baptism confirmation eucharist
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
Module Code: 601TBCE Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 6 Lecturer:
Syllabus
This module will build on the relevant elements already introduced in the Sacraments module. It will also include a deeper coverage of the development of practice and theology (history of initiation); before considering the present ritual texts in terms of theology, ritual performance and pastoral practice. Using the English and Welsh Bishops report on sacramental initiation On the Threshold the module will also consider how people approach the sacraments in some parts of the West.
Sessions 1-3 – rites of entrance and passage in human society
Sessions 4-6- sacramental rites in contemporary society (using On the Threshold)
Sessions 7-15 – history of Christian initiation, looking at texts:
Didache and Apostolic Tradition ,Tertullian, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom;
then focussing on Western traditions: John the Deacon, Innocent I, Faustus of Riez, Gelasian Sacramentary, Ordo Romanus XI, Sarum; including a brief study of the emergence of confirmation as a separate sacrament; (key sources: E.C. Whitaker, Maxwell Johnson). During week 4 students will be given reading directions for week 6 seminar Peter Lombard, Thomas Aquinas and scholastics;
Reformation/Protestant positions; Trent and afterwards; rise of catechetics;
Pius X and Quam Singulari; developments leading up to Vatican II; Vatican I
Sessions 16-17 (week 6) – Confirmation seminar – aimed at
widening students understanding of the contemporary debate about children’s initiation, order of sacraments, place of family and community, ritual/catechetical models; and to bring experience and research about practice in their own countries to the group
Sessions 18-23 – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – model for initiation: outline of the ritual, pastoral practice, meaning and implications for Church; parish community, catechumens/elect/neophytes. Variation: reception of baptised Christians
Sessions 24-30 – Rites for initiation of infants and children – study of rites; Discussion on questions of faith + practice; relationships between home/school/parish; examples of practice (Brisbane, Salford)
Aims
- to give students a through knowledge and understanding of (a) the function and place of initiation in the life of the church, and (b) how the sacraments of initiation have developed in theology and practice;
- to study and discuss the reformed rites and their celebration in different contexts
- to indicate and consider some contemporary issues in the area of initiation
Assessment
Students are required to write one 3,000 word essay (=+/- 10%)
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be a combination of lecture, study of texts, discussion based on reading and own experience; students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own experience as well as on the module content.
Knowledge and Understanding
- thorough knowledge of the history of how Christians have been initiated into the Church at different times;
- critical understanding of why different approaches have developed and of some of the factors in the contemporary debate about initiation.
Subject Specific Skills
- ability to analyse (a) how initiation is understood by the Church through its teachings and its worship, and (b) ways in which that understanding is expressed in pastoral practice;
- ability to evaluate critically information from different sources (eg historical texts in translation, official documents, textbooks and commentaries, reports and articles, personal experience);
- developing ability to explore topics independently;
communicate verbally and in writing using appropriate resources, argument and analysis
