In addition to the Seminary's standard courses, a student's
study plan may be augmented with electives of their own design
(either individually or in-groups). In consultation
with their advisors or other faculty members, students may participate
in special offerings announced from time to time, and course work offered
by other institutions, subject to the approval of the Dean and Faculty
Advisor/Mentor.
FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY: THE DEAN'S PRECEPTORIAL
The development of the ministry of prayer and sacrifice in the life of the Priest. This course is to help the student develop a basic knowledge and general familiarity with the history, beliefs and worship of the Church. Such knowledge and familiarity is a necessary foundation for all other studies.
INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCH'S MINISTRY
The basis of the Church's ministry is explored according
to the role characteristic of the Orders of Laity, Deacon, Priest, and
Bishop. The Canonical process toward Ordination is explained.
II. THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
This course will serve as a basic introduction to the philosophic Disciplines of Logic, Cosmology, Psychology, Ethics, Epistemology, and Ontology. As “theologians in training,” we will begin to appropriate the natural wisdom of the ages as a foundation for the larger enterprise of Catholic theology. Emphasis will be placed upon the assimilation and application of the concepts introduced.
ASCETICAL THEOLOGY: THE LIFE OF PRAYER
This course is not foremost a course about the theology of prayer, rather it is a year-long exercise in which the student is made aware of the long spiritual treasury in the Church history with the view to developing a personal and regular prayer life. The benefit and procedures of spiritual direction are given proper emphasis.
SPIRITUALITY
This course helps the student discern the most important elements of the spiritual life. One is also exposed to some of the Eastern Fathers in this course.
SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY
The sacramental principle in Catholic doctrine will be studied. The Seven Sacraments will be set out in this framework. Primary emphasis will be placed on the Sacrament of Christian Initiation and the Holy Eucharist and their effectual imparted grace. The sacraments as a way of life are stressed throughout the course.
DOGMATIC THEOLOGY I AND II
This year-long course involves the student in learning to think theologically. Beginning with the doctrine of Creation and the Fall, the course moves into the Incarnation and its implications. The historical development of the Doctrines of Christ and the Dogma of the Holy Trinity are central to the course. A theological understanding of the nature of the Church, its goal and purpose concludes the course.
THEOLOGICAL SURVEY I
A survey of the field of Sacred Theology and examination of the theological method. The student gains insight into vocabulary, the nature of biblical revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility.
THEOLOGICAL SURVEY II
A survey of theological development from the post- Apostolic age through the Reformation. Emphasis is given to the Credal councils, major theological change of emphasis through the ages to the later theological problems of the Reformation.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I
An introduction to the sources and methods of theology. An overview of friendly and hostile schools at the time of the early Christian Church. In this course the student will learn of the Ecumenical Councils' teachings on Christology along with the Church Fathers.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II
A survey of the common places of theology as it became
systematically organized. The doctrines of God, Man, the Incarnation, the
Atonement, the Resurrection are studied. This course helps the student
develop a phenomenological approach to the doctrine of knowledge; show
that the knowledge of God is the definite goal of human existence; point
to the limitation of the human mind in regard to the knowledge of God;
and show that God can be known by the human mind, not supernaturally, but
on the
"natural" level.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY III
The continuation of the study of systematic theology. The Holy Spirit, the Church and Eschatology, together with Ecclesiology. In this course the student will have gain an understanding of what eschatology is and thus be able to provide stronger pastoral care to those nearing their end in this world and those left behind.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND MORAL THEOLOGY
This course is designed to develop models to assist the conscience in making right decisions. The traditional ethical systems through the history of the Church will be discussed. God's revelation and His righteous will as lived in a complex modern society is a continuing concern of this course. This course provides solid background for those who work with leadership ministries.
THE OLD CATHOLIC CHARISM: CATHOLIC THEOLOGY IN A DIVIDED CHURCH
This course examines the particular theological issues raised by the particular historical events which gave rise to the Church of Utrecht and its descendants becoming estranged from the larger Church, the theological processes which were brought to bear on these issues, and the distinctive approach to theology which characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches.
III. CHURCH HISTORY
CHURCH HISTORY I
This course focuses on the history of the Church from conception to the end of the seventh century. It is an in-depth study of this time period concerning all the different philosophies and Christian thought that influenced the Church.
CHURCH HISTORY II
In this course the student will spend time learning the history, Constitution, and Canons of their Jurisdiction.
THE PATRISTIC CHURCH
A survey of the history of the Church from the age of the Apostles to the beginning of the Middle Ages. The course will focus on the spread of the Church, the persecutions, the development of Church doctrine and the efforts to combat heresy, and the growth of the aspects of the Church. This course helps the student appreciate the formulation of the doctrine of the Church as it progressed from the Post-New Testament period through the fifth century. To be able to appreciate theological formulation as a gradual process.
THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH
An examination of the Church during the Middle Ages. Attention will be paid to the growth of Church institutions, especially: the Papacy, the role of monasticism; the relation of the Church to the state; and the decline of the Church before the Reformation.
CHURCH HISTORY SINCE THE REFORMATION
A study of the period in England from the times of Elizabeth through Wesley and to the early church in the United States.
OLD CATHOLIC HISTORY I
The history of the Church of Utrecht, from the evangelization of the "low countries" by St. Willibrord through the so-called First Vatican Council. Particular attention will be paid to the Devotio Moderna and Jansenist movements, the evolution of ecclesiological structures particular to the Dutch Church, and how these developments are connected to what later became Old Catholicism both within and without the "Utrecht Union."
OLD CATHOLIC HISTORY II
A survey of the History of Old Catholics beginning with the early Congresses immediately following the "First Vatican Council," through the establishment of Old Catholicism in England and its spread to America, including the history of the movement on this continent. The course concludes with an examination of the various ethnic and non-ethnic Ecclesial bodies with Old Catholic origins which have arisen in the Americas and a brief overview of contemporary Old Catholic issues.
IV. SACRED SCRIPTURES
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE
A general overview of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, with the Apocrypha and the development of the Sacred Canon of Scripture. An introductory overview of the Bible allowing the student to acquire an understanding of how the Bible was written, the historical timeline represented in the compilation of the Bible and the sociological, political and cultural climates in which each book of scripture was written; in addition, the student will learn which "specific communities of peoples" each book of scripture was originally written for and by.
THE OLD TESTAMENT
INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT: A SURVEY
In this course the student explore the Scriptures in order to gain an understanding of God's eternal message to the world.
OLD TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION I: THE PENTATEUCH & FORMER PROPHETS
The history and literature of the Israelites from their beginnings to the period of the Divided Monarchy, and the principal lines of theology in this literature. Some attention will be given to historical-critical method in treating these texts.
OLD TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION II: PROPHETS AND WRITINGS
The history and literature of the Israelite people from the beginning of the Divided Monarchy to the advent of the Roman Empire in Palestine, the principal lines of theology in this literature and the development of the Old Testament Canon. Concentration will be given to each century during the prophetic movement. The political history of that century will be studied from the perspective of a representative prophet.
THE MINOR PROPHETS
Common knowledge of the prophets among churchgoers is almost always limited to large passages from the Major Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. This course is designed to explore the twelve Minor Prophets whose words are less familiar but no less powerful than those of the more prolific writers. Theological themes, literary devices, and historical background will be emphasized during the course. The reading focus will be the primary text with secondary texts used for information and background
THE PSALMS
An exegetical study of the English text of the psalms with an introduction to modern hermeneutic and theological approaches to psalm study. Special attention will be paid to the various contexts in which the psalms are understood: their use and re-use in Israel's worship, at Qumran, in the New Testament, and in the contemporary church
THE NEW TESTAMENT
INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT: A SURVEY
In this course the student explore the Scriptures in order to gain an understanding of God's eternal message to the world. The student will learn to relate the Old Testament and New Testament writings together, the one the fulfillment of the other.
NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION I
A study of the gospels as early Christian responses and witnesses to Jesus Christ. Attention is given to historical background and setting, literary composition, critical methods, theological concerns, and the implications of each gospel's distinctive way of telling the story of Jesus for the Church's preaching, teaching, and life together
NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION II
This second semester of the year-long Introduction to the New Testament surveys Paul's letters, other New Testament Epistles, the Acts of the Apostles, and Revelation. Attention will be given to historical background and setting, literary genre, the development of the early church, history of the interpretation of texts, and basic issues of New Testament theology, together with their implications for the church's faith and life together.
NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
A seminar exploring issues in and approaches to the theology of New Testament writings, uses of the New Testament in constructive theology, and theological perspectives on the New Testament as scripture. Topics to be explored include: the quest for the historical Jesus, Jesus and Judaism, unity and diversity in the canon, the nature of biblical authority, and the relationship between the Testaments.
THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
Provides a framework for Christological examination based on experience and scholarship, allowing the student to reflect upon and explore her/his past and present spiritual journey. Familiarizes the student with the Gospels and their points of departure from one another as well as those between the "Christ of the Church" and the "historical Jesus.." The student will evaluate his/her understanding of Jesus and develop a Christological statement.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
The study of the Gospel of John within the context of its historical environment. Through a careful reading of selected passages, this course explores the Fourth Gospel's distinctive way of telling the story of Jesus. Historical, theological, literary, and homiletical issues will be considered.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
An examination of the events in this earliest record of the life of the Church in the apostolic age, as a vital model of spiritual and ecclesiological development for the contemporary Christian and the Church in our age.
THE GENERAL OR PASTORAL LETTERS
SELECTED PAULINE EPISTLES
A study and discussion of the meaning of I Thessalonians, Galatians, I and II Corinthians and Philippians in their original setting.
PHILEMON, COLOSSIANS, AND EPHESIANS
Through study of an important but often neglected short Pauline letter and two Deutero- Pauline, this course will explore the transmission and transformation of the Pauline heritage in the last third of the first century
V. PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING
PASTORAL CARE I: INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL COUNSELING
This course helps the student understand the basics of pastoral care, with an emphasis on "foundations," covering both theories and personalities. Discussion on effective utilization of the Holy Scripture in counseling. An overview of the issues, dynamics, and disorders that the pastoral counselor may face with an emphasis on the responsibilities, ministerial methods, and rational limits of pastoral care and the appropriateness of treatment or referral.
PASTORAL CARE II: ETHICS IN MINISTRY AND COUNSELING TECHNIQUES
This course focuses more closely on "themes and theological issues" relevant to pastoral care. Legal and ethical issues in ministry: Defines the legal responsibility of ministry within the context of local and state laws. Helps the student to develop a counseling policy as a means of prevention as well as recognition of one's own competence in specific areas. The student will learn legal obligations, boundaries in ministry, litigation prevention, client confidence, support policy and referral resources within the counseling, social work, and psychiatric and clinical psychological professions. Instruction on basic and essential counseling skills such as goal setting, attentiveness, reflection and mirroring, probing, focusing, and closure.
PASTORAL CARE III: FAMILY COUNSELING AND LIFE ISSUES
Presentation of the dynamics and issues common to today's families and appropriate counseling strategies. Identification and exploration of the key issues associated with pre- marital and marital counseling such as questions of compatibility, needs assessment, communication skills, and conflict resolution. A discussion of typical daily stresses and effective coping techniques from the Christian perspective. Pastoral Counseling strategies for adults and children traumatized by divorce. How to deal with disruptive or intrusive people without alienating them.
PASTORAL CARE IV: SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES
A discussion on assessing the precipitating and contributing factors of depression, appropriate counseling techniques, and determination of further psychological/psychiatric intervention. Identification of the various crises facing individuals, families and communities today and Biblically based strategies for addressing them. An overview of the ethical, moral and legal issues concerning sexual, physical and mental abuse and the responsibilities and limitations of the pastoral counselor.
PASTORAL CARE V: AS LIFE CONTINUES - AGING, CARE OF THE BEREAVED AND THE DYING
Identification of the changing psychological, social and spiritual needs associated with aging and methods for pastoral care. An overview of the social and spiritual dynamics affecting the terminally ill with a discussion on compassionate and responsive care. Examination of the different facets of loss experienced by the survivors and how spiritual care can help ease the pain.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
Examination of commonly abused substances and their physical, psychological and social effects. Discussion of various treatment modalities and the necessity of developing and empowering a support framework.
CARING FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS
Recognition of the physical and cultural aspects of the disease and the need for emotional and spiritual care.
THE TEACHING OFFICE OF THE CHURCH AND ITS MINISTERS
A study and practical workshop in the theory and practice of catechetics, discipleship training, and Christian education in the context of parochial ministry and evangelism.
ADMINISTRATION OF PARISHES AND CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
Basics of building and maintaining sound organizational structures for ministry, both in the local parish, and the larger church, as well as extra-parochial organizations.
LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES IN MINISTRY
Defines the legal responsibility of ministry within the context of local and state laws. Helps the student to develop a counseling policy as a means of prevention as well as recognition of one's own competence in specific areas. The student will learn legal obligations, boundaries in ministry, litigation prevention, client confidence, support policy and referral resources within the counseling, social work, psychiatric and clinical psychological professions.
VI. HOMILETICS
PREACHING I: INTRODUCTION TO HOMILETICS
Assists the student in developing and displaying good organizational skills by orally presenting two different sermons. The student will develop an homiletical style in a non- judgmental reference to other faith traditions, develop skills of organizations, expression, eye-and-body language and illustrations, being enabled to preach in a simple style that allows for the use of a "single concept."
PREACHING II: ALONG THE HOMILETICAL ROAD
This second section of the homiletics Curriculum, will assist the student in developing and delivering two homilies which will teach their congregations about a particular theological and/or social issue facing the Faith community.
VII. Liturgy and Worship
INTRODUCTION TO LITURGICAL WORSHIP
This course focuses on the Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation
and the Eucharist. Here the student learns to see a relationship between
both of these Sacraments. The student is introduced to the Liturgy of the
early Church.
LITURGICS II: THE SACRAMENTS & RITES OF HOLY CHURCH
This course focuses on the Eucharist, Unction, and the other Sacraments, Liturgy of the Hours, styles of worship, and the various other liturgical Rites of the Church
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SACRED LITURGY
In this course the student studies the Sacrament of the Eucharist as presented by the Western Church. The student will learn to understand the Sacrament as taught by the Eastern Church and the Western Church.
LITURGICAL PASTORALIA: HOW TO DO IT!
This course is to teach the student how to preside and celebrate the Sacred Liturgies of the Church. The course is taught while the student is in residence at the Seminary: the classes include how to Celebrate the Mass, and Baptism, together with the Special Liturgies of Holy Week and Easter and Occasional Services.
VIII. STEWARDSHIP AND EVANGELISM
Archbishop James Bostwick
409 N. Lexington Parkway
DeForest, Wisconsin 53532
(608) 846-5608