Syllabus 2008

Fr. C. Eugene Morris, S.T.L.
Office phone: 314/633-2535
Fall Semester, 2008
Monday and Wednesday, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Room – 125
frmorris@archstl.org
morris@kenrick.edu
www.fathermorris.net  

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A selective theological and historical 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 Christian Burial.

ENVISIONED OUTCOMES: 

bullet an appreciation of the links between the history of these celebrations and their present forms
bullet an understanding of the theology of Penance and Anointing in order to explain the values of these sacraments to the modern world
bullet an ability to apply the options in these rites to varying pastoral situations
bullet an ability to prepare and present sacramental preparation sessions for the first reception of the Sacrament of Penance
bullet an ability to assist families in their celebrating of the Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum
bullet an ability to assist families in their preparation for the Rites of Burial

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.  The most important requirement in this course is the full, conscious and active participation of each student in class.  To this end you must be physically present and engaged to the fullest degree possible.  This is central to your success in this course.  Because the material of the course is so varied, your participation in class will be the measure of your understanding of the areas you do not deal with in your written assignments.  

2.  Readings as assigned:  The readings will give you the ability to enter into the discussions which will occur around the various topics to be covered.  In addition to the required texts, other readings may be given out during the semester. 

 3.  Research Paper: Prepare a research paper on any aspect of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick or the Funeral Rites. The length of this paper is 15 – 18 pages.  Due 17 November 2008 (45 % of final grade). Topics should be chosen and submitted by the beginning of class on Monday, 8 September 2008. Please select and use a recognized style for your paper.  Please use footnotes and provide a full bibliography of the sources you use.   

4.  Practical Assignment:  Each of you (working in pairs) will be given a particular confessional scenario.  Each scenario has been crafted in such a way that there are various moral issues present. You are to analyze the scenario giving particular attention to the moral issues.  You are then to map out a response or responses to the situation keeping in mind that you are doing this during the sacrament of penance.  You will then present this to the class which then will discuss your scenario, your responses and any other issues that arise.  Finally, you are to present this in written form. Length:  3-5 pages.  Due 10 December 2008 (35% of final grade). More information will be forthcoming. 

 5.  A final exam:  The exam will be based upon the class lectures, especially testing your knowledge of the rites of burial, their history, theology and pastoral application. Also, all students are required to memorize the Formula of Absolution. This exam will be an oral exam of 8 – 10 minutes (20% of final grade). 

6.   Marking/Grading:  Marks will be assigned according to the schema established in the Kenrick Catalogue. 

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
The structure of this class is both lecture and discussion.  I am willing to entertain questions and discussions at any time on topics pertinent to the material at hand.  The only obstacles to discussion would be the amount of material needing to be covered in a particular class and the lack of preparation on the part of the students. 

TEXTS:

1.  Required:
 Coffey, David M. The Sacrament of Reconciliation. [Lex Orandi series, ed. John D. Laurance] Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2001.
Larson-Miller, Lizette. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. [Lex Orandi series, ed. John D. Laurance] Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2005.
 NCCB, Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1983.
NCCB, Order of Christian Funerals.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1989.

 2. Recommended:
 O’Neill, O.P., C. Sacramental Realism: A General Theory of the Sacraments, Theology and Life, vol. 2. Dublin: Dominican Publications, 1983.