Confessional Rites & Practices

Catalog description

Taught by JST. This course will examine the Roman Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation from its historical, theological, moral, pastoral, liturgical and canonical perspectives. It is designed for those who will preside at the Sacrament of Reconciliation as presbyters. The emphasis will be an ongoing practicum on reconciliation rites and practices, utilizing role-playing of a variety of confessional cases and issues. The course will also involve an in-depth discussion of moral, liturgical and pastoral theology as it is related to the Sacrament. Attention will be paid to pastoral care in a variety of different contexts of sacramental confession, as well as related pastoral, moral and canonical issues which often surface in the celebration of the Rite of Reconciliation. This course fulfills the Society of Jesus' requirements for confessional rites and includes the ad audienda requirements of the Church for all candidates for ordination.