This set of ten two-credit courses in theology, when complemented by activities conducted by the Pastoral Office for Formation of the Lafayette Diocese in the areas of spiritual formation and professional skills development, earns the student certification for lay ministry work in any of the five Catholic dioceses in the State of Indiana. Students who need more credits can use REL 391 or 392. 

Courses are offered in numerous sites throughout the Diocese, including Saint Joseph's College. These "learning communities" are founded in the hope of working toward a more effective collaboration that will become a necessary aspect of ministry in the Church. In addition to the academic component, each student must complete modules on spiritual formation, theological reflection and ministry formation. These components are sponsored by the Diocese of Lafayette, Office of Pastoral Formation. 

Course Offerings 

PMN 101 Introduction to the Old Testament 
An introductory study of the processes and faith struggles that gave rise to the Old Testament. Students will read major portions of the Old Testament to understand them both in their own context and also in the context of the Christian faith.

PMN 102 Introduction to the New Testament 
An introductory study of the processes and faith struggles that gave rise to the New Testament. Students will read most of the New Testament, attending to the chronological development of this primary faith document of the Church

PMN 103 The Word of God in Faith, Theology, and Ministry 
A more advanced study of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Students will work with both Testaments in applying the tools and methods the Church employs to interpret texts and to deepen its understanding of revelation. Assignments and projects will deal with practical applications to liturgy and religious education.

PMN 201 The Trinity 
The theology of the Trinity as a personal communion of love. How this communion is experienced by Christians in the world as the creative activity of God the Father, the redeeming activity of God the Son, and the sanctifying activity of God the Holy Spirit.

PMN 202 Christology 
An introduction to the theology of the Church's doctrine about Jesus Christ in the light of Christian faith, practice, and worship. Special emphasis will be given to how the Church reflects systematically on the person, being, and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.

PMN 203 Ecclesiology 
An introduction to the biblical, magisterial, and theological foundations of the nature and mission of the Church. Special attention will be given to the major moments of the Church's historical development, as well as to its variety of forms and expressions.

PMN 301 Liturgy 
An introduction to the general principles of liturgical celebration, the primacy of the Lord's Day and the liturgical year, and the various forms of liturgical prayer.

PMN 302 Sacraments 
A study of the Sacraments of the Church, their historical development and theology, with an overview of the Rites books and how to use them.

PMN 303 Spirituality 
A study of the key figures in the historical development of Christian spirituality and of the impact of culture and society on forms and styles of prayer.

PMN 401 Moral Theology 
A study of the nature and process of moral decision-making and the principles derived from the Catholic Faith that would be involved in such moral decision-making.

For more information about the Pastoral Ministry Program please contact: nichols@saintjoe.edu.

Page revised 10/19/99
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