Pastoral Theology Courses for the 2009 Fall Session

History, theology and practice of Christian worship, with focus on United Church of Canada. Biblical, historical, theological and practical dimensions explored through lectures, readings, assignments, discussion. Fulfills Service Book requirement for UCC students.

Introduction to the art and science of preaching. Topics: exegesis and hermeneutics for the purpose of preaching, techniques of sermon preparation, structure and delivery. Written assignments, small groups, one sermon.

Self–awareness, understanding of difference and ability to do contextual analysis are key to the development of effective leadership skills. In this course, focused experience and reflection on selected visits, readings, lectures, and class seminars, will introduce students to the practice of reading individuals and cultural systems as living texts. The broad issues of post-modernity, plurality, inculturation, mission and positionality form the background to engage questions of otherness and the construction of individual and communal identities. Evaluation includes participation in field visits outside of class, small group discussions and a pass on three short reflection papers. Successful completion of this course is required for enrollment in Contextual Education II EMF3020YY.  *Students enrolling in this course are required to participate in the Orientation visit on September 10, 2009. (Please dress comfortably and casually, including footwear.) Proof of a police check is required.

This course will focus on building critical thinking skills to assess issues in International Development from a historical and theoretical perspective as well as from a Christian worldview and missions perspective. It will begin with a 2-day intensive on how to conduct a community assessment (Sept. 10, 11). Weekly classes will include lecture and discussion. Students will be expected to volunteer for a total of 35 hours at a local Christian community development organization and use the skills gained in the workshop to conduct a local community assessment. Restricted to Wycliffe College students.

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of preaching. The student will learn to read a text closely, exegete a passage, and develop dynamic oral communication skills. Attention will be paid to the postmodern context, contemporary homiletical theory, and different sermonic forms. The student will be encouraged to be creative and find his/her own voice in a supportive environment. Expectations: written assignments, class exercises, one full length sermon, and one short homily.

Examination of the interaction between Theology and Architecture. Exploration of space as a medium of expression. Analysis of the structures inherent in worship and their relation to archetypal building plans. Assisting a congregation to adopt and live its mission. Weekly 2-hr seminars with site visits to six local churches. Presentations and analyses. Assessments and re-planning of individual places of worship.

We all know we should pray. However, an intentional prayer life is difficult to maintain under the strain of student or church life. In addition, many in the pulpit and pew carry negative attitudes about the practice and efficacy of prayer. This course offers an exploration of the “theory” and “practice” of prayer as it relates to the life of clergy and their parishioners. Course requirements: attendance; class presentation; Prayer journal; book report, integrative paper.

Introduction to Judaism through study of the Sabbath and festivals of the Jewish year. Designed for Christians, enables students to teach and to preach from an understanding of our Jewish roots. Readings, term project, written or oral exam.

An introductory course on preaching with emphasis on exegesis, hermeneutics and stages in the preparation of a biblical sermon. Weekly readings and assignments, participation, two sermons. Tutorial 16:00-17:00.

This lectionary-based course is designed to give students experience in the practice of preaching. It will provide opportunities to engage a creative and disciplined encounter with the biblical text and to explore how we speak the tradition with language that is fresh, imaginative and empowering. Attention will be given to sermon construction, the person as preacher, performative action and contemporary preaching challenges. Prerequisite: basic course in Homiletics, or permission of the instructor.

A reflection upon the role of psychology in religious education as a way to understand faith development (James W. Fowler) and/or human transcendence (Bernard J.F. Lonergan). Some time will be given to Ignatian and Carmelite spirituality as samples of structuring spirituality. Readings, two short papers, integrative paper.

Pastoral Counselling for the non-professional counsellor engaged in ministry. The goals of the course include acquiring basic counselling skills, developing awareness of counter-transference and exploring how to refer to other professionals. Class format includes lectures and peer counselling. Requirements include: reflection papers, referral project and a taped counselling session. Attendance and participation are mandatory.

An introduction to a study of the transgenerational processes operative in a minister's three key contexts -- the family of origin, the nuclear family/family of creation and the work 'family' or congregation. Current family systems theory will be explored for its insight in assessing the "emotional/instinctual system" of these three contexts. Practical applications will focus on the minister's personal growth, use of self and leadership style in offering pastoral care. Lectures, class and small group discussion, written assignments (20%), role play class presentation (20%), major paper (50%), class participation (10%).

This course will explore the foundations of ministry in the New Testament, the manifold expressions of ministry in the history of the Church, and a variety of contemporary issues related to the theology and practice of ministry from a Roman Catholic perspective. Also important will be the relationship of ministry to other aspects of theology, such as Christology, pneumatology, grace, mission, ecclesiology, and sacraments.

Study of the sacramental life of the Church as legislated in Book IV of the Code of Canon Law, The Office of Sanctifying in the Church. Special focus on the pastoral application of the Sacraments. Theological and legislative sources of the canons; canons treating the Sacraments of Initiation, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick, as well as other acts of divine worship. Class participation, oral exam.

The course on congregational song has no prerequisites related to musical ability, keyboard skills, or to hymnic background. Attendance at lectures for the exploration of current song resources (Voices United, More Voices, and a hymn book of the student's choice) forms part of the evaluation process. In addition, weekly assignments such as book reviews or song leading, class participation, and presentation of a final integrative project will be graded. Familiarity with journals and literature in the field will be required. Some research and reports on research will be required. Demonstrated familiarity with the resources of a newly developed concordance for Voices United will be an integral component for evaluation.

The present course introduces the student into the practice of reading the Holy Scripture, which results in meditation and transformation of life as a consequence of encounter with the Word of God. Such reading was practiced in monastic tradition (Pachomius, Augustine, Basil and Benedict) and was developed into four steps practice (Reading, Meditation, Prayer and Contemplation – Guigo II, Ladder of Monks). After having explored certain practical exegetical principles, that consider different types of Old Testament and New Testament texts, the practice of Lectio Divina will be applied on Gen 3, Deu 8, Psa 22, Psa 51, Mat 19,16-26, Luk 11,1-13, Joh 9 and 1Co 14,1-25, with a special emphasize on the first step, which is reading and understanding the text, showing the main directions in which meditation, prayer and contemplation may be developed on the basis of the author’s intended sense of the text. The course will be carried out with the assistance of PowerPoint presentations. Lectures, one research essay. Means of Evaluation: One research essay (55%) and participation in class (45%).

A 400-hour supervised program to deepen and/or extend the personal and ministerial growth of IFM /MAMS participants. Several options available to students in consultation with Directors of IFM and MAMS programs. Integration paper, or Competency Interview. Pass/Fail course. For Regis IFM/MAMS students only. Prerequisites: RGP3687H and RGP3688H.

An introduction to the dynamics, practice, and issues  of  spiritual direction and discernment in our contemporary culture with components of theological reflection on personal experience.  Class participation, readings, short weekly reflection papers.

An exploration of religious experience in various Hindu traditions, within the context of an overview of relevant beliefs and practices. Lecture, discussion, exam and critical reflection papers.

Field based learning in an educational setting in response to an articulated question in theology/religious education. Placement, supervision and theological reflection seminar. Log and case study presentations. Required of St. Michael's MRE students. Pass/Fail grading based on completion of above elements comprising the course. Prerequisite: 11 courses in MRE program including SMP3446F.

The relationship between theology and education in preparation for teaching, pastoral ministry, and leadership in Catholic schools. Required by St. Michael's MRE students. Lectures, readings, seminars, full participation, final paper. Prerequisite: 5 courses in the MRE program or permission of the instructor.

A 400-hour unit of Pastoral Counselling Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). Will strengthen counselling skills for parish ministry. The focus is on personal integration and ethical reflections in a client-centred framework.

A 400-hour unit of Pastoral Counselling Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). Will strengthen counselling skills for parish ministry. The focus is on personal integration and ethical reflections in a client-centred framework.

The course will begin with a discussion of the relationship between psychology and religion. It will then explore the relationship between religion and psychology -- history, methodology, research and application. It will review psychological theories and research on personality and their relationship to spirituality, religious behaviour, individual differences and abnormality, and review research on religious development. These findings will then be applied within the context of the social and organizational psychology of the church. Students will be asked to write several reports on assigned readings and a longer essay for the end of the term. A previous course in introductory psychology would be helpful but not essential.

A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes.

Offered by the Toronto Institute for Pastoral Education. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisite: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1)

Offered by the Toronto Institute for Pastoral Education. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisite: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1) and TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2)

Designed for the Lay Ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. Topics include an overview of theology, sociological context; Church context and pastoral aspects; an overview of lay ministry opportunities in the Church/world; ecclesiological and sacramental principles, and the rights and obligations of lay ministers. Lectures, class participation, six one-page reflection papers, and one short essay. Prerequisite: one year of theology or by permission of the instructor.

A two-term supervised peer-based practicum enabing discovery of the assumptions and capacities one brings to the ministry of spiritual direction. Designed for persons discerning their potential for this ministry. Regular attendance essential; reflection papers/exercises; final integrating ritual. 3 integration papers. Pass/Fail. **Normal prerequisites: At least two year's previous experience as a directee and permission of instructor. Students considering the Diploma in Spiritual Direction must satisfy above requirements and have completed an 8-day directed retreat or its equivalent. Co-requisite: Diploma in Spiritual Direction students at Regis College, permission of the course instructor.

Seminar in which participants reflect on process of integration in their personal and ministerial lives within ambience of doing theology in context of MAMS degree. For Regis students only. Requirements: class participation, written assignments, final paper.

Examination of modern and contemporary images of religious values (mysticism, spirituality, compassion, concern for realism, justice, community, cultural healing) in the art and aesthetics of major artists since the French Revolution.

The study of liturgy as a praxis-based source for theology. Survey of seminal thinkers in classical and contemporary liturgical studies. Consideration of liturgical methodology and hermeneutics; relationship between liturgy and theology, worship and ethics. Weekly 2-hour seminar, presentations, liturgies, major paper.

This course is designed to help advanced students gain a grasp of contemporary options in homiletic theory. While a brief introduction to the background of the field in its present state will be part of the course, for the most part students will become familiar with the work of those figures in the field who have embraced what some have called 'the new homiletic'. While these figures represent a great variety of theoretical positions, the one thing that comes closest to uniting them is the so-called 'turn to the hearer'. As a result, students will leave this course with a good grasp of the field of contemporary homiletic theory, an appreciation for the revolution in preaching method of the last thirty years, and a sense of the 'theological turns' that may be emerging out of it.

This course is designed to intensify the experience of individual spiritual direction and supervision initiated in Practicum in Spiritual Direction: RGP3/6661 and Retreat in Everyday Life: RGP3/6248. Through supervision and discernment the director grows in a deeper awareness of responses to a perceived presence or absence of God in the ministry of spiritual direction. Supervision is valued as a way to enable the spiritual director to help others recognize and integrate God's presence and direction in every aspect of life. Through an integrative theological reflection paper and a pastoral competency interview, the course is intended to reveal the spiritual director's appropriated theology and practice of spiritual direction as a ministry. Competency interview and integration paper. Pass/Fail course. **Pre-requisite: Practicum in Spiritual Direction RGP6661H, Retreat in Everyday Life RGP6248Y, RGP6687H and RGP6688H. Four academic courses suggested for the Diploma in Spiritual Direction. Co-requisite: On-going participation in the practice of spiritual direction.

A 400-hour unit of Pastoral Counselling Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). Will strengthen counselling skills for parish ministry. The focus is on personal integration and ethical reflections in a client-centred framework.

Exploration of typical pastoral counselling situations, with theological and psychological reflection on psychotherapeutic issues and counselling processes. Lecture and group interaction with opportunity for practice counselling. Class participation - practice counselling; written assignments.

Offered by the Toronto Institute for Pastoral Education. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisite: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1) and TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2)

Offered by the Toronto Institute for Pastoral Education. A 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at the basic level meeting standards of Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice & Education (CAPPE). May take place in general, psychiatric, chronic, geriatric, rehabilitation hospitals, correctional institutions, facilities for mentally/physically challenged, parishes. Prerequisites: TSP3551Y (CPE - Basic 1), TSP3552Y (CPE - Basic 2) and TSP3553Y or TSP6553Y (CPE - Advanced 1)

Through the development of the skill of theological reflection, the participants learn to reflect on their personal and ministerial or work experiences to discern the call of transformation and integration in the midst of the Christian tradition and world realities. This group process takes place in a peer faith setting. Designed for Regis IFM students. An overnight retreat is scheduled at the end of the course. Final integration paper. Pass/Fail course for BD students. Graded course for AD students.

Spirituality in the Pentateuch, Prophets, Psalms & Wisdom writings. Essay, final exam.

Surveys the spirituality of evangelicalism primarily in the Anglican tradition in England in its formative period between c. 1730 and 1833. Short papers (including biographical study), and discussion forums.

Although from the very beginning, Christianity appeared especially connected to the particular geography, it will only be with the Fourth century, that the “Holy Places” arose as such, becoming essential part of an emerging culture of pilgrimage. Jerusalem and the Holy Land gradually evolve into the epicenter of the Christian world. Liturgical practices of the Holy City and the Holy Land will develop into standard and normative as pilgrims from throughout the world return to their countries and establish there the usages of the “Holy Places”. This course explores the interaction of pilgrimage, liturgical, and spiritual life in Holy Land and their impact in the development of Early Christianity. Discussions, presentations. One essay.

Investigation of the relationship between biography and theological reflection. Summary of foundations for such presuppositions rooted in Lonergan's claim that "objectivity is the fruit of authentic subjectivity." Also looks at paradigmatic examples from Christian history, e.g. St. Augustine. The life and thought of Thomas Merton will be emphasized and such personalities as Simone Weil, Catherine de Heuck-Doherty and Dorothy Day. Short paper, book review, biography project, class participation.

In the contemporary world, ecumenism must include dialogue between Christianity and world religions. This course will examine not only Christian attitudes to world religions, but also attitudes of world religions to other belief systems. Lectures, discussion, paper.

The environmental crisis is a spiritual crisis. The social dialectic, that is, practicality/instrumentality in tension with the intersubjective component of community, has become a skewed global phenomenon primarily because of technological/communications, economic, and political realities, along with the consequences of massive human migration and environmental destruction. What are cultural values and ultimately, religious values, that can redirect the social order toward a renewed human community living harmoniously/authentically with earth and cosmos? The structure of converted ecological consciousness, incarnating cultural values informed by Transcendent value, can evoke a humble, blessed way of "walking on the earth." Teaching method: Lecture. Evaluation: Class participation, special topic presentation, final paper.

In the contemporary world, ecumenism must include dialogue between Christianity and world religions. This course will examine not only Christian attitudes to world religions, but also attitudes of world religions to other belief systems. Lectures, discussion, paper.