This course is designed as a theological introduction to the actions, symbols, texts, and contexts which make up the breadth and depth of Christian liturgy. Particular attention is given to reflection on the Church's worship as the arena of encounter with the Paschal Mystery of Christ and as a communal participation in the Trinitarian life. It is intended for MDiv and other Masters level students, with Roman Catholic liturgy as its particular focus. Classes will be divided into lectures and class discussions on assigned readings and related pastoral questions. Class participation and three writing assignments that demonstrate the ability to understand and adapt the pastoral and theological issues will be the basis for evaluation.
This seminar explores the vital connection between ecology and the theology/practice of Christian worship. It aims to deepen earth consciousness and build a sensitivity to the sacramentality of the earth and cosmos, which can flow into an eco-liturgical spirituality, a worship practice infused with a sense of God's active presence in the sacred earth community, and a deepened sense of ethical responsibility for the future of the earth. Biblical, eco-theological, liturgical and scientific perspectives will be explored using a wide range of authors, with specific attention to Franciscan themes. Format: seminar. Intended for MDiv, MA, MTS, DMin, PhD. Evaluation: weekly written assignments, research paper or annotated bibliography, oral presentation, and contribution to common bibliography. [12 max enrollment; PIN code required; Auditors with faculty permission]
This seminar will explore contemporary women's engagement in worship across three interrelated arenas: 1)official liturgical/sacramental practice; 2)women-identified liturgical communities; 3)domestic rites and popular religious practice--with special attention to how women's spirituality shapes this engagement. Issues of language, leadership, space, women's bodies, images of God, symbols, and reordered relationships will be explored. Readings will draw on feminist, womanist, mujerista and Asian/African ""women church"" perspectives. The course will open with a brief look at the biblical and historical precedents for women's engagement/leadership in worship, and the role of gender analysis in re-imagining Christian liturgical history. Students will develop research papers or annotated bibliographies related to their specific interests and will prepare ritual prayer that will be included in each class. [PIN code required; 12 max enrollment]
This course in the practice and theology of liturgical prayer is intended for those taking leadership in worshiping communities: as members/facilitators of worship committees, pastoral associates, and/or those leading liturgical prayer on behalf of the community. Although the primary focus is Roman Catholic and the liturgical/rubrical issues related to this tradition, the course invites an ecumenical reflection on the dynamism of the life of the Trinity expressed in the identity of the minister, the rhythms/dynamics of liturgical enactment, and the diversity of members in a worshiping community. Students will be prepared for lay presidency of rites in various settings and pastoral situations that are appropriately led by lay leaders. (MDiv, MA/MTS)
This course is designed to acquaint students preparing for presbyteral ordination in the Roman Catholic Church with the principle rites of the Church's liturgy. Its goal is to develop prayerful leaders of prayer and to develop in presiders the necessary skills for gathering the ecclesial body and celebrating the sacramental rites of the Church. Students will prepare and preside at rites and will also work together on larger liturgical rites. Small group gatherings outside of class for 1 � hours a week will enable more familiarity and personal critique. [Faculty Consent required; Auditors excluded]
This course will employ a systematic view of the nature of the sacraments, the sacramental economy as a way the Church understands created reality, the community of faith, the individual believer within that Body of Christ, and the seven sacraments that give expression to the Church as basic sacrament. Particular attention will be given to the reform of Roman Catholic sacramental life that shaped and were developed after Vatican II, as well as the emerging issues of cultural diversity and the unity of the Church in a global reality. Post-modern critiques of classical sacramental theology will also be examined, as well as contemporary pastoral challenges of sacramental ministry. The structure will be lecture and discussion, with accompanying written assignments that relate to the ministerial and life contexts of participants. [Auditors with Faculty Permission]
This course will explore the theology and practice of the inculturation and liturgical inculturation from a Roman Catholic perspective within the larger arena of World Christianity. Course readings will draw on writings of theologians from various parts of the world as well as key church documents. Focus will be given to globalization, interculturality, multiple religious belonging, popular religion, hybridity, women, environmental degradation, and the challenge of each for worship in a global church. Discussion/reading will explore Asian, African, Latin American, Asian American, Latino, and African American perspectives and practices of inculturation. Students will develop research papers or annotated bibliographies related to their specific interests. (MDiv, MA, MTS, DMin) [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
""Art soothes pain! Art wakes up sleepers! Art fights against war & stupidity! ART SINGS HALLELUJA!"" - Peter Schumann, Glover, VT 1984 Art within the context of a Christian worship space has the potential to be transformative and healing, inspirational and meditative, educational and democratizing. It can be a powerful way to bring us closer to God. The goal of this part-workshop, part-art history course is to prepare and empower students to make aesthetic decisions for their churches and worship spaces by providing historical background and practical tools for locating and commissioning ecclesiastical artists. We will consider the iconographic content, use, and reception of chapel and shrine decorations, religious statues, icons, Stations of the Cross, textiles such as altar cloths and banners, and windows. Seminar format with in-class discussion and weekly reading assignments. Students will be evaluated through a project detailing their own ""mock-up"" design of a worship space (70% of final grade), class participation (10% of final grade), and an oral presentation on a historical issue relating to liturgical art and/or the spiritual role of matter (20% of final grade). Intended audience: MDiv, ThD, MTS, STD.
This seminar explores the vital connection between human concern for the Earth and its creatures, and worship of the living God. Readings and discussion will focus on scientific, liturgical and theological writings from a broad range of authors that illuminate the convergence of ecology and worship, and that propose a path toward deeper ethical and liturgical response to the global ecological crises that mark our times. Special attention will be given to perspectives of Ignatian spirituality and mission. Students will develop research papers or annotated bibliographies related to their specific interests. (MDiv, MA, MTS, DMin) [15 max enrollment; Faculty Consent required]
This course explores the theology of preaching in the Christian tradition and investigates the ways that different theological perspectives intersect with the preaching event. It gives primary place and focus to preaching as a liturgical event and seeks to integrate Word and Sacrament as a unitive proclamation of God's saving acts in Jesus. In addition, the relationship between shared literary texts and the community's reception, the cultural and social contexts of communities (their ""social location""), and the role of the preacher as ""one who proclaims"" in the name of Christ and the Church will help shape our discussion. The course welcomes ecumenical perspectives. Opportunities for shared preparation (lectionary based) and actual preaching integrate the practical ministry of the preacher with the theological investigation. [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment]