In the documents of Vatican II, the baptized
are called to holiness and to greater understanding of their
unique role in building the Kingdom of God. An informational
and enriching introduction to the Catholic faith and theology,
this course will enable you to take greater responsibility
in promoting the life and mission of the Church. Using the
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults as
a primary text, this course will explore six core areas
and will serve as a good foundation for those who seek to
continue theological studies or develop theological competency
for ministry. Theology is a fascinating and vital subject
that challenges those who study it to think critically and
personally about human existence, the world we live in and
our relationship with God and one another. It is recommended
(but not required) as a first course for those new to theological
study.
Unit 1: Faith Development
- Faith as a Personal and Communal Response
to God's Self-Revelation
- Stages of Faith Development
- Faith as "Content" as Well as a Dynamic
Spiritual Reality
Unit 2: Scripture
- Revelation Transmitted through Scripture
and Tradition
- Development of the Bible
- Overview of the Old Testament
- Overview of the New Testament
- Interpretation of the Scriptures
Unit 3: The Creed/ Jesus Christ
- Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds
- Trinity
- Person of Jesus Christ
- Christology
Unit 4: The Church
- Models of the Church
- Marks of the Church
- Mary and Saints
Unit 5: Sacraments, Liturgy and Prayer
- Liturgy as Act of the Church
- Seven Sacraments
- Importance of Prayer
Unit 6: Morality
- Elements of Christian Morality
- Sources of Catholic Morality
- Basics of Catholic Social Teaching
- Developed by Mary Jane Silvia,
Director for Youth Ministry, and Mary Ellen Mahon, Director
for Catechetical Formation, Diocese of Manchester.
- Seven weeks in duration, with one week
for orientation.
- Typically 15-20 students in each course.
- In addition to assigned readings from
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults,
additional lecture material provided online.
- Supplemental readings are provided
to encourage further exploration of topic, internet links
provided for all readings.
- Weekly written assignments (150-200
words) required.
- Weekly facilitator moderated chat sessions
with students in course.
Participants in this course must have
their own copy of the United States Catholic Catechism
for Adults from the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, 2006.
Requirements for course include:
- Weekly reading of lecture texts and
assigned readings.
- Participation in class discussion using
discussion area (minimum 2 comments, questions or responses
weekly.)
- Weekly written assignment (150-200
words.)
- Weekly chat session with other students
in course (4 required throughout course.)
- Course evaluation.
- 4 to 6 hours a week (time varies from
student to student depending on your learning style and
schedule.)
A Certificate of Completion awarding 35
Contact Hours will be sent upon completion of all course
requirements.
| Developed by Mary Jane Silvia,
Director for Youth Ministry, and Mary Ellen Mahon,
Director for Catechetical Formation, Diocese
of Manchester. |
