the Christian faithful.
This course is a 3rd Year Track for Advance Diocesan Certification.  Basic Lay Ministry Certification is a prerequisite.

Registration Form for Introduction to Canon Law (Part I)

CANON LAW & MARRIAGE (PART II)

Building upon the foundational understandings of the Code of Canon Law given in the Introduction to Canon Law course, this particular course provides an in-depth treatment of the theology of marriage contained in the Code.  Canonical concerns about catechesis and preparation for marriage are addressed.  The theoretical underpinnings and process for the declaration of nullity receives detailed concentration, as well as the forms and pastoral style needed to properly minister to those who seek to have the status of their marriages reviewed by the Church.
This course is a 3rd Year Track for Advance Diocesan Certification.  Basic Lay Ministry Certification and completion of Canon Law Part I is a prerequisite.

Registration Form Canon Law & Marriage (Part II)

PATROLOGY

This course discusses the lives and writings of the Fathers of the Church.  It provides a study of the major events of the internal and external history of the Church and the establishment and expansion of the Church.  Other topics included are: martyrdom, monasticism, patristic exegesis, and the early Christological and Trinitarian controversies.
In order to take this class, Sacred Scripture and Synoptic Gospels is a prerequisite.

Registration Form Patrology

ST. PAUL

This course explores fresh insights into Paul’s message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman Imperial Theology, and the Apostle’s relevance for today.  Participants will examine the growth of the early Church and the theological and cultural setting for Paul’s writings in the early Church to gain insight into the reasons for his tremendous impact in the formation of Christian Doctrine.

Registration Form St. Paul