Assessment

Proctored Written Exam 100%

Module Aims

This module aims to inform the learners about the theology of diaconate and its relationship with the mission of new evangelization. The ministry of the deacon involves bring the message of the Gospel in an ever new and fresh way to the people they serve. This module will present the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in regard to the foundations of the diaconate. The history of the diaconate will be outlined showing its vitality in the early Church, its decline in the medieval ages and its restoration during the Second Vatican Council. The deacon’s role in the ministry of new evangelisation in the Church will be given particular focus.

Indicative Syllabus

1: Introduction to the Diaconate: History, Ministry, and Identity

2: Diaconate and Ecclesiology: Service and Mission

3: Diaconate and Sacraments: Ordination, Ministry and Evangelization

4: Diaconate and New Evangelization: Challenges and Opportunities

5. Collaborative ministry of evangelization in a synodal church

Learning Outcomes

• — LO1 - Demonstrate understanding of the theological foundations of the diaconate in Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium documents.
• — LO2 - Identify the historical development of the diaconate within the Catholic Church and its theological significance.
• — LO3 - Analyse the contemporary role of the diaconate in the ministry of preaching and service with particular reference to the new evangelisation.
• — LO4 - Apply theological insights gained from the study of diaconate to pastoral contexts in the mission of new evangelisation.
• — LO5 - Demonstrate discernment regarding opportunities and challenges for new evangelisation in the diaconate ministry.
• — LO6 - Engage in constructive dialogue and reflection on the theological dimensions of the diaconate and its implications for church mission and new evangelisation.

Bibliography

• — Catechism of the Catholic Church. 1st English edition based on the original French. Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, Inc. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994.
• — Code of Canon Law-English Edition. New English Translation. Washington, D.C.: Canon Law Society of America, 1999.
• — Congregation for Catholic Education and Congregation for the Clergy. Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons/Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1998.
• — Rites of Ordination of a Bishop, of Priests, and of Deacons. 2nd edition. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003.
• — Second Vatican Council. Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity [Ad gentes] (7 December 1965) in A. Flannery (ed.), Vatican Council II Volume 1
• — Second Vatican Council. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church [Lumen gentium] (21 November 1964) in Flannery, 350-440.
• — Second Vatican Council. Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World [Gaudium et spes] (7 December 1965) in Flannery, 903-1000.
• — Tanner, N. (ed.). Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils. Two volumes. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 1990.