Assessment

Exam 100%

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the theological understanding of the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, with attention to underlying theological concepts such as grace. It will situate the sacraments in their Christological and Ecclesial contexts and trace their historical development.
Given their centrality to the Christian faith, particular attention is paid to the sacraments of initiation.

Indicative Syllabus

Learning Outcomes

• — Explain the sacramental nature of the Church and its source in Christ, the Sacrament of God
• — Articulate the idea of a ‘sacramental order’ and its links to the Christian understanding of the human person
• — Give an account of the history of sacramental theology, with particular attention to the Patristic, mediaeval and Reformation eras
• — Give an in-depth account of the sacraments of initiation and their historical development
• — Identify and analyse why the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life

Bibliography

• — Boland, Vivian OP, The Spirit of Catholicism. Continuum, London, 2021.
• — Granados, Jose, Introduction to Sacramental Theology: Signs of Christ in the Flesh. CUA Press, Washington D.C., 2021.
• — Leeming, Bernard SJ, Principles of Sacramental Theology. Longmans, Green and Co, London, 1956.
• — O’Callaghan, Denis (ed.), Sacraments. The Furrow Trust, Dublin, 1964.
• — O’Sullivan, Noel, Sacraments in a Synodal Church. Veritas, Dublin, 2023.
• — Roguet,A.-M. OP, The Sacraments: Signs of Life. Blackfriars, London, 1954.
• — Semmelroth, Otto SJ, Church and Sacrament. Gill and Son, Dublin, 1965.
• — Wood, Jacob W., Speaking the Love of God. An Introduction to the Sacraments. Emmaus Road, Steubenville: 2016.