MAPM Curriculum

• Bi-501 (3 credits)

  This course offers students an introduction to the historical and theological themes of the Old Testament.  The first part of the course introduces students to the study of Scripture and examines the Church’s teaching on Scripture as described in Dei Verbum and other texts. The second will explore ancient and modern models of interpretation and their theological and pastoral impact. 

• Bi-502 (3 credits)

  This course offers students and introduction to the historical and theological themes of the New Testament.  The first part of the course introduces students to the relationship of the New Testament to the Old Testament, with special attention on Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.  The second will explore ancient and modern models of interpretation and their theological and pastoral impact.  Pope Benedict XVI’s Verbum Domini and other texts will be read.

• ThS-500 (3 credits)

  This course explores the fundamental doctrine of the Catholic Church in a systematic fashion.  Topics include the Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, Christian anthropology, and eschatology.

• Ch-500 (3 credits)

  This course reviews the main themes of the 2,000-year history of the Church.  Special attention will be given to how these historical events have shaped the contemporary Church. 

• ThM-501 (3 credits)

  The purpose of this course is to introduce the traditions of Catholic moral theology. By careful study, the student becomes competent in understanding theological method and develops a mastery of the major philosophical and theological treatments of moral questions. Specific case applications are used to assist students in developing their pastoral skills. In addition, the course covers various religious perspectives in order to foster an appreciation for the specifically Catholic dimensions of moral theology.

• ThM-502 (3 credits)

  This course reviews major Church documents on social teaching. It emphasizes the integral connection between social justice and its moral foundations in Scripture and magisterial documents. There is a stress on Catholic social doctrine as praxis. Students study the principles, values, criteria for judgment, and directives for action. Emphasis is placed on magisterial social teaching from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Francis.

• PM-501 (3 credits)

  This course explores the history, theory, and practice of ministry in the Church. This course includes self-reflection and discernment for students individually.  Documents such as the Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry, and the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry will be read and discussed.

• ThS-501 (3 credits)

  This course is an introduction to the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. Rooted in the Church’s documents on the liturgy, the course considers the Triune God and the Paschal Mystery as manifested in liturgy, the liturgy as summit and fount of the Church’s life, the sacraments of initiation as the source of Christian identity, and the relationship of private prayer and liturgical prayer. Emphasis is given to the Eucharist and to the Liturgy of the Hours.  It also is a mystagogical examination of the sacraments and sacramentals of the Catholic Church from a multicultural, anthropological, theological, Christological, and ecclesiological perspective, together with an in-depth theological, historical, and liturgical study of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

• ThSp-500 (3 credits)

  This course is an introduction to the basic principles of Christian spirituality in the Roman Catholic tradition. It emphasizes the inseparable connections between liturgy and spirituality, and holiness and justice.

• ThS-502 (3 credits)

  This course is designed to familiarize lay ministers with the study of the nature of the Church and Her legal structures. It introduces the theology and philosophy of law and its role in the life of the Church.  Special attention is paid to the pastoral application of Canon Law today.

• PM-502 (3 credits)

  The purpose of the course is to understand the need for lifelong formation in the areas of marriage and family. The vision of John Paul II, and Pope Francis, and other authors stress that preparation for marriage begins early.  It continues through the immediate preparation prior to the wedding with support necessary throughout the life of a marriage and family. Every area of ministry (catechetical, youth, social, etc.) should play a role in this formation. This vision also involves an understanding of the family as a system of relationships that develop and change over time.

• PM-503 (3 credits)

  This practicum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate and apply, in practical terms, their learning gained throughout the MAPM curriculum. Students, in collaboration with an approval of the MAPM Program Director and Site Supervisors, will develop projects to enhance the life of People of God through a specific ministry in the community. At the end of the project, students will provide the MAPM Program Director with a summary of the project, a self-evaluation, and an evaluation of performance given by the Site Director.