Eucharist
Module Code: 605TEU Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 6 Lecturer: David Blowey OFM Conv
Syllabus
The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit’ of the church’s life, ministry, and indeed its unity (see Sacrosanctum concilium, 10; Presbyterorum Ordinis, 5; Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 22).
This module will examine in depth the Christian sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. The history of the development of the Eucharist will begin with an intensive investigation into its Judaic foundations and biblical origins (Ex 14; Lk 24; Jn 6), and the pre-Nicene developments on the liturgical practice, theology and spirituality.
The monastic and medieval enrichment of the Eucharistic liturgy and devotions will be addressed in order to investigate in depth the contributions of Scholasticism (Aquinas) and those more specifically of the Franciscan theological school (Bonaventure). The Eucharistic theology of the Reformers (Luther, Zwingli, Calvin), as well as that of the mystical traditions of the Eastern Churches will be critically analysed.
Attention will also be given to the spirituality of the Eucharistic Liturgy according to the Tridentine and Vatican reforms. Finally an thorough investigation of traditional Eucharistic theology will be given with the intention of eliciting further critical research in the field and its application in pastoral ministry: e.g., Transubstantiation vs transignification and transfinalisation; Eucharist as (a) Memorial/Mystery; (b) Communion; (c) Eschatological Meal; (d) Sacrifice; (e) Real Presence.
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Critically examine the context in which the Christian notion of the Eucharist developed out of the Jewish biblical and liturgical tradition;
- Critically compare and analyse the relevance and applicability of Eucharistic Theology and Spirituality within the broader context of the Church, particularly in regards to their future ministerial roles;
- Analyse special concerns and problems within the ecumenical approach to the Eucharist;
- Articulate and differentiate characteristics within the broad context of Eucharistic Theology and Spirituality;
- Demonstrate an advanced familiarity with selected primary source materials and relevant secondary sources;
- Critically analyse both primary and secondary source materials.
Subject Specific Skills
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Form independent opinions and demonstrate an ability to use evidence appropriately to form conclusions;
- Demonstrate a synthetic knowledge of biblical, historical, and theological influences that impacted on the development of Eucharistic Theology and Spirituality, as well as that of the Eucharistic Liturgy;
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the research materials available to Eucharistic studies and an ability to situate themselves in relation to this range of materials;
- Demonstrate an ability to draw on a variety of academic discourses in reflecting critically on the biblical, historical, and theological contributions to Eucharistic Theology and Spirituality throughout the ages;
- Make independent and imaginative use of the information and resources available in the area of Eucharistic Theology and Spirituality;
- Offer clear reflections demonstrated by a critical understanding of the material presented ? whether from lectures, or primary and secondary readings, whether those reflections enter into the academic or pastoral realm;
- Present their independent and critical reflections organized in coherent manner in written, and/or oral format, with references and bibliography where necessary;
- Contribute confidently to group and class discussions.
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