PS506 LITURGICAL THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF RITES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

This course will examine the liturgical theology manifested by the Church’s various rites of Christian Initiation. It will include a study of the Rite of Baptism of Infants, the Rite of Confirmation, and the celebration of First Holy Communion in the parish. It will also include a study of selected rites of Christian Initiation of adults, namely, the Acceptance into the Catechumenate, minor exorcisms and blessings, the Rite of Election and Scrutinies, as well as the complete rite of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The special circumstances of unbaptized children of catechetical age, and the case of adults needing an abbreviated form of Christian Initiation will also be examined. This course will also include opportunities for students to practice the delivery of homilies relating to these occasions. Finally, students will be asked to effectively model skills at presiding at a number of the rites mentioned above. Prerequisite: TH506 Sacramental Theology. Enrollment is limited to those students in Third Theology or Fourth Theology anticipating Roman Catholic ordination to the diaconate or the priesthood in the coming year.