Pastoral Studies Courses

PST 511 Pastoral Theology Required Theology II

Description forthcoming; two semester hours

PST 512 Introduction to Canon Law Required Theology II

An introduction to the nature and history of canon law; an investigation of selected canons in Book One of the 1983 Code of Canon Law (cc.1-128); an investigation of the power of government in the Church, focused in the hierarchical constitution of Church, as found in Book Two of the 1983 Code (cc. 330-572). Envisioned outcomes: an appreciation for the role of Canon Law in the life of the Church; an ability to interpret the law, given the context and subject matter of a particular Canon; a sense of canonical equity as a tool for the work of a shepherd in the Church; an ability to fulfill the function of Church leadership by empowering the people of God in their rights and obligations. Format: lecture and discussion. Ramacciotti; three semester hours

PST 513 Sacramental Law Required Theology IV; Prerequisite: PST 512

An investigation of the essential canons in Book Four of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, concerning the administration of the sacraments in general and the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Particular focus on the Sacrament of Marriage, and the process of marriage preparation followed in each student’s sponsoring diocese. Envisioned outcomes: see PS 521. Format: lecture and discussion. Ramacciotti; three semester hours

PST 514 Introduction to Homiletics Required Theology II

An introductory study and practicum in the art and skill of preparing and preaching homilies. Envisioned outcomes: a familiarity with various homiletic resource materials; a knowledge of the verbal and non-verbal dynamics involved in public communication; an ability to derive homiletic themes from any given set of lectionary readings; an ability to synthesize homiletic themes theologically and creatively, and to present them attractively; an ability to integrate social justice issues into one’s preaching; an ability to listen to oneself critically, to hear oneself as the congregation does; a facility with the elements of storytelling and the language of story as a vehicle for showing one’s faith; an ability and willingness continually to update one’s development as a minister of the Word. Format: introductory lecture, in-class practicum, videotape feedback sessions. Monshau; three semester hours

PST 515 Advanced Homiletics Required Theology III

An advanced-level study and practicum in the art and skill of preparing and preaching homilies. Envisioned outcomes: see PST 514. Format: introductory lecture, in-class practicum, videotape feedback sessions. Monshau; three semester hours

PST 516 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling Required Theology I

An introductory study, with classroom simulations, of the respective roles of the pastoral counselor and the spiritual director in the helping process. Also covered: a preliminary consideration of issues such as faith, prayer, grief, guilt, etc. Envisioned outcomes: an understanding of the distinction and the complementarity of the two roles; a practical grasp of the requisite skills of communication, observation, and exploration which are essential to the two roles; an ability to help clients identify their issues and develop a constructive response; an ability to do crisis intervention when required; an awareness of helper issues such as assertiveness, enabling, and counter-transference, and a developed strategy for dealing with these. Format: lecture, discussion, and in-class practicum. Harvath and Staff; three semester hours

PST 517 Catechesis and Elements of Religious Education Required Theology III

An introductory study in catechesis which covers the essential elements of education. This course will emphasize the catechetical vocation to make disciples of Jesus, with the broader pastoral view of formation and care in the life of faith in all its dimensions. Envisioned outcomes: An ability to organize and orient catechetical methods and materials effectively in conveying doctrinal truth; an ability to creatively teach the faith primarily through the spoken word, employing illustrative techniques; an ability to evaluate oneself critically, to hear oneself with an awareness of students’ cultural and social environment; a facility to catechize dynamically and personally to all age levels: children, young people, and adults. Format: lecture, demonstration, in and out-of-class practicum, video review session. Stewart; two semester hours

PST 532 Proclaiming God and Discipleship in Various Settings

An advanced-level study and practicum in preaching, with attention to other types of presentations in a variety of contexts. Topics included: conferences, retreats, mission talks, remarks in paraliturgical settings, interaction with the media, ministry by radio and television, etc. Envisioned outcomes: knowledge of and familiarity with various methods of preparation; exposure to the styles of various proclaimers; presentation of various kinds of “long” talks. Format: introductory lecture, in-class practicum, and videotape feedback sessions. Staff; two semester hours


PST 536 Technology in Parish Ministry

A consideration of the practical understanding of various technologies being used in parish schools and in parish work (e.g., costs, hardware and software discounters, etc.). An experience of the nature of cyberspace as a place of evangelization in the various organizations that exist within Catholic Parishes. Envisioned outcomes:  an understanding of the Church's developing position on the Internet and on various electronic media; an understanding of the nature of cyberspace as a place of communicative exchange that redefines the boundaries of time and space; a basic understanding of the way new media change social realities; a working knowledge of the Internet as a communicative tool in students’ own interactions with each other; an understanding of how cyberspace is an efficacious medium for the Gospel's message; an understanding of the practical aspects of technology in parish ministry, including costs, vendors, etc.  Format: lecture, discussion, practicum. Staff, two semester hours


PST 548  Ministry in a Hispanic Cultural Setting

A general overview of key elements in ministering to the Hispanic people, especially as they differ from a more traditional perspective; popular religiosity, role of men and women, family structure, leadership, immigration, demographics, liturgy, preaching evangelization, and special issues.  We will approach this study primarily from the point of view of the documents of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on Hispanic Ministry in the U. S.: National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry - 1987.  Other key documents, from both the universal Church and the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, will also be included.  Envisioned outcomes: an awareness of and sensitivity to the specific needs of the Hispanic community, a desire to look for ways to initiate a process to help include this community in the larger church community.  The format will be some lecture, discussion, interactive activities, research and student presentations.  Soto; two semester hours


PST 562 New Feminism

A review of feminist literature based on the perspective of the new feminism called for by Pope John Paul II. Envisioned outcomes: a knowledge and appreciation of the dignity of women; a knowledge of women’s contributions to the church and to society. Format: lecture and discussion. Staff; two semester hours

PST 572 Grief Counseling

An in-depth investigation of the grieving process, with specific attention to the role of the pastoral intervention in complicated grief. Envisioned outcomes: a variety of counseling strategies for assisting the bereaved, including circumstances such as suicide, multiple, accidental, or child death; an ability to facilitate mourning tasks for those in denial, depression, and the throes of grief; an awareness of loss issues in the context of life transitions such as unemployment, divorce, infidelity, retirement, disability, and terminal illness; an enhanced consciousness of the student’s own Personal Death Awareness (PDA). Format: lecture and discussion. Staff; two semester hours

PST 578  Spirituality and Theology of the Body

A consideration of the graced human person in his/her growth toward integrated biological, psychological, moral, social, and spiritual wholeness in Christ, the Incarnate Word; special attention to pastoral applications. Envisioned outcomes:  the ability to analyze current popular "spirituality"; an understanding of the importance for the Church to develop a "theology of the body"; a knowledge of the mutual relationship of the biological, psychological, moral, social, and graced aspects of Christian spirituality, united by the theological virtues and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; an awareness of the processes and stages of spiritual growth. Format: lecture and discussion. Staff; two semester hours

PST 584 Western Sacred Music

A survey of selected monuments of Western Sacred Music. Envisioned outcomes: an ability to recognize and identify aural examples of selected masterworks; basic knowledge of the historical development of musical style and form; increased appreciation through familiarity with the sacred works of major western composers. Format: lecture, music listening, concert going, small group study, and analysis of scores. Staff; two semester hours

PST 582 The Ministry of Administration

An investigation of the theory and practice of organization applied to parishes and schools. Envisioned outcomes: a knowledge and appreciation of a variety of leadership styles; an ability to work with a parish council; an ability to compose and review an institutional budget; an ability to compose job descriptions and to hire and manage personnel; an ability to work with volunteers; an ability to supervise management of a plant; a knowledge of the requirements of canon and civil law. Format: lecture, discussion, and simulated practicum. Staff; two semester hours