Master of Pastoral Theology (MPTH)

Acquaints students with the fundamental approaches to theological study with particular emphasis on theological method and its application to various pastoral theology disciplines.

An introduction to the basic content of the Old Testament with an emphasis on what the texts were meant to communicate in their original contexts. Attention is paid to specific theological issues, noting the diversity of what the Old Testament has to say about God and humanity. This course covers texts from the Torah, and the former and latter prophets. Discuss the role of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture and address issues of preaching on Old Testament texts.

Explore the "Writings" of the Old Testament and poetic texts such as the Psalms. Explore in-depth issues raised during the Second Temple period, especially the problem of evil as expressed in wisdom texts such as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach. Explore Jewish narratives, such as Daniel, Esther, Judith, Tobit, and Ruth.

Introduces the epistolary discourse in the New Testament, with 1) a focus on Paul, the communities to which he writes, and the theology and rhetoric of his letters; 2) the theology and context of the Deutero-Pauline letters and the Pastoral letters; and 3) exploration of the "Catholic" Letters.

Explore the unique voice offered by John in the New Testament canon. Examine the specific theological argument made by this author, and analyze the place of Johannine Christianity within the diversity of Christianities in the first and second century, especially as traced into the Johannine Epistles.

Introduces the background from which the synoptic gospels emerged and the specific shape each evangelist gives to his narrative about Jesus. Special emphasis is on how each presents a unique picture of Jesus. This information will equip students to be effective and reflective readers, interpreters, and preachers.

Introduction to the communal prayer of the Church and the historical development of liturgical practices. Topics addressed include: the concept of communal prayer, sign and symbol, the liturgical year, and liturgical roles, vesture and furnishings.

This course focuses on two areas of Christian prayer. The first traces a history of the development of Christian prayer as it has evolved and been formed by Church tradition. The second area centers on the theology of Christian prayer from the experience of discursive, through contemplative and culminating in the Christian mystical tradition.

Traces the theological, historical, pastoral and practical development of the baptism and confirmation. Topics to be considered include: Baptism for infants, the RCIA and Confirmation.

Traces the theological, historical, pastoral and practical development of the Eucharist. Special attention is given to the structure of the Eucharistic Prayer, the historical development of the Eucharist and its books, along with an appreciation for and understanding of the Church's teaching on the real presence of Christ in the sacrament.

Examine the sacraments of healing and vocation: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Orders, and Matrimony. Special attention given to the ministry of the permanent deacon in the sacramental life of the church.

Introduction of the basic principles of Catholic moral theology, including ethical theories and topics concerned with individual moral development such as the virtues, character, conscience, moral decision-making, and the use of scripture in the Catholic moral tradition. Discuss issues in human sexuality in reflection upon official Catholic teaching and current theological discussion. A pastoral approach will be emphasized.

This course surveys Catholic thought on social and biomedical ethics. Catholic teaching on social justice principles and documents will be discussed, examining some key national and global issues. An overview of the Catholic tradition regarding medical ethics and health care will be presented along with basic principles. Official Catholic teaching and current theological discussion on topics including beginning of life and end of life issues, genetics, and the health care system in the U.S. will be examined. A pastoral approach to these issues will be emphasized.

This course introduces students to the principles, systems and language of theology based on a Christian anthropology. Emphasis is given to the foundational elements of Christian belief: faith and the response to faith, the existence of God, the believing community, and the teaching office of the Church. Attention is also given to developing skills for theological research and the sources used in that endeavor.

Introduction of the fundamentals of the church's teaching about the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the Holy Spirit. The course focuses on the development of faith and doctrine through the writings of the Church Fathers, the spiritual and liturgical life of the Christian community, and the early Councils of the Church.

Continue addressing the fundamentals of theology with particular emphasis on key areas not covered in individual courses: Eschatology, Mariology, Communion of Saints and contemporary issues. Special attention given to ecumenical dialogue.

Familiarize the student with the basic teachings of the Second Vatican Council as contained in its documents. The course provides a basic introduction to the history and development of council teachings and the factors that helped to shape the work of Vatican II, with particular emphasis on a theology of church and ministry. The place of the deacon in the hierarchical structure of the church will be addressed.

Examine the theological foundations of pastoral theology, care and counseling. Pastoral care and counseling are viewed as theological tasks rooted in the Christian tradition and an important activity of the church and its ministries. The course uses the perspective of the human sciences to provide insight into the task of pastoral care. Issues regarding professional boundaries and knowing when to refer for specialized care will be covered.

Examine the theological foundations of pastoral theology, care and counseling. Pastoral care and counseling are viewed as theological tasks rooted in the Christian tradition and an important activity of the church and its ministries. The course uses the perspective of the human sciences to provide insight into the task of pastoral care. Issues regarding professional boundaries and knowing when to refer for specialized care will be covered.

Introduces students to the General Directory for Catechesis. The class briefly considers the historical teaching office of the Church. Attention is also given to the theories that inform the practice of teaching in the Church today including: Evangelization, R.C.I.A., sacramental preparation, catechesis for children and youth, and adult faith formation. Discuss practical solutions to several problems encountered by catechists in the parish setting today.

An overview of the development of historical theology from the beginning of the Christian Church through the time of the Renaissance. Particular themes include the relationship of the Church to its roots in Judaism and to the diverse cultures in which it has developed. Read primary source documents along with secondary sources so as to analyze the complex interplay of social, religious, political and economic factors at work during this time period. Works of representative theologians will provide particular insights to the Church's fidelity to its mission within a changing world.

These practica are designed to acquaint the permanent deacon candidate with the basic skills and a level of comfort needed to perform liturgical ministry in different circumstances. This formation includes use of liturgical books, planning and executing liturgies, liturgical norms and guidelines for the diocese and use of vessels and vesture. Specific ritual actions addressed include: liturgical proclamation, assisting at Eucharist, baptism, R.C.I.A., marriage, wakes, and funeral services.

Study historical theology and related events, persons and ideas of the Church and society from the Renaissance period through the present. Key topics include the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, the Second Vatican Council, and the development of the Catholic Church in the United States. Read both primary and secondary sources so as to analyze the complex interplay of social, religious, political and economic factors at work during this time. Each student is expected to be open to dialogue and to engage in critical assessments of the material via class discussion and formal writing.

This course prepares ministers for several specific pastoral skills needed in Christian ministry, such as prayer, counseling, ministry to the sick, sacramental preparation, leadership training, religious education, and others.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Students enroll in eight weekend workshops listed below over a two year period. They are designed for those desiring specialized knowledge and skills in youth ministry.

Working with an MPTh instructor, the student selects a text that focuses on a particular theological topic. Student and faculty devise a system for regular conversation about the text.

Demonstrates the student's ability to integrate ideas from courses in various theological disciplines with one another as well as with the student's own ministry. The topic is selected in dialogue with a faculty member who will serve as director for the paper. The final copy of the Integration Project must be completed and approved two weeks before the student's graduation.