MARIOLOGY I

Catalog description

This course will encompass a theological synthesis concerning the person and role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, as contained in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and as authoritatively articulated by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Meriting particular accentuation will be the four existing Marian dogmas; the fifth Marian Doctrine of Our Lady’s Spiritual Motherhood; examples of Contemporary Mariology; the principle expressions of authentic Marian devotion (i.e., Rosary, Scapular, Consecration); the Church’s official perspective on Marian Private Revelation, and a historic synthesis of Church approved Marian apparitions. (Variable credit) THEO 331 MARIOLOGY II Mariology II, grounded upon the historical, dogmatic, doctrinal, and devotional content presented in Mariology I, expands the theological exploration of Marian truth and love in the life of the Church, with particular emphases in the following areas (Variable credit): I. The Mariology of the Second Vatican Council: Developments and Controversies; II. Biblical Mariology: Extended commentaries on Principal Marian Passages; III. Great Figures in Patristic Mariology; IV. Great Figures in Medieval Mariology; V. Great Figures in Modern/Contemporary Mariology; VI. Contemporary Marian Apparitions: Ecclesial Norms of Evaluation and Updates from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and local diocesan authorities, e.g., Fatima, Medjugorje, Our Lady of America, etc. THEO 350 CATECHESIS IN THE CHURCH The restoration of the Catechumenate after the Second Vatican Council and the beginning of the RCIA process has brought about tremendous renewal in catechesis and has helped to foster adult conversions into the Church. The annual celebration of the awe-inspiring Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil, and the Rites leading up to this celebration, has become a focal point for catechists everywhere. This course will explore the dynamic nature of the RCIA process with its four stages, and the catechetical methodology that is appropriate to each stage. The course will further explore the nature of post-baptismal catechesis and consider successful pedagogies for the evangelization and catechesis of children, youth, and adults. Special emphasis will be given to the exploration of vibrant diocesan and parish catechetical programs as first fruits of new evangelization. Readings for this course typically include the RCIA Study Edition, Catechesi Tradendae , The Catechism and the General Catechetical Directory. Prerequisites: THEO 105, THEO 205.