Subjects

Modules and Specialisations

MPHR503 CATECHETICAL AND LITURGICAL DIMENSIONS OF RCIA

The restoration of the catechumenate in the Church has been called one of the boldest decisions of the bishops gathered at Vatican II. Students will examine the theological foundation of the catechumenate, its catechetical process, and its liturgical rites. They will also reflect on the ecclesiological and missiological factors that led to its dissolution and its rediscovery. Pastoral issues relating to conversion, the celebration of the liturgical year, sacramental practice, the implementation of the rite and the catechetical and liturgical ministries, without which the RCIA cannot give expression to its underlying theology, will be considered.

MPHR511 CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO CATECHESIS

The purpose of this module is to reflect on contemporary catechetical theory and practice, and those involved in the catechetical process. Emphasis will be given to catechesis in the twenty-first century, based on the theoretical principles developed and implemented since Vatican II. The modules will also include a close critical reading of catechetical materials currently in use.

The content includes:

1. Catechesis according to age, special situations, mentalities and environments. Catechesis and the pedagogy of the faith.
2. Catechesis in socio-cultural and socio-religious contexts. Languages, techniques and psychology of catechesis
3. The Christian community as the origin, place and goal of catechesis, and the family as the environment for growth in the faith. The catechumenate as model for catechesis.
4. Vocation and formation of the laity in catechesis. Catechesis and pastoral care.
5. A critical examination of catechetical materials currently in use.

MPHR510 FOUNDATIONS OF CATECHESIS

This course is a reflective and critical study of the development of catechesis immediately prior to Vatican II, and documents of the church that form the foundation of catechesis, with particular emphasis on documents published since Vatican II.  It seeks to acquaint those working in the field of catechesis with an in-depth understanding of catechesis and a challenge to implement the church’s catechetical vision.

The content includes:

1. General introduction to the history of catechesis and its role in the church;
2. Magisterium of the church regarding catechesis;
3. The fundamentals of catechesis today.

MPHR509 FOUNDATIONS OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

This module is an introduction to the themes and methods in pastoral and practical theology. Pastoral theology is concerned with the relationship between the Church and the world. The Church's mission and ministry is always a response to human events which become part of the Church's experience. We will investigate ways of analysing and understanding human experience through various hermeneutic mediations. These will include approaches from the human sciences such as sociology, cultural anthropology and psychology. Only then will we move to a more adequate theological judgement which can lead to pastoral and ecclesial action. A number of topics will be investigated. Examples include evangelisation, inculturation, catechetics, liturgy, healing, sacramental ministry, small Christian communities, Christian schools and colleges and pastoral planning. The choice made will depend on relevance to the goals of the class.

MPHR504 FOUNDATIONS OF THE LITURGY

This course will examine the foundations of human ritual activity with reference to the liturgical rites of the Catholic church and other Christian traditions.  It will consider those rites in their origins and historical development, as well as their present application in the reforms of the 20^th century. It will examine the relationship between liturgy and catechesis.

The content includes:

1.  Liturgy; definitions, roots, theology and spirituality.

2.  History of the Christian rites, including Protestant traditions. The reforms of Vatican II.

3.  History of the liturgical year, history of the Eucharist, present directives of implementation, and Eucharistic theology.

4.   Ordering of the initiatory rites. Liturgy and catechesis. Popular and family devotions. The other rites of the church.