Pastoral Theology Courses for the 2010 Fall Session

This course introduces students to the history, theology and practice of Christian public worship, with particular reference to the practices of Reformed and Methodist liturgical traditions, and The United Church of Canada, set in the context of ecumenical developments and influences. Biblical, historical, theological and pastoral dimensions will be explored through lectures, readings, assignments, discussion, and compulsory practicum. Assignments of 10-20% each, including participation, book reflections, prayer composition, liturgical vocabulary test. Fulfills Testamur requirement for United Church of Canada candidates for ordered ministry.

Exploration of various theories of human development, stages of human growth, lifespan spiritual journey in correlation to human growth, implications for Christian ministry, and reflections of one's own lifespan on theories of human growth and spiritual journey. Basic course for education and ministry. Lectures. Group presentation, discussion, class participation, critical reflection paper, mid and final exams.

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.

Reflecting on the biblical concept of “shalom”, students will develop the skills necessary to assess a local community. This approach is guided through the development tools of community assessment (listening to the community) and project design, monitoring and evaluation (responding with the community to a limitation). In the first semester students will attend a 2-day seminar on practical aspects of community assessment in the first semester.  In the second semester students will participate in a second 2-day seminar on design, monitoring and evaluation of a project to meet a community limitation. For 20 hours each semester students will partner with a community-based organization to assist in the development of a community assessment report and a project design document.  Student will be expected to write an analytical reflection paper at the end of each semester based on field-based experience and reading. Limited to students in the MTS in Development Program at Wycliffe College.

Survey of selected topics from Books I, II, III, and VI of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Course goals include preparation for ministry. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's.

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. Classes will include lectures; experiential learning; individual, group reflection and conversations. Course requirements: attendance and class participation 10%; Integrative paper on Prayer journal 30%; two short papers 60%; possible class presentation.

Explores theological, psychological, and pastoral dimensions of the spiritual direction relationship. Considers historical development and the contemporary interest in many faith traditions in SD. Topics include forms of prayer, discernment process, difference between SD and pastoral counseling, professional ethics. Lectures, discussion, presentation, synthesis essay and oral exam.

A review of normal psychological development and an overview of selected topics in psychopathology in the context of pastoral counselling and spiritual direction. Lectures, videotaped case-studies, seminar presentations. Assigned readings and oral exam.

Study of Foundational pastoral, methodological, theological dynamics for authentic Catholic education. Focus on education's role to inform, form and transform. Conversion in the context of a global, technological in dialogue with Vatican II and significant post-Conciliar documents. Lectures, seminar, three (3) short papers or one synthesis paper.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are central to the gospel message and virtues that mark Christian maturity. Recognizing them as virtues does not automatically translate into an ability to recover from relationship hurts, and people may then turn to a clergyperson or lay leader in the church for help in getting from a place of hurt and anger to one of acceptance and closure. This course is designed to assist students in their efforts to acquire the knowledge, wisdom and skills they need, first to embody the virtues themselves and then to facilitate others. Course material will be delivered by means of lectures, movie clips, and popular and scholarly publications. Grades will be based on a set of personal reflection papers (40%), an annotated bibliography (10%) and scholarly essay (40%), and active participation in small group and whole class discussions (10%).

Personal wellness builds and replenishes the inner resources that sustain a pastor's efforts to care for others, and is essential to effective ordained ministry. It is designed to foster holistic personal wellness and enhance students' ability to cope with the potentially stressful interpersonal aspects of ordained life. 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. This course is open only to students in the M.Div. program at Wycliffe College.

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 will consider definitions of Gospel, church and culture, and some of the different ways Christians have historically understood the relationship between the three. We will consider worldviews as a tool for understanding cultures, and look specifically at what the shift from modernity to postmodernity means for the church and its mission. The course will include Biblical material, reference to the experience of overseas missionaries, and expressions of contemporary culture such as movies. These will form the backdrop for discussion about what it means to be a missional church in contemporary North America.Lectures, guest speakers, class discussion. Evalutions: book reports, journal, movie report, paper.

A five semester long preparation for active worship leadership in the Anglican Church. Supervised "worship teams" prepare for and preside at a variety of services. Music and homiletics (theory and performance), phenomenological and theological reflection on the practice of ministry. Lectures, periodic workshops. Reading, journaling, book reports (one per year) and short reflection paper at the end of the first and third academic years.

The practice of being an Anglican Deacon involves an understanding of Christian Ministry in its ancient and current expressions. Deacons as ordained ministers are called to focus the ministry of the whole community as this relates to the service and care of those in need.  The role of deacons is to express the world to the church and the church to the world. The course will discuss the variety of ministries, social justice and the church, the liturgical role of deacons, the leadership and prophetic role of deacons in the parish/congregation, and the future growth of the diaconate. The relevance of  
this course to other denominations is based on the baptismal requirement of pursuing justice in the world. While the course is called “Practice”, the course will also involve the theory and theology of the diaconate. Lectures, readings, discussions, written papers.

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.

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.

Psyche is “the sensorium of transcendence.” Psyche, the data of sensitive experience,  explored most fully in depth psychology, illuminates dimensions of consciousness in which there is experienced the very movement of life, the ‘passionateness of being,’ in which it is our task to find direction. What the Christian tradition has called discernment is the search for direction in the movement of life. The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, revealed in sacred scripture, illuminated in striking imagery from the medieval mystics, renewed in our day in the myriad faith experiences of individuals, communities and in the very groaning of the earth and cosmos, relentlessly evokes and guides our response. Conversion is that call/response, articulated as religious, moral, intellectual and psychic conversion. This course provides an opening to the journey of Christian conversion, with the goal of enabling us to “…give an account of the hope to which we are called…”(1Peter 3:15) in a theologically authentic way that speaks to our times.
 

Examine theory and practice related to spirituality with an emphasis on fostering spiritual self-care, resiliency, compassion and wellness. Lectures, seminars, small group work. Creative writing, class presentation, research paper, seminar participation.

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 RGP3661H, Retreat in Everyday Life RGP3248Y, RGP3687H and RGP3688H. Four academic courses suggested for the Diploma in Spiritual Direction. Co-requisite: On-going participation in the practice of spiritual direction.

This is the third course in a series that explores the historical development of Christian spirituality. The course focuses on the evolution of the spiritual tradition from the post-reformation period through to the present in both the Eastern and Western expressions of Christianity. It seeks to introduce some of the major texts, themes, figures and issues in the evolution of the Christian spiritual tradition as well as to familiarize participants with basic methodological questions in the academic discipline of Christian spirituality as it relates to biblical, theological and contemporary social scientific studies. Topics include the rise of the Ignatian and Carmelite movements, Pietism and Puritan spirituality, the Wesleyan movement, the revival of Hesychasm and contemplative spirituality, Afro-American spirituality, Pentecostalism, feminist/womanist spiritualities, and eco-spirituality. Teaching methods: lectures, seminars. Means of evaluation: two reading summaries/presentations, one mid-term focus paper, one research/synthesis paper, class attendance and participation. No-prerequisites required for enrollment.

Designed to help students apply adult learning principles to education for justice with a special focus on homelessness. Lectures, seminars, small group work. Seminar participation, visits to shelters, some off site classes, reflection papers, class presentation, research paper.

Examination of contemporary theories of human growth and development, and the contribution that such theories offer to the understanding of religious development and the praxis of religious education. Particular attention is paid to the impact of post-modern culture on the possibility of faith today. Lectures, readings, seminar presentation (20%), two reflections (2 x 20%), final paper.(40%)

Trends and patterns in 20th Century Catholic educational documents. Pedagogical, theological, cultural, social, and foundational issues. Faith development, catechesis and implications for religious education. Adaptation of documents to Canadian context. Lecture, seminar, participation, critical review of one document, and paper.

Designed to help students examine their own spirituality with an emphasis on seeing themselves through aboriginal eyes. Seminar participation, observational site visits, day long retreat on October 30, journal writing, seminar and paper. Course will be graded Pass/Fail.

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

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

The United Church of Canada is known as a liberal denomination that merged Methodists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians, whose histories are based in Wesleyan and Calvinist thought and practice. The 18th century Methodist tradition from which it derived became a church in community, ministering through schools, hospitals, prisons, economic cooperatives, and other institutions that served disenfranchised people in 18th century England and Ireland. This course explores how Wesleyan thought might be retrieved as a foundation for the current "church and community" priorities of the United Church of Canada: 1) Healthy and Faithful Congregations; 2) Youth and Young Adult Ministries; 3) Right Relations with First Nations; and 4) Intercultural Congregations. Students from denominations other than the United Church may prepare their work in relation to their own church's emphases. Prerequisite: basic course in theology. Lectures, readings, class participation, discussions, student presentations and final project.

This course will examine the ways in which music has functioned as rhetoric –‘the art of persuasive communication’ (Vickers 1988) within the liturgical and pastoral context of Jewish and Christian practice. In relation to various concepts and precepts of rhetoric, the course will address issues of pedagogy, prayer, psalmody, styles of worship, and musico-liturgical performance. Topics included are the Christian humanist notations of Hebrew Pentateuch chant, prayerful singing as a spiritual sacrifice, music and persecution, and the Psalms as rhetorical music. With a particular focus on the three ends of rhetoric, viz. ‘to teach’ (docere), ‘to move’ (movere), and ‘to delight’ (delectare), we shall explore the musical experience and phenomenon that are pertinent to both Judaism and Christianity as rooted in the tradition of prophetic religions. Teaching Method: lectures, discussions, readings, music listening.  Assessment: review; presentation; major paper

This seminar course is designed to help students become familiar with attempts to understand preaching theologically and equip them to engage in issues constructively. The course will consist of lectures and student presentations in a seminar format. Graded assignments will include some student presentations on course readings and a final paper.

This advanced seminar will examine religious educational theories found in the spiritual writings of Loa Tzu, Zen Buddihsm, Confucius, Ignatius Loyola, Thomas Merton, Parker Palmer and others. In each work we will look at the understanding of the self as a basis for forming a theory of religious education. At the end the students will compare two Religious educational theories from writings of spiritual traditions of the East and the West.  Students will be expected to read primary and secondary source material, lead a seminar and write a paper. Seminar. Class participation (10%); Seminar presentation (40%); Final Paper (50%).

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.

This course is designed to expose students to the range of preaching opportunities and challenges they will find in serving a church throughout the year. The course will explore preaching the church year, preaching on special holidays or occasions like funerals and weddings, and various sermon forms, and homiletical theories. Class participation, journal, sermons. Prerequisite: basic course in Homiletics.

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

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. 20-page paper. 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.

Life in the Spirit can appear to us as a melding in action of the "timeless" and the "timely", the universally true and the very particular. This course explores how views of culture and society join with faith and tradition in forming our spiritual living and our understanding of it. Implications for contemporary issues: e.g., globalization, inter-faith relations, social ethics, friendship and methods of praying. Evaluation: short mid-term paper and final essay.

While theology has always found a fruitful dialogue partner in the arts, the course will approach the world of contemporary music in genres as diverse as rock, bluegrass, hip hop, folk and alternative rock as theological resources in their own right. Attending to the interweaving of biblical iconography, symbols, narratives, motifs and themes in the lyrics of these artists, we will explore the prophetic, pastoral, liturgical and theological contribution that they make for Christian reflection and praxis in a late modern socio-historical context. There will also be focussed attention on the artistry of Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn. Seminar. Evaluation: class participation 25%, reflection papers or one major essay 75%.

Explores Christian Kenosis as an expression of the unconditional love of God made known in Christ. Here the mutual relations of self-giving in the Trinity may be reflected in the lives of human persons. Of key significance is Hans Urs von Balthasar’s appreciation of the paschal mystery. Also in dialogue are: Sarah Coakley, John Paul II and Thomas Merton.  Lectures, discussion, class presentations, research paper, one short paper and a research paper.

While theology has always found a fruitful dialogue partner in the arts, the course will approach the world of contemporary music in genres as diverse as rock, bluegrass, hip hop, folk and alternative rock as theological resources in their own right. Attending to the interweaving of biblical iconography, symbols, narratives, motifs and themes in the lyrics of these artists, we will explore the prophetic, pastoral, liturgical and theological contribution that they make for Christian reflection and praxis in a late modern socio-historical context. There will also be focussed attention on the artistry of Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn.