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Semester Course Offerings

If you are a new student who wants to take a single course, please contact Judy Fontenot Lavergne jflaverg@loyno.edu.

 

Fall 2024 Graduate Courses • Fall 2024 Undergraduate Courses

 

Fall 2024 Graduate Courses

The fall semester runs from August 19 through December 6. 

Introduction to Practical Theology / LIM G703 Y1G0E
Instructor: Francisco Castillo, D.Min.

Preliminary syllabus

This initial course in ministry education introduces students to a process of pastoral praxis, through a method of keeping theological reflection in constant dialogue with action. Students explore the interplay of the Christian tradition and the dynamics of living out that tradition through the sociocultural, personal, and institutional contexts of their ministries. The method of theological reflection is based upon the work of the Rev. Bernard Lonergan, S.J., and David Tracy.

 

Jewish Roots of Christian Faith / LIM G711 Y1G0E
Instructor: Tom Ryan, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus

This course introduces students to the literature, history, and theology of ancient Israel as embodied in the ancient Hebrew scriptures commonly known as the Old Testament. It examines the major themes of Exodus, promise-fulfillment, and covenant in Israel’s history from the time of the patriarchs to the period of late Second Temple Judaism, which was the context of Jesus’ life and teachings. In particular those texts, events, and beliefs of ancient Israel which form an indispensable background for understanding the New Testament are highlighted.

 

Grace, Christ, and Spirit / LIM G714 Y1G0E
Instructor: Tom Ryan, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus

This course introduces students to the rich Christian tradition of theological reflection and teaching on the person of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and grace, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. In the context of this tradition, students are invited to a deeper understanding of the meaning of salvation in their lives and in their ministry. Contemporary theologies of Christ and salvation are also explored, using Karl Rahner’s writings as an example of a modern theology of grace.

Prerequisite: LIM-G703 must be completed prior to taking this course.

 

Synodality / LIM-G794-Y1G0E
Instructor: Emily Jendzejec, Ph.D.
Preliminary syllabus
Course flyer

This is a three-credit online LIM course at the graduate and undergraduate levels. This course examines Synodality and explores its implications for ministry and the life of faith today. The course culminates in a week-long trip to Rome during the Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of Bishops in October 2024.  Students will participate in public events connected to the General Assembly: prayer services, Pope Francis’s public audiences, and daily sessions with the other university students. This trip will form students in the spiritual practices of synodality, communal discernment, and co-responsibility for mission. It will support them in becoming synodal witnesses and animators back in their home faith communities. Students will participate in the programming with CENTERS (Catholic Education Network To Experience Rome and Synodality) along with other students at participating universities.

NOTE: Permission of Instructor required. There are additional travel fees of $2,000 associated with this course which includes programming and lodging. Students are also responsible for airfare. Reach out to the course instructor, Dr. Jendzejec, for more details epjendze@loyno.edu

 

Foundations of Religious Education / LIM G837 Y1G0E
Instructor: Tracey Lamont, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus

An exploration of the contextual roots of the field that includes the Christian theological tradition, family, church, and socio-cultural influences and responses, as well as creation itself. Through this model of contextual reflection, participants will trace the evolution of the theory and practice of religious education in its Christian expression with special attention to its contemporary Roman Catholic character and responsibilities in ecclesial and academic settings.

 

Parish Life and Ministry / LIM G844 Y1G0E
Instructor: Emily Jendzejec, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus

The aim of this course is to help participants reflect on today’s experience of the parish in its many shapes and forms. Pastoral practice and canon law are used during the course as reference points for discussion of the pastoral and canonical issues raised by the student and the course content.

 

Pastoral Leadership and Organization / LIM G861 Y1G0E
Instructor: Emily Jendzejec, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus

This course explores the meaning of pastoral leadership in light of the current research in organizational development and ecclesiology. Current literature is surveyed in light of the mission of the church and the ecclesial vision of participants. Special emphasis is placed upon participative strategic planning processes and organizational development. Participants will analyze an organizational system for its strengths and weaknesses and propose interventions that would strengthen its organizational functioning.

Prerequisite: LIM-G703 must be completed prior to taking this course.

 

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Fall 2024 Undergraduate Courses

Session 1 runs from August 19 through October 17.

Introduction to Ministry / RELM-C300-YA1
Instructor: Rick Beben, M.R.E.

Preliminary syllabus

Taking a broad view of ministry, this course introduces the study and practice of Christian ministry, grounded in Scripture and the historical tradition and focused on the contemporary challenges and opportunities.

 

Synodality / RELM-C494-YA1
Instructor: Emily Jendzejec, Ph.D.

Preliminary syllabus
Course flyer

This is a three-credit online LIM course at the graduate and undergraduate levels. This course examines Synodality and explores its implications for ministry and the life of faith today. The course culminates in a week-long trip to Rome during the Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of Bishops in October 2024.  Students will participate in public events connected to the General Assembly: prayer services, Pope Francis’s public audiences, and daily sessions with the other university students. This trip will form students in the spiritual practices of synodality, communal discernment, and co-responsibility for mission. It will support them in becoming synodal witnesses and animators back in their home faith communities. Students will participate in the programming with CENTERS (Catholic Education Network To Experience Rome and Synodality) along with other students at participating universities.

NOTE: Permission of Instructor required. There are additional travel fees of $2,000 associated with this course which includes programming and lodging. Students are also responsible for airfare. Reach out to the course instructor, Dr. Jendzejec, for more details epjendze@loyno.edu

View the Study Abroad page for this course»

 

Session 2 runs from October 21 through December 12.

Ethics for Ministers RELM-C334-YZ1
Instructor: Francisco Castillo, D.Min.

Preliminary syllabus

This course examines ethical conduct in ministry through an emphasis on Catholic ethics, personal spiritual formation, and formation of conscience that is foundational to one’s ethical life. Through a study of the biblical foundations of Christian ethics and ethical systems and their application, students will develop practical skills to address ethical issues and dilemmas they encounter in ministry. Through the development of a personal code of ethics, students will identify principles to guide their conduct in their lives and ministry. Through reflection on virtue ethics, students will practice ongoing spiritual formation that enriches and informs an ethical practice of ministry.

 

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