Liturgical and Sacramental Theology Courses

LST 511 Introduction to Liturgical-Sacramental Theology Required Theology I

An introduction to the liturgical/sacramental life of the Church through exploration of foundational issues in liturgy and sacraments, the nature of liturgy, the Trinity in liturgy, the nature and reality of the sacraments. Envisioned outcomes: an understanding of liturgy within a consistent and systematic theological construct, an understanding of the liturgy as a locus theologicus; a basic understanding of the historical development of the liturgy; an understanding of sign, symbol, and ritual; development of a common liturgical/sacramental language. Format: lecture and discussion; Morris; one semester hour

LST 512 Liturgy of the Hours Required Theology I

 An historical and theological investigation of the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. Also covered: the liturgical calendar and the notion of liturgical time. Envisioned outcomes: an ability to celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours with understanding and devotion and to encourage the faithful to participate in this liturgy; an understanding of the structure and content of the liturgical calendar; an ability to implement the principle of progressive solemnity with regard to the Eucharist in the liturgical year; development of an understanding of liturgical time and the rhythms of the Dive Office. Format: lecture and discussion. Keller, one semester hour.

LST 513 Baptism and Confirmation Required Theology II

An exploration of foundational issues in liturgy and sacraments: the nature of liturgy, the Trinity in the liturgy, nature and reality of the sacraments.  An overview of the history and spirituality of the liturgy.  An investigation of basic questions in sacramental theology.  Building on this foundation the course studies baptism and confirmation from a historical, liturgical, theological and pastoral perspective.  Particular attention is given to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and its relationship to the Rite of Baptism for Children.  Van Slyke; two semester hours

LST 514 Liturgy of the Eucharist Required Theology III

A consideration of the Mass of the Roman Rite and the Mystery of the Eucharist:  its origin and shape in the early centuries; components of the Mass of the Roman Rite considered from historical, liturgical, theological, rubrical, and pastoral perspectives especially as evidenced in the Eucharistic Prayer.  Excursus on the dogmatic theology of Real Presence; on Eucharist as Sacrifice; on the relationship between the Last Supper, the Lord's Supper and the cross.  Attention will be given to the worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass.  Envisioned outcomes:  an understanding of the biblical foundations of the mystery of the Eucharist, of the teaching of Tradition and the magisterium through the centuries, and of the contributions of systematic theology, both traditional and contemporary; a more focused understanding of the contemporary magisterium's teaching of the Eucharist, from Pius XII through the Ecclesia de Eucharistia and Redemptionis Sacramentum; a renewed appreciation for certain doctrinal truths, especially the Mass as a sacrifice and the real presence and the importance of Eucharistic Adoration.  Format:  lecture and discussion.  Morris; three semester hours

LST 515 Marriage and Holy Orders Required Theology III

An historical and systematic overview of the sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders, An examination of the Rite of Marriage and the Rites of Holy Orders. Envisioned outcomes: a knowledge of the Church’s doctrine concerning Marriage and Holy Orders; a familiarity with the creative teaching of Pope John Paul II on these subjects; a critical sense of the sources of contemporary difficulties with these subjects; an ability to articulate a positive and personally compelling rationale for the Church’s understanding and practice on these subjects; an understanding of the structures and symbolisms of the rites of Marriage and Holy Orders. Format: lecture and discussion. Welch and Brennan; two semester hours

LST 516 Penance, Anointing, and Burial Required Theology IV

A selective historical and theological investigation of the following celebrations of the Church’s liturgical life: the Sacrament of Penance, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and the Rites of Burial. Envisioned outcomes: an appreciation of the links between the history of these celebrations and their present form; an understanding of the theology of Penance and Anointing to explain the values of these sacraments to the modern world; an ability to apply the options in these rites to varying pastoral situations; an ability to prepare and present sacramental preparation sessions for first reception of the Sacrament of Penance; an ability to assist families in their celebrating of the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum; an ability to assist families in their preparing for the Rites of Burial. Format: lecture and discussion. Morris; three semester hours

LST 552 The Liturgical Environment

A selective investigation of the importance of liturgical space for the celebration of the liturgy, based on the requirements of the various rites, especially the Eucharist, funerals, and the Liturgy of the Hours. Also treated: elements such as the altar, the ambo, the presidential chair, the baptismal font. Envisioned outcomes: an ability to “read” a liturgical space and to understand the theological significance of the elements of space; an ability to assist communities in their use of decoration, to emphasize elements in the space in accord with the principles of the liturgical year; an ability to speak competently to architects concerning the needs of communities in the process of building or renovating; an ability to summarize the Church’s requirements for elements such as tabernacles and altars. Format: lecture and discussion. Staff; two semester hours

LST 553 Holy Week Liturgies

A study of the historical development of the practices of Holy Week in the Roman Church. A practical examination of the current ritual for Holy Week and its implementation in a parish, including a practicum. Discussion of the present form of Holy Week in other Western traditions and in the East. Envisioned outcomes: an awareness of all the major elements and the ability to prepare for a Roman Holy Week; an ability to identify the major elements of the Holy Week liturgies in Eastern and Non-Roman Western rites; and an ability to discuss the historical development of Roman Holy Week. Format: lecture, discussion, practicum. Staff; two semester hours

LST 565 Eucharistic Theology

A study of the doctrinal theology of the Eucharist, especially in Scripture, Tradition, and the contemporary magisterium. Envisioned outcomes: an understanding of the biblical foundations of the mystery of the Eucharist, of the teaching of Tradition and the magisterium through the centuries, and of the contributions of dogmatic theology, both traditional and contemporary; a more focused understanding of the contemporary magisterium’s teaching of the Eucharist, from Pius XII through the Catechism of the Catholic Church; a renewed appreciation for certain doctrinal truths, especially the Mass as a sacrifice and the real presence. Format: lecture and discussion. Staff; two semester hours

LST 560 The Rite of Constantinople

An examination of the Byzantine Rite, one of the most widely used throughout the world today along with the Roman Rite.  Discussion of its Syrian and Palestinean origins. Focus upon the contributions of "New Rome" (Constantinople) itself, especially the processional/stational character of its liturgy. An examination of the daily, weekly, and annual cycles with particular attention given to the paschal celebration.  Envisioned outcomes: an understanding of the historical developments of the rite, experience of the rite itself through several field trips. Format: lecture, discussion, and field trips. Staff; two semester hours