Class Descriptions

Basic Certificate Courses

MCP 101 Church: Nature and Mission                                           Summer 2008, Griffin Center

Participants will examine biblical and other foundations, the development, structure and mission of the Church with particular attention give to the ministries of the ordained and non-ordained.

MCP 102 Christian Moral Life                                                           Summer 2008, Griffin Center

Provides a framework for understanding moral experiences in light of scripture and the Church's understanding of the nature of the human person. Particular attention is given to questions of conscience, freedom, and moral action as well as the realities of grace, sin and natural law.

MCP 103 Jesus Christ: God and Man                                               Summer 2009, Griffin Center

This course will consider the person and work of Jesus as Son of God and Son of Man.  The course will focus on the historical emergence of Christology in the New Testament, patristics, conciliar and contemporary teachings.

MCP 104 Liturgy and Sacraments                                                    Summer 2008, Griffin Center

The theological and anthropological dimensions of liturgy are examined. Topics include symbol, ritual, the relation between Word and Sacrament, liturgy as revelation and worship, and liturgy as participation in the paschal mystery.

MCP 105 Scripture I: Hebrew Scriptures                                            Summer 2008, Griffin Center

An introduction to Scripture focusing on methods of interpretation through examination of biblical texts, themes and the concept of revelation in the Hebrew Scriptures.

MCP 106 Scripture II: The New Testament                                         Summer 2009, Griffin Center

An introduction to the New Testament focusing on the development of the Gospel through key texts and themes. The primary goal is to assist students in integrating these Scriptures into their ministry.

MCP 107 Vatican II:  Its Impact and Direction                                      Summer 2008 Griffin Center

This course will describe the thinking and actions that led to Vatican Council II, especially with respect to our understanding of what it is to be human and a community.  The course will also examine the impact of the Council on the work of theologians, the laity, and the relationship to other churches and faiths.  The context of the course will be the Vatican II documents as well as subsequent documents.

MCP 108 Church History                                                                           Summer 2008 Griffin Center

This class is currently being designed and the first class will be taught in the summer 2008.  Our short explanation for now is: How the Catholic church carried out Jesus' command to teach all nations.

Advanced Certificate Courses

MCP 201 Foundations of Catechesis                                                   Summer 2009 Griffin Center

This course is a prerequisite for the other catechetical specialty courses.  This course will survey the development of catechesis.  It will explore the understanding of catechesis as described in recent Church documents such as the General Directory for Catechesis and Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us.  Of particular importance will be issues concerning the future of religious education, e.g., adult formation programs, the training of catechists.

MCP 202 Catechetical Content and Methodology                              Summer 2010 Griffin Center

This course will deal with the faith and moral development of people at various ages and stages of life as it will impact methodology and curriculum in the catechetical programs as well as lesson planning, discipline, learner outcomes, learning styles and various methods for effectively engaging persons of various ages with faith material.  Specific attention will be given to critically evaluating catechetical models and materials for catechetical programs and sacramental preparation for all ages.

MCP 203 Role and Ministry of the Catechetical Minister (DRE) 

                                                                                                                             Summer 2008 Griffin Center

This course is designed to show the role of the Director of Catechetical Ministry as an administrator and as a person who engages in the ministry of the Word.  Some of the key areas that will be addressed are the principles and steps for effective planning, communication, and work with staff, teams and committees as well as the recruiting and training of catechists, record keeping, budgets and time management.

MCP 304 Elements of Celebration                                                              Summer 2008 Griffin Center

This course will examine the elements of myth, symbol, ritual, sacred time and sacred space as they function within the liturgical environment.  Liturgical aesthetics, music, cultural elements, and components of liturgical preparation will be discussed in detail as well as the formation and role of the parish liturgical committee.

MCP 305 Church at Prayer I:  Eucharist                                                  Summer 2009 Griffin Center

This course will provide an overview of the historical development, structure, theology, and pastoral issues of the “two tables” of the Eucharistic celebration – the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  In addition, it will consider the various ministerial requirements required for a full celebration of Eucharist as well as its ethical demands.

MCP 306 Church at Prayer II:  Sacraments and Rites  (MCP 306) Summer 2009 Griffin Center

Sacraments of commitment and healing will be detailed, as well as a brief view of the sacraments of initiation (see Christian Initiation – MCP 308).  The course will examine the historical development, theology and pastoral issues of these sacraments.  It will also pay special attention to the celebration of Christian funerals with its attendant rites, and take a brief look at the Book of Blessings.

MCP 307 Church at Prayer III:  Liturgical Year                                    Summer 2010 Griffin Center

This course will introduce students to the notion of “ sacred time” and its relationship to human life.  Special emphasis will be placed on the primacy of Sunday and the centrality of the Triduum, as well as the seasonal and sanctoral cycles of the Christian year.  The place and celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours will be considered as well.

MCP 308 Christian Initiation                                                                   Summer 2009, Griffin Center

This course will present a historical, theological, and pastoral study of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist as sacraments of initiation as well as explore how the rites of Christian Initiation for adults and children/youth interface with the initiation process itself.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ritual book will be the basic text to review the formation/preparation necessary for each phase of the process and its ritual shape.

MCP 409 Visitation Skills & Sacraments of Healing                    Summer 2009 Griffin Center

This course examines the role of the lay faithful and the home visit in relationship to the life and mission of the Church. Participants will have the opportunity to learn basic skills in attentive listening and appropriate responsiveness, how to identify areas of concern, and the process for referrals and linkage with other resources as components of an effective visit. The context of the course will be a theology of ministry in the light of Vatican II documents and subsequent documents on the laity. The course will include a theology of conversion, the history and theology of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing with their pastoral and practical applications. Additionally, a framework and practical guidelines for eucharistic ministry to the homebound will be discussed.

MCP 410 Care for Chronically & Terminally Ill                                    Summer 2010 Griffin Center

This course examines the theology of suffering in the light of Christ and the tradition of the Church. Participants will be exposed to moral principles in end of life issues with practical applications. Grief and loss, dynamics of caregiving and prayer with the dying are also addressed. A theology perspective on disabilities; an overview of major disabilities together with practical implications and pastoral concerns for becoming a fully inclusive community within the Church and society will be presented.

MCP 411 Special Issues & Cohorts: Aging & Mental Illness          Summer 2008 Griffin Center                                                                             

This course examines the theology of suffering in the light of Christ and the tradition of the Church. Participants will be exposed to moral principles in end of life issues with practical applications. Grief and loss, dynamics of caregiving and prayer with the dying are also addressed. This course presents major brain disorders and mental conditions often encountered in ministry situations. Participants will examine various manifestations of mental illness in order to help them identify conditions, interact appropriately, and intervene and refer for help when indicated. The context of the course is the theology of the human person from the documents of Vatican II.This course examines developmental processes of aging from different perspectives as well as models and theories of aging in contemporary society.  A theology of aging is presented based in the Catholic understanding of the human person through the life‑cycle.

MCP 516 Adolescent Spiritual Development 

This course employs spiritual and psychological insights to examine adolescent spiritual development.  It will consider various aspects of adolescence within the dynamic of religious development.

MCP 517 Youth Ministry Principles                                      2008-09, Contact Youth Ministry Office

The course will consider the nature and fundamental principles of youth ministry including basic skills in program and retreat planning, Confirmation preparation and activities around social justice and service.

MCP 618 Pastoral Administration and Supervision                             Summer 2009 Griffin Center

An examination of the pastoral principles underlying leadership in the Church.  Particular attention will be given to various models of leadership, administration and supervision appropriate to a parish.  Aspects of communication, decision-making, team ministry, evaluation, and conflict resolution will also be explored.

MCP 619 Pastoral Counseling                                                                    Summer 2008 Griffin Center

The course will teach students to recognize and appropriately refer various pathologies and dysfunctions.  Issues that often arise in parish ministry will also be addressed.

Field Practicum  (MCP 200, 300, 400, 500, 600)                              Self-paced, approval by Director

A supervised pastoral project with goals designed by the student in cooperation with the Program Director.  Its purpose is to foster professional competency and a review of the student’s skills in a practical setting.