14 courses with the subject PA, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PA 712Catechetics2
This course provides an introduction to catechesis in the Catholic Church. It includes a historical overview of catechetical ministry and models and methods of catechesis. The Rite of Christian 182
This course provides the student with the necessary training for building confidence and competence to begin exercising pastoral communication through the Ministry of Reader. Training focuses on oral interpretation of the Sacred Scripture and leadership skills for communications in organizations and church congregations and for large and small group communication.
Total: 13 cr. Total Credits: 48 cr. In lieu of Homiletics, lay students not pursuing ordination in the permanent diaconate will take two electives from the Seminary’s regular course schedule, including elective offerings from the other MA areas of concentration. Students are free to take these electives any time after the first two semesters of study. Field Work: For permanent diaconate candidates, oversight for the field work placements will be the responsibility of an assigned diocesan official with the objective of fostering “a general integration in the formational process, forging a close link between the human, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions in formation” (NDFMLPD2, §135). Field work is also to include content on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue along with principles, norms, and dimensions in pastoral ministry (NDFMLPD2, §133j). 90
This course is for students preparing to be ordained deacons. It begins with a brief history and theology of the diaconate. Students are instructed in the exercise of the deacon’s role and the proper administration of the sacraments and sacramentals, blessings, and devotions. 183
PA 759Pastoral Leadership and Parish Administration2
The goals of this course are to develop an understanding of the basic elements of organizational leadership and to examine the exercise of pastoral leadership in the parish and local church. Its main goal is the development and integration of the skills related to solid leadership and the ability to work collaboratively with other priests, the people, and the diocese for the growth of the mission of Jesus Christ in the areas to which they have been assigned. It is believed that in the coming day’s collaborative ministry that is informed by a strong understanding of the faith, the laws of the Church and good management practices are essential for the growth of the Church. This course develops participants’ vocabulary and understanding of fundamental issues in organizational and Church leadership. Particular application is made to their current experience and projected pastoral leadership roles in the local church. Topics include leadership theory and styles, interpersonal and group skills, organizational skills (collaboration, planning, management of others, and evaluation), roles of pastor and staff, parish councils, the mission of the laity, and decision making.
This course provides the student with the experience and knowledge to develop basic pastoral skills for ministering to the sick and their families. Health care professionals provide students with information about the hospital setting and various health care issues. Through small-group discussion, students gain the opportunity to integrate Church teaching, theology, prayer, and life experiences in response to a patient’s situation and needs. Students are also familiarized with the particular rites and prayers used for the visitation of the sick. 184
In this practicum for ordination students, seminarians participate in parish ministry and parochial activities on weekends during the academic year and engage in a two-week practicum each semester. Through hands-on experience of working with the pastor and parish staff, students further develop their pastoral skills and become better acquainted with liturgical celebrations, various parish ministries, and other aspects of parish life. Goals and objectives of the practicum are set through a learning agreement between the student and the pastor. Supervision and theological reflection are provided on site and in the Seminary. The pastor, student, and the Director of Pastoral Formation evaluate the experience.
This practicum enables students to learn and practice pastoral skills in a supervised pastoral placement. Through their placement experience, students build upon their listening and presence skills, relationship-building skills, and faith-sharing skills. The practicum also helps students grow in self-awareness, sensitivity, compassion, and understanding, while being challenged to reflect on their faith understanding, theology, and experiences in relation to those to whom they minister. A learning agreement which articulates the goals and scope of the practicum is developed by the student, supervisor, and Director of Pastoral Formation. Students meet weekly for theological reflection on their pastoral experiences. The student, field supervisor, and Director of Pastoral Formation evaluate the experience.
This course for priesthood students provides the necessary sessions on the art and principles of presiding, with application of the norms of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal for the role of the priest at Mass and in the Sacrament of Penance in its various forms. Recording and role-playing methods are employed. Discussions help students integrate course material and experiences with theological studies and anticipated pastoral assignments. Instruction on the rites of the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum is also provided.
completing Pastoral Counseling I This course for ordination students focuses heavily on their experiences with pastoral care toward specific illnesses and problems that priests likely may encounter in parish life, including people with addictions; family and marital issues; depression and anxiety issues; death, loss, and grief. They also receive a brief introduction to major psychiatric illnesses. As in Pastoral Counseling I, students will learn pastoral counseling methods in part through brief practice case simulation encounters with student actors followed by debriefing sessions.
Pastoral Counseling I and one brief essay on a pastoral encounter with an individual after
PA 800Ministry Capstone Seminar3
The capstone seminar gives the Fourth Configuration theologian the opportunity to integrate areas of formation in order to facilitate the transition from the classroom to the parish. To be an effective teacher and preacher of the faith, the student must integrate and synthesize the following areas: Scripture, spirituality, morality, systematic theology, catechetics, and pastoral practices. Students will be assessed on their ability to prepare written and oral presentations on various catechetical topics for different audiences. Theological reflections are also essential components of this seminar. This course is designed to assist the student in preparing for the Readiness for Ministry Exam by practicing how to respond to pastoral scenarios. Pastoral and Spiritual Theology