STP 400/MPS 100 Introduction to Pastoral Theology Course Outline Instructor: Sr. Zoe Bernatsky SSMI Office Hours: Wednesday from 1:00 4:00 p.m. and by appointment, Office #2 03 Phone: 780.392.2450 ext. 5250 Email address: zoe.bernatsky@newman.edu Course Description This course will explore the biblical and historical roots of pastoral theology, explore the theological foundations and current understanding of pastoral theology, facilitate an initial exploration of a theology of ministry, and provide an introduction to theological reflection and other formational practices for ministry. Course Objectives a) To develop a personal theology of ministry which will guide practice. b) To reflect on the moral responsibilities of pastoral ministers. c) To examine the nature of pastoral theology as a discipline; its history, methods, and relevance for the Church and for society. d) To examine a model of theological reflection; and explore how practical theologians integrate the social science methods into their research in service of the Church. e) To reflect on the role of cultural diversity in ministry through the framework of theological reflection. f) To demonstrate the ability to integrate theory and practice which will be applied in future congregational leadership and ministry. Course Assignments and Evaluation 1. Develop the contours of a personal theology of ministry based on the following resources and honest personal reflection. Include: a. A reflection on your call to ministry. b. Identification of at least three virtues you possess. Explain how you intend to use them in pastoral ministry. c. Identification of areas for personal and professional growth as a pastoral minister, including a reflection on the need for boundaries. (4 pages maximum and use of at least two sources for undergraduate students, 6 pages maximum and use of at least three sources for graduate students). Sources may include CCB Statement, Responsibility in Ministry, 1996 (particularly Appendix A and D), Just Ministry Chapter 1 4, Co Workers in the Vineyard, Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis and Principled Ministry: A Guidebook for Catholic Church Leaders (20% of final grade). Richard Gula, Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers Chapter 1 4 CCCB Statement, Responsibility in Ministry, 1996, tel 780.392.2450 10012 84 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6A 0B2 www.newman.edu
USCCB, Co Workers in the Vineyard, Pope John Paul II, Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis (1992). Loughlan Sofield and Carroll Juliano, Principled Ministry: A Guidebook for Catholic Church Leaders 2. Presentation on Theological Reflection Methods: 20% of final grade. See Rubric for grading. Note: Graduate students are responsible for knowing all seven methods, undergraduates are responsible for understanding four methods. 3. Theological reflection is a process, which uses religious experience and ministry as a text for study and discernment using various methods and perspectives. This process helps us to understand and shape theological education and faith development in families, parishes, hospitals, and other social institutions. After reading The Art of Theological Reflection, write up a case study (3 4 pages for undergraduate students, 5 6 pages for graduate students. given the template provided. (30% of final grade) Patricia O Connell Killen and John de Beer, The Art of Theological Reflection (New York: Crossroads, 1995). 4. Take Home Exam 4 5 pages for Undergraduate students, 6 8 pages for graduate students (30% of final grade). Required Reading 1. Richard Gula, Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers (New York: Paulist Press: 2010). 2. Patricia O Connell Killen and John de Beer, The Art of Theological Reflection (New York: Crossroads, 1995). 3. Graham, Elaine, Heather Walton, Frances Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods (London: SCM Press, 2010). 4. John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation: Pastores dabo vobis 1992. 5. CCCB Statement, Responsibility in Ministry, 1996. 6. USCCB, Co Workers in the Vineyard, 2005. 7. US National Association for Lay Ministry, Standards: Code of Ethics. Recommended Reading 1. Loughlan Sofield and Carroll Juliano, Principles Ministry: A Guidebook for Catholic Church Leaders (Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2011) 2. Don Browning. A Fundamental Practical Theology: Descriptive and Strategic Proposals (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1991) 3. James Whitehead and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead, Methods in Ministry: Theological Reflection and Christian Ministry (Kansas City: Sheed and Ward, 1995) 4. Pope Francs, Apostolic Exhortation: Evangelii gaudium (2013) 5. Vatican Council II, Dignaitatis humanae (Declaration on Religious Freedom) 6. Vatican Council II, Gaudium et spes Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World 7. Vatican Council II, Lumen gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church 8. John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation: Pastores dabo vobis 1992. 9. CCCB Statement, Responsibility in Ministry, 1996. 10. USCCB, Co Workers in the Vineyard, 2005 11. US National Association for Lay Ministry, Standards: Code of Ethics 12. The Pastoral Priorities of the Archdiocese of Edmonton 2011 Page 2 of 6
13. Twenty five Year Pastoral Plan for the Eparchy of Edmonton (2012). Additional material: 14. Abigail Johnson, Reflecting with God (Herdon, VA: The Alban Institute, 2004). 15. Robert Kinast, Let Ministry: A Guide to Theological Reflection (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1996). 16. Margaret Lavin, Theology for Ministry (Ottawa: Novalis, 2004). Excellent for a basic introduction to theology in the Catholic tradition with emphasis on theological themes that ground our understanding of God and the human person, and the implications for ministry. 17. Bonnie Miller McLemore (ed.), The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology (Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley Blackwell Publishing, 2014). 18. Anthony Gittins, Where There s Hope There s Life: Women s Stories of Homelessness and Survival (Liguori: Liguori/Triumph, 2006). 19. Raymond Webb, The Development of a Catholic Practical Theology, Chicago Studies 45, Spring 2006:105 117. 20. Terry Veling, Practical Theology: On Earth as It Is in Heaven (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis) 2005). Course Requirements This course in pastoral theology takes as its basic task, the promotion of faithful discipleship in order to facilitate the formation of those called to serve as ministers in the church. This class provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of ministry through reflection upon discipleship rooted in the Christian tradition. Since pastoral theology focuses on responding to concrete situations, this course emphasizes intentional reflection on events and concrete settings that must be encountered faithfully in order to understand the existing situation and to propose eventual direction for action. Ministers serve as key communicators and interpreters of the lived reality of the faith within their local settings. They draw insights from biblical, historical, ethical, spiritual, and theological resources to help people make sense of their lives. Therefore in addition to becoming familiar with the literature related to pastoral theology, developing the ability to reflect theologically is an important component of this course. Such reflection should become a lifelong practice of ministers as they interpret their pastoral experience in light of Scripture, Church teaching, personal faith, and pastoral practices. These goals will be evaluated through class participation, the development of a personal theology of ministry, a class presentation, and a final paper/project. General Academic Information Extensions: Assignments must be handed in on time as designated in the syllabus. In situations of grave concern, please see the professor. More information on the late submission policy can be found in the Student Handbook Plagiarism: Acts of academic dishonesty such as plagiarism are subject to penalty including a grade of F. Further details are available in the Student Handbook. Academic grievances: Information related to academic grievances can be found in the Student Handbook. Grade calculation: NTC reports letter grades based on a 4.0 system. For more information on the grading system see the NTC Academic Calendar. Writing Style: Chicago, Turabian, MLA, or APA Special Learning Needs: If you have special learning needs, please see the professor to discuss how these needs can best be met. Page 3 of 6
Course Schedule 1. Introduction to Pastoral Theology September 13 Introduction to Course/Review of Syllabus Student Background and Interests Writing Guidelines for Practical Theology Papers The Nature of Pastoral Theology: o Historically, and in the contemporary situation. Gula, Just Ministry, Ministry as Vocation, Ministry as Profession 1 80, CCCB Statement Responsibility in Ministry. Watch an introduction to boundaries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwva7j2sm6s Introduction of Assignment #1: The development of the contours of a personal theology of ministry (3 4 pages double spaced for Bachelor s students and 5 6 pages for Masters students) to be submitted by email or hard copy no later than Monday September 19 th. (20% of final grade) 2. Method and Perspectives in Pastoral Theology September 20 Examine human experience as a source for theology: Karl Rahner and the theology of grace Explore pastoral theology as a discipline, skill or art form that provides a means for reflection upon pastoral ministry. Pastoral Minister and Instrument Parallel Process Introduce methods in pastoral theology Introduce Theological Reflection as a tool for ministerial formation. Theological reflection is a process, which uses religious experience and ministry as a text for study and discernment using various methods and perspectives. This process helps us to understand and shape theology and faith in families, parishes, hospitals, and other social institutions. Graham, Walton and Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods, 1 17 Additional for Graduate Students: 1) Robert Imbelli and Thomas Groome, Note Signposts towards a Pastoral Theology, Theological Studies 53 (1992):127 137; 2) Karl Rahner: Spiritual Writings, God and Human Experience, p. 35 50, 56 60; 3) Patricia Carroll, Moving Mysticism to the Centre, The Way 43, no. 4 (October 2004): 41 52 http://www.theway.org.uk/back/434carroll.pdf (See the website of the journal The Way (a journal published by the British Jesuits on Christian Spirituality). Introduction of Assignment #2: Presentations on Methods: October 4 & October 11 in groups of two: Presentation on the chapter(s) and the facilitation of a short class discussion for a total of 30 minutes (20% of mark). This should include an explanation of the method/chapter, identifying and the benefits and limitations of the method and one or two questions to engage the class in discussion. Page 4 of 6
3) Practicing Pastoral Theology September 27 The Art of Theological Reflection: Attitudes and Disposition Writing Theological Reflections Models of the Church Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers: Boundaries Organize for Ministry Visit Patricia O Connell Killen and John de Beer, The Art of Theological Reflection (Crossroads: New York, 1995: 1 19 Presenters Building Better Boundaires: https://www.med.ualberta.ca/ /media/medicine/departments/anesthesiology/documents/workbookbuilding betterboundariesfeb2011.pdf Additional: Kinast, Making Faith sense Kinast, Let Ministry: A Guide to Theological Reflection (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1996), 23 41. 4) Theological Reflection: Methods October 4 The Contours of Theological Reflection Particular Methods of Theological Reflection Graham, Walton, and Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods o Theology by Heart Presenters: o Speaking in Parables Presenters: o Telling God s Story Presenters: o Writing the Body of Christ Presenters: Reading Graham, Walton & Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods, Introduction, Theology by Heart, Speaking in Parables, Telling God s Story, 18 137. 5) Methods of Theological Reflection October 11 Graham, Walton, and Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods o Speaking of God in Public Presenters: o Theology in Action Presenters: o Theology in the Vernacular Presenters: Graham, Walton & Ward, Theological Reflection: Methods, Introduction, Theology by Heart, 138 229. Note: Graduate students are responsible for knowing all seven methods, undergraduates are responsible for understanding four methods. 6) One Spirit, Many Gifts: Opportunities for Ministry October 18 Guests from various ministries based in interests of the class and availability of guests. Page 5 of 6
Mental Health, Addictions Examples of Theological Reflection (Theological Reflection Due Oct. 25) Preparation for Ministry Placements Exploration of facets of ministry and learning goals. Choose an area of ministry you are interested in or in which you hope to be engaged. Make a site visit, begin to reflect on your learning goals related to future ministry. Gula, Just Ministry, The Virtuous Minister 81 116. Pope Francs, Apostolic Exhortation: Evangelii gaudium (2013). Barbara Blodgett & Matthew Floding, The Role of Theological Reflection in Field Education, Reflective Practice, Formation and Supervision in Ministry, 34 (2014): 268 283. 7) Moral and Spiritual Development/ October 25 Fowler s Stages of Moral Development https://www.corwin.com/sites/default/files/upmbinaries/6214_chapter_3 Roehlkepartain_I_Proof_pdf.pdf 8) Ministry Visits Nov. 1 Reading Week Nov. 8 9) Engaging Diversity, Indigenous Culture and Spirituality Nov. 15 Ministry Visit Discussion Culture and Spirituality Gula, Just Ministry, The Dynamics of Power 117 155 Sexuality, Confidentiality 156 188. 10) Collaborative Ministry November 22 Leadership, Identifying and working through pastoral problems in ministry 11) Establishing and Maintaining Pastoral Relationships/Boundaries Remen, Helping, Fixing, or Serving https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/honors/docs/communityengagement/helpingfixingservin g.pdf November 29 12) Conclusions December 6 Take Home Exam/Papers due December 15 Page 6 of 6