Diocese of Crookston - Office of the Word Splash Image
Contact us:
1200 Memorial Drive
Box 610
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone
218-281-4533
Fax
218-281-5991

Moral Theology
Instructor: Fr. James Ermer

Course Orientation
 

This course introduces the principles of Moral Theology as the Church utilizes them in Magisterial Teachings. The integration of scriptural revelation and magisterial tradition will be discussed. The topics for special moral questions will be addressed at the instructor’s discretion. A summary of the major different moral systems will be given to help participants discern them within a general reading of contemporary moral literature.

Course Objectives
 

1. To examine in detail the fundamental themes of moral theology as outlined in Part Three, Section One of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Life in Christ).
2. To review Pope John Paul II encyclical letter on moral theology, “Veritatus Splendor”.
3. To review in detail Part Three, Section Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – The Ten Commandments.
4. To make concrete and pastoral applications of moral principals to contemporary moral questions.

Expectations of Students
1. Attend all classes.
2. Complete all assignments and tests as scheduled.
3. Actively participate in class lectures and presentations.
4. Correct grammar in all written assignments.

Evaluation
1. There will be 300 points in the course allocated as follows:
a. 90 points – midterm exam (due: December 16, 2007)
b. 90 points – a morality reflection paper (due: March 22, 2008)
c. 90 points – final exam (due: May 17, 2008)
d. 30 points – class participation

2. Grades will be assigned on the following basis:
A = 300 – 270 points
B = 269 – 240 points
C = 239 – 210 points
D = 209 – 180 points

3. The final and midterm exams will consist of the following:
a. Material taken from lectures, assigned readings, and class presentations.
b. Be cumulative, i.e., all class material covered to that point is subject to be tested.
c. Essay questions, definition of terms, short answer essays.

4. The morality reflection paper will consist of the following:
a. For graduate credit, do both option I and II.
For undergraduate credit, do either option I or II.
b. Typewritten and double-spaced.
c. When footnotes are required use the Turabian method.
d. Follow the specifics according to the option and choices you select;
e. Must be at least 5 pages, but no more than 7 pages.

   
Prerequisites
  Recommend only after a participant’s second year in PLP.
Additional consultation to be sought.
   
Desired Learner Outcomes
 

At the completion of this course, participants will
- identify the major moral principals of Catholic moral theology, i.e., double effect, cooperation, scandal, etc,; (3.7.1)
- identify the role of scriptural norms in moral theology; (3.1.1, 3.7.1)
- compare and contrast contemporary debates within the moral systems; (3.7.1)
- apply the principles of the Church’s moral theology within the context of spirituality and the universal call to holiness. (3.7.1, 3.7.3)

   
Required Reading
  Relevant passages of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church – emphasis on Part 3
Veritatus Splendor, John Paul II
Doers of the Word, Vol. 1: Moral Theology for the Third Millenium by Terence Kennedy, Liguori Publications, 1996.
   
Suggested Text
   
   
Class Dates
 

Saturdays 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
September 15, 2007
October 13, 2007
November 3, 2007 8:30 am - 10:00 am
December 1, 2007 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
February 2, 2008 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
March 1, 2008
March 29, 2008
April 26, 2008

   
Church Social Teaching
Coordinator: Deacon Dan Hannig
Course Orientation
  TBA
   
Prerequisites
   
   
Desired Learner Outcomes
  TBA
   
Required Reading
   
   
Suggested Text(s)
  Living Justice: Catholic Social Thomas Massaro, S.J. $14.00
Teaching in Action
Rowman & Littlefield, Publishers, ©2000

Catholic Social Thought David J. O’Brien $17.00
Thomas A. Shannon
Orbis Books (Maryknoll), Publishers, ©1992

Class Dates
 

Saturdays 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
September 15, 2007
October 13, 2007
November 3, 2007
December 1, 2007
February 2, 2008
March 1, 2008
March 29, 2008
April 26, 2008

   
 
Practica: Liturgy: The Seasonal Approach
Instructor: Jan Wood
Course Orientation
  TBA
   
Prerequisites
  None
   
Desired Learner Outcomes
 

TBA

   
Required Reading
   
   
Suggested Text(s)
  Parish Liturgy Basics, Msgr. William Belford $15.00
Revised Edition Dr. Glenn CJ Beyer
Michael Prendergast
Pastoral Press, Publishers, ©2005

The Mystery of Faith: A Study Lawrence J. Johnson $14.00
of the Structural Elements of the
Order of the Mass, Revised
Edition
Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Publishers, ©2003

Class Dates
 

Fridays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
September 14, 2007
October 12, 2007
November 2, 2007
November 3, 2007

   
Marriage and Family
Instructor: TBA
Course Orientation
  TBA
   
Prerequisites
  None
   
Desired Learner Outcomes
 

TBA

   
Required Reading
   
   
Suggested Text(s)
  TBA

 

Class Dates
 

Fridays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
February 1, 2008
February 29, 2008
March 28, 2008
April 25, 2008

   
   
Tracks A
Track B
Diocesan Certification
Permanent Diaconate
Cost:
Track A: $125 per course (Scholarships available) Practica: $60 per course Track B: None
Room, meals and books are additional costs for all participants.