Assessment

Essay 30% + Tutorials 20% + Take Home Exam 50%

Module Aims

Based on a foundational understanding of the Church as mystery, communion and mission, this module will study the sacraments from both an historical and theological perspective. Particular focus will be placed on this statement of Vatican II: “the purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify people, to build up the body of Christ, and, finally, to give worship to God; because they are signs they also instruct …they are called ‘sacraments of faith.’” [Sacrosanctum Concilium, 59].

Indicative Syllabus

• Introductory considerations

• The Sacramental Economy and its relationship to >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW41430085 BCX0"> Mystery.

• Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist)

• Sacraments of Healing (Penance & Anointing of the Sick)

• Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Holy Orders & Marriage)

Learning Outcomes

• — (Comprehension): Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the sacramental nature of being Christian.
• — (Comprehension): Demonstrate familiarity with developments in sacramental theology.
• — (Evaluate): Organise and communicate their understanding of issues in sacramental theology through written assignment.
• — (Application): Reflect on the pastoral dimensions of sacraments.
• — (Affective): Identify the central issues in the theology of each sacrament.

Bibliography

• — John F. Baldovin and David Farina Turnbloom, eds., Catholic Sacraments: A Rich Source of Blessings (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2015).
• — Benjamin Gordon-Taylor and Juliette Day, editors, The Study of Liturgy and Worship. London: SPCK, 2013.
• — Kevin Irwin, The Sacraments: Historical Foundations and Liturgical Theology. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2016.
• — Maxwell E. Johnson, Sacraments and Worship: The Sources of Christian Theology.
• — Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012.