Pastoral Studies

PS 601 - Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3)
An introduction to Christian ministry with attention given to both methods and models of ministry. A focus on the theology of ministry will be integral along with an introduction to the skills of theological reflection and pastoral communications. Students will be helped to use class discussions as a way of drawing together methods, group dynamics and theological themes in the exercise of ministry. A supervised pastoral placement in an approved setting is required.

PS 621 - Introduction to Church Law (3)

This course introduces basic concepts concerning law in the Church, how it is made and interpreted, and how it is applied in various situations. It also examines the status of persons in general, the computation of time, and the law on sacraments and temporal goods. Requirements in this course include active class participation, required readings, assigned cases and studies, and a final written examination.

PS 661 - Ministries Practicum
A practicum taken in preparation for the ministries of acolyte and reader. History and offices of these ministries, the lectionary, public proclamation, and service at the altar.

PS 662 - Deacon Practicum
Taken in the semester before ordination to the diaconate, the practicum includes instruction in tasks of ministry which the future deacon will encounter in his summer and school year ministry.

PS 681 - Diaconate Ministry and Preaching
A course designed to give deacon students a seminar setting to reflect upon their diaconal ministry. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and evaluation of topical sermons, students are given the opportunity to integrate on-going deacon pastoral experience and reinforce pastoral skills. Requires a deacon placement in a parish setting. Prerequisite: PS 603 - Supervised Ministry and PS 672 -Preaching: Preparation and Presentation.

PS 802 - Teaching and Learning: Theory and Practice (3)
This introductory course begins with an examination of basic principles of Catholic educational theory for various educational contexts: adult catechesis, secondary education and collegiate teaching. Students will be introduced to effective teaching practices through topics such as styles of learning and teaching methods suited to those styles, preparing and delivering class lectures, teaching observations, Lectio Coram presentations, and other practical methodologies. During the practicum component of the course, students will offer class presentations and teach in a pastoral setting.