Pastoral Theology Courses for the Fall and Winter Sessions of 2009-2010

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.

Lectionary-based course in the theology and practice of preaching. Lectures, readings, assignments, evaluation and presentation of class sermons/homilies. Prerequisite: Intro course in Bible.

Explore theory and practice integral to the church's educational ministry. Lectures, seminars, small group work and possible site visits to an educational program in a faith community. Curriculum review, workshop development, teaching practice, class presentation, final research paper.

What is educational ministry? How can we reshape Christian Education in our congregation in order to revitalize the church and society? Exploring the structure of educational theory, reflecting one's educational experience in the church, engaging in dialogue with theorists in Christian Education, we will attempt to refashion christian Education for today's church, and create a vision of Christian education in order to revitalize the congregation. Group discussion, a short presentation, short paper, and final paper. Prerequisite: Introductory course in human and faith development. Knox students should have completed Human Growth and Spriitual Journey.

Explores various aspects of ministry, in particular ordained and diaconal ministry today. Topics include our understanding of ministry, challenges to ministry today and in the future, worship leadership, leadership and authority, and varieties of ministry in the church today. Various methods of presentation (small group, lecture, discussion). Book report and reflection paper. Prerequisite: Knox students should have completed Human Growth and Spiritual Journey.

Exploration of Identity, Church, and Society in the context of professional ministry. Elements include: prayer, story, church as a community and institution, the person in society and society in the person. Two short essays, an autobiographical exercise, examination.

This course will continue to 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.. 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. Prerequisite: WYP1615HF (Forging the Kingdom Part 1)

This course offers a practical theology approach to some of the central ingredients of the pastoral relationship in the polity of The United Church of Canada as outlined in The United Church Manual: "congregation" as theological concept and ecclesial construct; theology of covenant; theology of call and vocation; ethics and the pastoral relationship; conflict and leading for transformation. This course is primarily for ordination stream M.Div. students. Requirements: Readings, class participation, written work. Prerequisite: EMP 1601 or permission of the instructor.

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.

Exploration, critique and use of "Celebrate God's Presence," "Voices United" and "More Voices," primary worship resources of the United Church of Canada; their history and development; contemporary theological, liturgical, pastoral concerns; worship planning and leadership; collegiality among clergy, musicians and lay leaders. Methods: lectures, seminars, readings, written assignments, workshops, worship planning, worship; weekly 2-hour sessions. Prerequisite: basic course in liturgy or permission of the instructors.

An introduction to the art of planning and leading the liturgy, including pastoral offices, in the Anglican Church of Canada. Acquaintance with the current liturgical trends in the Anglican Church of Canada and with general principles of liturgical leadership. Ability to plan Morning Prayer and Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services. Tutorial. W 11-12. Class sessions include lectures, discussion and student field reports, class participation, a liturgy planning project, a glossary test, readings, and a multiple choice exam.

A study of the origins and development of Anglican spirituality, exploring how our Christian forebears through the centuries have prayed, and sought by Christ to be saved. Reflection on how we too, as priests and as people, may be shaped by this tradition of loving God, and seeking holiness. Seminar format (lecture + discussion).  Colloquium, Interactive Paper, Rule of Life/Synthesis, Exit interview.

This course is based on the argument that Anglicanism is best understood not as a denomination that grew out of the Reformation, but as a continuation of the early church which has been shaped profoundly by monastic spirituality - in particular, English Benedictine spirituality. As we examine the influence of the Rule of St. Benedict on Anglican spirituality and the development of ecumenical communities of faith, we will work with several inter-twining strands: the ways in which the spirituality of Benedictine monasticism has shaped Anglicanism (including its liturgy and ecclesiology); the continuing influence of Benedictine monasticism, evident in the unprecedented contemporary interest of Anglicans and lay people of all Christian traditions; and the ways in which the Rule of Benedict can inform a healthy communal and personal spirituality today, both within the Anglican communion and across denominations. Slide lectures, small group and plenary discussion. Reflection papers, research paper and either a written and oral book review or participation in a Benedictine Experience Weekend at St. John's Convent Oct. 31 - Nov. 2.

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.

This course presents the nature and purpose of the liturgical homily. It will provide instruction on the methods and skills necessary for the development of effective homilies. Emphasis will be given to the interplay between Scripture, preacher and assembly. Students will compose and deliver homilies, which will be critically discussed and evaluated by instructor and students. The first weeks of this course are presented as lecture by the professor. Once the basic textbook has been covered, students will preach a minimum of two times, before classmates (and a video camera). Each student will then have an appointment with the professor to review the homily and the evaluations of the classmates. Grading is based on the professor's evaluation of content and presentation, as well as that of the homilist's classmates.

A course which will encourage the student preacher to develop different forms of proclamation. Instruction in creating chancel dramas, dramatic monologues, reading for two or more voices. Assignments in each of the above plus readings and exegetical exercises.

Study of Foundational pastoral, methodological, theological dynamics for authentic Catholic education. Focus on gospel-centred learning, conversion in the context of a globalized and post-modern world in dialogue with Vatican II and significant post-Conciliar documents. Lectures, tutorials. Reflection paper, final exam.

Foundational elements for pastoral care: theology of ministry, acceptance of self, relationships, grief and loss, prayer, suffering, art of listening, care with the sick and infirm at home and in institutions. Lectures, discussion, case study, reflection paper, oral exam.

This course introduces students to the basics of effective, ethically responsible pastoral care. Students will be provided opportunities to improve their interpersonal self-awareness, and to understand the differences between pastoral care and pastoral counseling. The course is offered in seminar format, supported with readings and experiential skills training exercises. Grades are based on a set of written assignments and audio/video taped role-played demonstrations of the basic skills of pastoral care taught through the experiential exercises.

Personal wellness builds and replenishes the inner resources that sustain our efforts to care for others. This course is designed to assist students to recognize, understand and practice the kind of holistic personal wellness that is essential to effective ordained or lay ministry. The course is process oriented and supported by readings and written self-reflection assignments. Completion of assignments, regular attendance and participation in class discussions are all mandatory components of this pass/fail course.

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.

This course focuses on personal contemplative prayer as essential for our relationship with God and the soil out of which healthy and effective ministry grows. The course covers Biblical teaching on prayer; the contemplative tradition arising from the early desert fathers and mothers; spirituality, theology and psychology of prayer; and various Christian traditions of prayer including lectio divina, Ignatian prayer, other forms of scripture prayer, centering prayer, Christian meditation, and the awareness examen.The course concludes with suggestions for planting and growing a prayer-based parish ministry. Lectures, small group and plenary sharing, and practicum. Two reflection papers, a final paper, and a group oral exam, as well as student self-evaluation based on a learning covenant which includes a daily prayer requirement. This course will be held at St. John's Convent, 223 Cummer Ave., North York.

A study of the issues involved in contemporary urban ministry: historical Christian roots; maintaining parish cohesion in the city; ministry to the community social needs; the issues facing secular work. One extended paper.

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 practice of being an Anglican Deacon involves understanding of Christian Ministry in its ancient and current expressions.

This course will require students to advance their singing and ensemble talents in a group rehearsal situation that is based on knowledge and its application, in order to achieve creative goals. The chorus director takes the role of lead interpreter and coach for the team. After cultivating reliable vocal production, diction, and notation reading skills, the choir will study repertoire drawn form twentieth century British and North American composers, using sacred texts. Styles will range from classical to jazz. Those registered for credit will be required to attend all rehearsals, and submit two short research papers, as well as a major book review. Students will be assessed on the faithfulness of attendance and team-interaction; on their growth in the vocal discipline; on three written assignments, and contribution to the summative exercise (final concert). TST Choir is open to all members of the community: students, faculty and staff.

An exploration of contemporary issues in worship including: the liturgical movement, feminist theology, Church Growth movement, enculturation, pluralism, post-modernity. Readings, lectures, seminars, presentations, book report, major paper/project. Prerequisite: EMP 2101, EMP 1101 or equivalent.

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%).

This course will provide theological and liturgical background as well as practice in presiding at various liturgical rites; Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, Anointing of the sick and Christian Burial. In addition to the actual practice of the various rites, there will be required readings and quizzes based on the readings. A minimum of one full year of theology including a course in Sacramental Theology is required. Students and the professor will review together liturgical documents and Church rituals, then practice presiding at different celebrations. These will be recorded on video and reviewed with the student. Grading will be based on the student's preparation and familiarity with the rites.

Intensive analysis of structure, content and spirituality of the Ignatian Exercises as a background for general ministry of spiritual growth and ministry in the church. Lecture and discussion. Class participation and short papers. Intended primarily for those who seek to direct the Exercises. Permission of the instructor required.

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.

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 examination of the vocation, identity and lifestyle of the Catholic priest for the fostering of his holiness, integrity and health in ministry and the spiritual life. Lectures, discussions, reflection papers and final exam.

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.

Exposes students to contemporary forms of critical and cultural analysis, using the analysis to look at spirituality and exposing students to contemporary manifestations of spirituality in a post-modern age. Eight reflection papers; class participation.

This course is an exploration of the mystery of life and of human existence. Students are guided into a descriptive and explanatory, systematic and dynamic, two-fold foundation of an integrated, incarnational spirituality: the anthropological component and the grace component. Central to the course is the study of conversion in its religious, moral, psychic and intellectual forms. Grace, Theological and Moral Virtue will be explored as they emerge and transform the human, along with the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Charisms, and the Beatitudes. Contemporary spiritual writers and spiritual disciplines will be researched and evaluated.

This course explores the nature of religious experience in some of the major religions of the world, with special attention to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It includes some comparative analysis between traditions, and creative reflection on the theological and pastoral significance of such comparative study. Lecture, discussion, four short reflection papers, one major essay.

This pass/fail course offered to seminarians in their last semester at St. Augustine provides opportunities to investigate preaching from a Catholic perspective, discuss questions on homiletics, read key documents from the Church on preaching, preach, give feedback to fellow preachers, and reflect on the feedback received in class. Students will be assessed on a pass/fail basis for two homilies given in class, one paper on a theology of preaching, and two self-assessments.

This course focuses on a pastoral interpretation of 1 Corinthians and how this letter may be proclaimed in the life of the church today. Through an investigation of letter structure, a social cultural reading, congregational studies, and homiletical theory this course will seek to elucidate the possibilities of Paul's letter for preaching today. Prerequisites: Introductory courses in both preaching and New Testament.

This course builds a biblical foundation and formulates a rationale for ministry to children. Practical approaches for establishing and operating programs that respond to the spiritual needs and developmental stages of children are taken into account. The nurture of the whole person within his or her own context is foundational. Topics also included are: biblical values and today

What are unique, creative, effective and meaningful ways of teaching Bible in the church today? This course will explore and experience various approaches of teaching Bible in the church, assessing appropriateness to the church, to the world we live in, a variety of social and cultural dynamics, and various age levels. Also, the students will be expected to apply Biblical interpretation skills to actual teaching. Lectures, teaching practice, small papers and final paper. Prerequisite: Introduction to Education course, Intro OT, Intro NT.

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.

Vital to Catholic education are the positive, constructive relationships between the parish, the home, and the school. The course investigates those relationships, progressing through three modules. The first provides an in-depth review of normative pastoral and theological literature on the significance of the collaboration between parish, home, and school for fulfilling the mission of Christian education. A second module examines some of the societal and cultural shifts that contribute to making the triad less effective or even dysfunctional and require a re-thinking of what it means. The final module identifies and explores areas, which serve as promising starting points for revitalization: sacramental preparation and continuing faith formation of teachers. Teaching Method: Lectures Means of Evaluation: Preparation and participation (10%) Interview and analysis (30%) Seminar leadership (30%) Pastoral theological project (30%)

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.

Reconciliation in the Church today; a practical "case approach" to the ministry of sacramental reconciliation; art of the confessor. Case preparation, discussions, final exam. Prerequisite: Previous studies in Fundamental Christian Ethics, Human Sexuality and Marriage, Bioethics and Social Justice. Integrated practicum for those entering ordained ministry.

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)

Offered by the CAPPE Supervisors of the Ontario Central Region. 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)

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.

This course is designed to help the student acquire a level of competency in the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. The course is conducted on a seminar basis. Students will review basic tenets of moral theology and canon law, and then practice hearing confessions by inviting different people to play the role of penitent. Grading will be based on the student's attitude and approach to the penitent, as well as the correctness of his/her responses and advice.

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.

This course will explore the nature of the small church and its place within the context of society, the ecclesiastical world, the local community and the lives of individuals. How we determine health in the small church will be considered. Participants will bring their experience and issues as a partial basis for examining the uniqueness of ministry in and through the small church. Consideration will be given to theological, sociological, psychological, cultural and demographic factors which affect the small church. Special emphasis will be placed on issues of leadership for renewal. Teaching will be through lectures, group seminars and student presentations. Evaluation will be through submissions of report, seminar presentation and a final research paper. Prerequisite: Intro to Ministry Course.

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.

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.

An exploration of contemporary issues in worship including: the liturgical movement, feminist theology, pluralism, globalization, Church Growth movement, enculturation, pluralism, post-modernity. Readings, lectures, seminars, student presentations, written assignments, major paper.

A critical exploration of the mystical, liturgical and pastoral theology of Evelyn Underhill, as she develops these in her novels and scholarly writings. Her thought will be examined in light of contemporary issues in spirituality, such as the status of the body, mysticism and social action, the subjectivization of mystical experiences, and the effect of socio-political structures on spirituality. Lectures, discussion, presentation, critical reflection 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.

An examination of how hermeneutics has informed the Christian understanding of “meaning”  and “experience,” and how the “knowing” of epistemology is influenced by them. How meaning, experience and knowing shape Christian education, and their contribution to a community of persons living amidst religious and cultural diversity. Lecture, seminar, readings, discussion, research papers.

This seminar course will study the role that religion plays in psychological well-being, coping and adjustment. The approach will be both developmental and clinical. Religion's relationship to mental disorder, biologically, psychologically and socially, will be discussed. Religion's contribution to general adjustment, and its role in psychological intervention will be explored. Weekly written contributions to the seminar and final essay.

A critical exploration of religious responses to suffering. Focal issues will include the relation of love and spiritual transformation to suffering, the role of religious models or exemplars of suffering, and religious experience and the problems of theodicy. Readings will include works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Dorothee Soelle and Simone Weil, as well as other selections drawn from the Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions. Lectures, discussion, critical reflection papers.

Study of theory and practice of spiritual direction, and of depth psychological, humanistic, and cognitive behavioural therapeutic practice. Emphasis on Christian tradition. Lectures, discussion, selected readings, paper.

This course is an exploration of the mystery of life and of human existence. Students are guided into a descriptive and explanatory, systematic and dynamic, two-fold foundation of an integrated, incarnational spirituality: the anthropological component and the grace component. Central to the course is the study of conversion in its religious, moral, psychic and intellectual forms. Grace, Theological and Moral Virtue will be explored as they emerge and transform the human, along with the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Charisms, and the Beatitudes. Contemporary spiritual writers and spiritual disciplines will be researched and evaluated.

A practical, interactive introduction to the particularities of Christian preaching from the Old Testament. Especial emphasis will be placed on biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching with sensitivity to the varied forms of OT literature - narrative, saga, law, prophetic oracles, wisdom material, etc. Students will exegete passages, prepare sermons (preaching twice in class), learn new skills and ideas and interact with the sermons of others, both peers and role models. Assignments, participation, term project. Cross-listed to Biblical.

This course focuses on a pastoral interpretation of 1 Corinthians and how this letter may be proclaimed in the life of the church today. Through an investigation of letter structure, a social cultural reading, congregational studies, and homiletical theory this course will seek to elucidate the possibilities of Paul's letter for preaching today. Prerequisites: Introductory courses in both preaching and New Testament.

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 CAPPE Supervisors of the Ontario Central Region. 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)

This course will trace the historical development and theology in the East and West of the catechumenate and the rites of baptism, confirmation/chrismation and Eucharist. In light of this historical investigation, contemporary reforms in various churches will be critically evaluated, with special emphasis on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Readings, lectures, discussions, online exercises, take-home examinations, short papers or research paper.

This course will explore the nature of the small church and its place within the context of society, the ecclesiastical world, the local community and the lives of individuals. How we determine health in the small church will be considered. Participants will bring their experience and issues as a partial basis for examining the uniqueness of ministry in and through the small church. Consideration will be given to theological, sociological, psychological, cultural and demographic factors which affect the small church. Special emphasis will be placed on issues of leadership for renewal. Teaching will be through lectures, group seminars and student presentations. Evaluation will be through submissions of report, seminar presentation and a final research paper.

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. Others accepted with permission of professor. An overnight retreat is scheduled at the end of the course. Final integration paper and mission statement. Pass/Fail for BD students; grade given 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.

This course provides an historical analysis of the evolution of elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, from the 1830's to the present. In addition students will study the development of Catholic colleges and universities and the emergence of catechetical education both in the parishes and in formal educational settings.

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.

The Christological-Trinitarian foundation of Mary's role in salvation history and in the Church is developed in two areas: 1) the foundations from Vatican II, Scripture, Church Fathers, and the four Marian Dogmas; 2) the celebration of Mary in liturgy, popular piety, and spirituality. Finally, Mary is studied in light of ecumenism, and in one contemporary theologian and twentieth-century developments for her profound significance for today. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination. The course is held at 2661 Kingston Road location.

This course introduces the major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam in detail and also others in brief) of the world -- their historical setting, basic principles, significant features, Holy Scriptures, theology, etc -- and a Christian perspective on them with an urgency to enter into interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

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.

The course provides an exploration of how Christianity has understood the relationship among God, creation, humanity and spirituality, and how that understanding has contributed to the ecological challenges we currently face as well as can contribute to a helpful response. The course begins with an overview of our understanding of spirituality and creation during the patristic, medieval and reformation periods, then shifts to contemporary understandings drawing from current discussions of Christology, creation-centred spirituality, eco-feminism, deep ecology, and the healing of nature and the healing of self. Methods: Lectures, discussions. Evaluation: reflection paper, integration paper, class participation, practical integration.

The course evaluates the Ignatian contribution to comtemporary ecclesiology. Utilizing key texts it situates Ignatius' sense of "Church" and the Society of Jesus relationship to the Church. Explores key issues and potential problems faced by a twenty-first-century reader of Ignatius. Engagement with contemporary Jesuit theologians, and the writings of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger. Mid-term paper, research paper, oral exam, class participation.