Assessment

Written Reflection, Essay

Module Aims

The module will introduce learners to the ecclesiological underpinnings of the Christian Mission, discipleship, and ministries in the Church and identify the main characteristics of the ministry of Jesus. Learners will receive a grounding in the evolution of diaconate within the history of ministry. The module will enable learners to reflect on the vocation and charisms of the person taking up the mandated role of the permanent deacon. It introduces learners to the dynamics of power in ecclesial ministry, based on theoretical frameworks concerning role, power, and authority. Learners will be encouraged to recognise the significance and methods of theological reflection in the life and ministry of the permanent deacon, and to develop the skills of theological reflective practice. The module is designed to develop the learners’ ability to be aware of and articulate the implications of theological perspectives for pastoral practice.

Learning Outcomes

• — Outline the ecclesiological foundations of the mission, discipleship, and ministries in the Church.
• — Recognise the main characteristics of the ministry of Jesus.
• — Explain the ministries appropriate to the permanent deacon.
• — Differentiate between different forms of power and legitimate authority in the role of the permanent deacon. 
• — Describe the significance and methods of theological reflection in the life and ministry of the permanent deacon.
• — Select a method of pastoral reflection that the learner judges to be the most effective for integrating theological study and pastoral practice.

Bibliography

• — Cahalan, Kathleen A. Introducing the practice of ministry. Liturgical Press, 2010.
• — Collins, John N. Deacons and the church: Making connections between old and new. Gracewing Publishing, 2003.
• — Gaillardetz, Richard R., and Edward P. Hahnenberg, eds. A church with open doors: Catholic ecclesiology for the third millennium. Liturgical Press, 2015.
• — Jones, Gloria Marie, OP, ‘Living the Prophetic Ministry of the Deacon’ in The Diaconate in ecumenical perspective, Ecclesiology, Liturgy and Practice’, D. Michael Jackson (ed.) Durham, Sacristy Press, 2019.
• — O’Hanlon Gerry, SJ., A New vision for the Catholic Church: A View from Ireland, Dublin: Columba Press, 2011.
• — Osborne, Kenan B. The permanent diaconate: its history and place in the sacrament of orders. Paulist Press, 2007.
• — Thompson Judith Pattison, Stephen and Ross Thompson: SCM Study guide: Theological Reflection: 2nd Edition London, SCM Press, 2019.