Assessment

Exam 100%

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce students to key themes in ecclesiology and sacramental theology. The module will explore the scriptural foundations of the Church and sacraments, present the ecclesial vision of Vatican II, and investigate theological discourse about symbol, sacrament and ritual.

Indicative Syllabus:

• The Origin of the Church
• Church and its relationship to the Kingdom
• Models of Church
• Magisterium, leadership and roles in the Church
• A developing ecclesiology
• The principles of Catholic sacramental theology
• Rite and ritual: a secular-belief/sociological assessment of the sacraments
• Contemporary Issues facing the sacraments today

Learning Outcomes

• — Demonstrate an understanding of the mysterious nature, and our always developing understanding of the Church.
• — Describe the relationship of the Church with the Kingdom of God.
• — Explain the theological axiom that the Church is the universal sacrament.
• — Distinguish and define the key principles of Catholic sacramental theology.
• — Discuss the importance of faith in a fruitful celebration of the sacraments
• — Recommend steps to a more effective celebration of the sacraments in the context of the contemporary mission of the Church in Ireland.

Bibliography

• — SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, Sacrosanctum Concilium, AAS 56 (1964) 97-138. • Lumen Gentium, 21 November 1964, AAS 57 (1965) 5-71. • Nostra Aetate, 28 October 1965, AAS 58 (1966) 740-744. • Ad Gentes, 7 December 1965, AAS 58 (1966) 947-990. • Dei Verbum, 18 November 1966, AAS 58 (1966) 817-835. • Gaudium et Spes, 7 December 1966, AAS 58 (1966) 1025-1120. ntes, 7 December 1965, AAS 58 (1966) 947-990. _____, Dei Verbum, 18 November 1966, AAS 58 (1966) 817-835. _____, Gaudium et Spes, 7 December 1966, AAS 58 (1966) 1025-1120.
• — Bevans, Stephen. An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2009.
• — Boring, M. Eugene. An Introduction to the New Testament. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012.
• — Dulles, Avery. Models of Revelation Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1983. • Models of the Church (Expanded edition). New York: Image Books, 2002.
• — Grün, Anselm. The Seven Sacraments. London: Continuum, 2003.
• — Guzie, Tad. The Book of Sacramental Basics. New York: Paulist Press, 1981.
• — Henn, William. Church – The People of God. London: Burns & Oates, 2004.
• — Hession, Anne & Patricia Kieran eds. Exploring Theology – Making Sense of the Catholic Tradition. Dublin: Veritas 2007.
• — Himes, Michael J. The Mystery of Faith – An Introduction to Catholicism. Cincinnati, OH: Franciscan Media, 2004.
• — Irwin, Kevin W. The Sacraments. New York: Paulist Press, 2016. Lane, Dermot A. The Experience of God – An Invitation to Do Theology. Dublin: Veritas 2003.
• — Leahy, Brendan. The Marian Profile in the Ecclesiology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. London: New City, 2000.
• — Lewis, C.S. The Abolition of Man. London: Harper Collins, 1999. • Mere Christianity. London: Harper Collins, 2002.
• — McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology – An Introduction Oxford: Blackwell 2001. McGrath, Alister E. Theology: The Basics Oxford: Blackwell 2008.
• — McGrath, Alister. Mere Theology London: SPCK, 2010.
• — Migliore, Daniel L. Faith Seeking Understanding – An Introduction to Christian Theology Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2914.
• — Murphy, Francesca Aram, Balázs M. Mezei & Kenneth Oakes Illuminating Faith – An Invitation to Theology London: Bloomsbury, 2015.
• — O’Collins, Gerard SJ Retrieving Fundamental Theology – The Three Styles of Contemporary Theology London: Geoffrey Chapman, 1994.
• — O’Collins, Gerald & Mario Farrugia: Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004
• — O’Collins, Gerard SJ Rethinking Fundamental Theology – Toward a New Fundamental Theology Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
• — Plantinga, Richard J., Thomas R. Thompson and Matthew D. Lundberg An Introduction to Christian Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
• — Ratzinger, Joseph. Introduction to Christianity. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2004 (3rd ed.). • Principles of Catholic Theology. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1987. • Church, Ecumenism and Politics. Slough: St Paul Publications, 1988. • Called to Communion. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1996. • The Spirit of the Liturgy. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2000. • Pilgrim Fellowship of Faith: The Church as Communion. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2005. • Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. I. London: Bloomsbury, 2007. • The God of Jesus Christ. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2008.
• — Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Vol. I, The Unity of the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2010. • Joseph Ratzinger in Communio, Vol. II, Anthropology and Culture. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2013.
• — Rausch, Thomas P. ed. The College Student’s Introduction to Theology Collegeville, MN: Michael Glazer, 1993.
• — Rausch, Thomas P. Systematic Theology Collegeville, MN: Michael Glazer, 2016.
• — Schüssler Fiorenza, Francis & Galvin, John P. Systematic Theology – Roman Catholic Perspectives. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2011.
• — Spufford, Francis. Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense. London: Faber and Faber, 2013.
• — Tillich, Paul. Dynamics of Faith. London: Harper 1957.
• — Towey, Anthony. An Introduction to Christian Theology. London: Bloomsbury, 2013.
• — Vorgrimler, Herbert. Commentary on the Documents of Vatican II, Vol. III. London: Burns & Oates, 1969.
• — Donald Wuerl, The Sacraments – A Continuing Encounter with Christ. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2010.