Intercultural Ministry: Parish, Campus

Catalog description

Taught by JST. Multiethnic parishes, campuses, and classrooms have become the "new normal" in the U.S. Catholic Church- one-third of parishes are now "shared parishes" composed of culturally diverse communities sharing the same space; more than half of college and high school students do not fit the traditional profile in terms of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status; and faith communities are receiving a significant influx of international pastoral agents. While in the past, skills in interculturality might have been seen as optional, now they are required for all who minister in the U.S. Catholic Church. This intensive seminar, designed for ministers working in parish, campus ministry, or classroom settings and taught by a missiologist who has written on culture-sensitive ministry, engages recent research, art, case studies, and theological reflection to better equip them to work interculturally. Among the key learning activities will be a preliminary site visit prior to the course (suggestions will be provided), readings to be completed before the course, as well as presentations of best practices by practitioners. A final paper or project will serve as a capstone for future exploration and application. Auditors who do the readings, along with students upgrading, are welcome. Class meets: Sunday, 1/20/2019, 1:00pm-5:00pm; Monday-Wednesday, 1/21/2019-1/23/2019, 8:00a-5:00pm; and Saturday, 2/16/2019, 8:00am-5:00pm; at JST 216.