Plan of Study – MAPM Pastoral Ministry

Introduces students to the practice, meaning, and purpose of the discipline that “originates in wonder.” Explores questions, concepts, arguments, and schools of thought characteristic of the philosophical tradition.

Study of the doctrines, practices, and persons formed by and reflective of the Catholic tradition in history and in the Vatican II ecumenical experience, and particularly as epitomized in St. Francis of Assisi and in Franciscan values.

Overview of the Old Testament, designed to provide for the pastoral minister an understanding of its development, major sections, books, themes, concerns, and theology. Particular attention to the "story" of the People of Israel and the themes of creation, exodus, covenant, monotheism, fidelity, and justice.

Overview of the New Testament, designed to provide for the pastoral minister an understanding of its development, major sections, books, themes, concerns, and theology. Particular attention to the four Gospels (the unique perspective of each on the life, message, death, and resurrection of Jesus), and to the theological concerns of the Acts of the Apostles and the New Testament Letters.

An overview of various forms of prayer and worship services as carried out in diverse settings and faith traditions. Knowledge and skills for preaching upon biblical texts and spiritual issues in appropriate contexts. Emphasis upon the practical skills needed for conducting services in pastoral situations as called for by one's ministry.

Exploration of: the connection between spirituality and human wholeness (and what is meant by each of these); the relation of spirituality to the various stages of the human life cycle; spirituality and health/healing; diverse religious/cultural understandings of spirituality, especially as relevant to ministering in culturally diverse communities and pastoral settings.

Overview of the theology of the sacraments and the liturgy. Particular emphasis on the Vatican II and post-Vatican II theology of the liturgy and on the biblical roots, development, and contemporary perspectives on sacramental theology. Additional focus on pastoral and canonical considerations in the celebration of the sacraments, including sacramental preperation, and on understanding differing denominational perspectives.

Theological and practical preparation for cross-cultural ministry. Survey of church documents addressing interfaith and inter-cultural relations. Study of the impact of: culture and tradition on religious practices; language; the role of the sick/elderly and disenfranchised; gender; education; and economics. Overview of diverse religious and cultural perspectives on various situations faced in pastoral ministry.

Examination of the foundations of Christian morality (Scripture, church teaching and tradition, natural law, human experience and wisdom) and of significant moral convictions. Exploration of the ethical foundations of human society, and of contemporary issues in bioethics, including health care dilemmas, the beginning and end of life, genetics, human experimentation, artificial reproduction, etc.

Using the life, legacy, and ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi as an illustrative framework, an examination of the meaning and revelance of Madonna's Franciscan and Felician Values as well as of the substantial body of Catholic Social Teaching on social justice. Reflection on the associated responsibilities of those called to ministry.

Examination of the theology of church: its nature, founding, authority, scriptural foundations and background, its communal structure, sacramental nature, salvific purpose, relation to the Incarnation, Mary, and the Eucharist, and the role of the laity. Attention to the particular calling and responsibilities of those who minister in the church's name as members of the laity.

The capstone course, centered on a mentored onsite praxis (140 hours) in one’s chosen field of ministry. The praxis may span the final one or two semesters of one’s program and concludes with an in-depth report and reflection on the praxis experience, including: detailed analysis of the field work, incorporating research and application of appropriate pastoral practices; examination of the learning gained; demonstration of competence in the theological and professional pastoral foundations for this service.

Examines dying as potentially the last stage of human development and spiritual growth. Explores spirituality and enhances religious literacy through identification of the salient beliefs and practices regarding illness, dying, death, and burial rituals of major world religions. Discusses choices at end of life with advanced care planning and applies ethical theories, principles, and steps that guide decision making for individuals, families, and caregivers in Palliative/End-of-Life (EOL) while addressing issues affecting delivery of appropriate pastoral care in Palliative/EOL situations. Prerequisite: HSP 5015.

Exploration of the special type of ministry involved in walking with those experiencing various situations of loss and diminishment (illness, death, domestic/personal violation, relational or financial loss, criminal behavior, etc.) Examination of the stages of the grieving process and of appropriate responses, as well as of the role and resources offered by faith/spiritual traditions. Developing familiarity with the range of community resources and other service professions available to support affected individuals, families, and communities. Facility in making referrals and collaborating with community agencies as needed and appropriate.

An exploration of the person of Christ and his salvific mission, tracing the development of christological thought over the centuries, through the biblical materials, the work of theologians, conciliar decisions, modern and contemporary discussions, and ecumenical dialogue.

Exploration of the central issue in Christian faith, life, and theology - the question of God and God's relation with the world. Examination of: the biblical witness to foundational Jewish and Christian experiences of God; the development of dogma and of reflection on God in the Christian theological tradition; the resurgence of attention to the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary theologies; how implications of beliefs about God influence human life, values, and ethics.

Introduction to the field of pastoral care and counseling, including the theological, spiritual, and pastoral care and counseling, including the theological, spiritual, and pastoral foundations of pastoral care and counseling. An exploration of the distinctive skills and techniques required for this special type of caregiving. Analysis of issues and areas of need typically encountered in pastoral ministry, including through the use of practical case studies and scenarios.

Exploration of the special type of ministry involved in walking with those experiencing various situations of loss and diminishment (illness, death, domestic/personal violation, relational or financial loss, criminal behavior, etc.) Examination of the stages of the grieving process and of appropriate responses, as well as of the role and resources offered by faith/spiritual traditions. Developing familiarity with the range of community resources and other service professions available to support affected individuals, families, and communities. Facility in making referrals and collaborating with community agencies as needed and appropriate.

Introduction to the field of pastoral care and counseling, including the theological, spiritual, and pastoral care and counseling, including the theological, spiritual, and pastoral foundations of pastoral care and counseling. An exploration of the distinctive skills and techniques required for this special type of caregiving. Analysis of issues and areas of need typically encountered in pastoral ministry, including through the use of practical case studies and scenarios.

An exploration of the person of Christ and his salvific mission, tracing the development of christological thought over the centuries, through the biblical materials, the work of theologians, conciliar decisions, modern and contemporary discussions, and ecumenical dialogue.

Exploration of the central issue in Christian faith, life, and theology - the question of God and God's relation with the world. Examination of: the biblical witness to foundational Jewish and Christian experiences of God; the development of dogma and of reflection on God in the Christian theological tradition; the resurgence of attention to the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary theologies; how implications of beliefs about God influence human life, values, and ethics.