Assessment

Essay 40% + Exam 60%

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to introduce learners to the mystery and mission of the Church. Learners will explore the theological foundations of the Church’s self-understanding in Scripture and the Catholic theological tradition.

Indicative Syllabus

• Introduction to Ecclesiology and its relation to theology generally
• Church as Body of Christ
• Church as Temple of the Holy Spirit
• Church as People of God.
• Church as Communion
• Mary and the Church
• Hierarchy
• Laity
• Religious
• Marks of the Church

Learning Outcomes

• — (Comprehension) Identify and describe the biblical foundations of the Church, including key scriptural passages and themes related to the nature, purpose, and mission of the Church.
• — (Comprehension breadth) Describe in detail the roles and responsibilities of clergy, laity, and religious in the Church's life and ministry.
• — (Skill-range) Analyse and critically evaluate various historical and theological perspectives on the nature and structure of the Church, including different ecclesiological models and understandings.
• — Knowhow) Analyse and interpret key documents and teachings of the Magisterium and ecumenical councils related to ecclesiology, understanding their significance and application in contemporary contexts.
• — (Competence -ContextRole) Apply with others ecclesiological insights to practical pastoral contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the Church's role in evangelization, pastoral care, and the promotion of justice and peace.
• — (Competence – Role) Engage in constructive dialogue and respectful exchange of ideas with peers on ecclesiological topics, demonstrating an understanding of diverse perspectives and fostering a spirit of theological inquiry and collaboration.
• — (Competence–Learning to learn) Demonstrate effective research skills in locating, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant theological sources and scholarly literature on Ecclesiology.

Bibliography

• — Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. Vatican Council II, 1965.
• — Hamer, Jerome. The Church is a Communion. London: Geoffrey Chapman, 1964.
• — de la Soujeole, Benoît-Dominique. Introduction to the Mystery of the Church. Washington D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2014.
• — Kereszty, Roch A. The Church of God in Jesus Christ. A Catholic Ecclesiology. Washington DC: CUA Press, 2019.
• — Kloppenburg, Bonaventure. The Ecclesiology of Vatican II. Chicago, IL: Franciscan Herald Press, 1974.
• — McNamara, Kevin (ed). Vatican II: The Constitution on the Church. London: Geoffrey Chapman, 1968.