Advanced Ministry Formation for Deacon Candidates and Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Diocese of Las Vegas – Group A (2008-2011)
Reading and Writing Assignments – Fall 2009 & Spring 2010
Here is a summary of the learning objectives and reading assignments for Year 4, along with questions to be answered in the written reflections after each month’s session.
All readings should be done before coming to each month’s session. Reading selections will be taken from our main textbooks, online sources, or other books available for purchase through the Diocese of Las Vegas (or from online sources, or in your local bookstore). References to our two textbooks will be abbreviated below:
Monthly written reflections should be done as soon as possible after each session (while it’s fresh in your mind), but not turned in until the following month. Please write about one single-spaced page in response to each question listed below, for about two pages total. Since this is not a Ph.D. program, your paper should not be too academic, but your work should be increasing in quality as we move along in our formation. All papers should be typed, single-spaced, have 1-inch margins, and include a brief heading (name, date, and topic). You may use any word-processing program.
Please also email your completed paper as a file attachment to Fr. Felix: fjust2000--at--yahoo.com.
Sept. 19-20, 2009 – Presiding, esp. at Non-Eucharistic Services (Sr. Jeremy Gallet, S.P.)
Learning Objectives:
To learn the principles and the importance of presiding well in public liturgical settings, with special attention to body language and the effective use of your voice.
To know about the variety of Sunday and Weekday Liturgies available and approved for use in the Church.
To be able to explain how and why the Mass is different from other non-Eucharistic services, which might or might not include the distribution of Holy Communion.
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapters I – III (pages 3-76).
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Holy Communion Outside Mass” (pages 631-658).
Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. Washington: USCCB, 2007. – read the “Introduction” (pages 15-65). – in PDF format: English | Espanol
Theological: What are some of the advantages and the drawbacks of the different forms of non-Eucharistic services, including the Liturgy of the Hours, the two forms of S.C.A.P., and other possible services (or the lack thereof)?
Pastoral: What personal qualities and abilities do you have that would naturally make you a good liturgical presider? What are some of your own limitations or weaknesses, and what kinds of liturgical settings would be most difficult for you? What can and will you do to continually grow and improve as a presider?
Oct. 17-18, 2009 – The Eucharist, esp. the Deacon’s Role (with Fr. Felix Just, S.J.)
Learning Objectives:
To understand the historical importance and the centrality of the Eucharist for Catholic life and faith.
To know the theological and practical aspects of the Deacon’s role in the liturgy of the Eucharist.
To become thoroughly familiar with all the liturgical books used at Mass (esp. the Sacramentary).
To be aware of how a deacon’s actions impact the participation and involvement of the baptized assembly.
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Ch. IV “Catholic & Protestant Sacraments” (pp. 77-101) & Ch. VIII: “Eucharist” (pp. 209-274).
The Sacramentary – study the Table of Contents and flip through the pages to become familiar with it.
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Forms of Worship of the Eucharist” (pp. 669-698).
Written Reflections:
Theological: What more did you learn about the Eucharist from the assigned chapters of Martos’ book, Doors to the Sacred?
Pastoral: Reflect on your own experiences of seeing deacons assisting at Mass and/or presiding at other sacraments. Which of their qualities or practices do you wish to emulate? What do you wish to avoid or do differently? How did/do their actions affect the “full, conscious, and active participation” of the whole congregation?
Nov. 7-8, 2009 – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: R.C.I.A. (with Gail Gresser)
Learning Objectives:
To comprehend the historical context & theological principles of the current Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
To identify and explore practices for the promotion of adult faith development in those seeking initiation, as well as in the initiating community.
To develop practical tools for evaluating and improving the practices of the RCIA in our own faith communities.
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter V: “Sacraments Today” (pp. 102-144).
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Christian Initiation” & “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (pp. 1-356!); read carefully the “General Introduction” (#1-35), the “Introduction” (#1-35), Appendix III (“National Statutes”), and Par. 75 (under the “Period of the Catechumenate”).
Theological: The RCIA was developed primarily for unbaptized adults (those above the age of reason). However, it is also used (esp. in the USA) to help welcome into the Catholic Church baptized persons from many Protestant traditions. What are the key differences and similarities between the processes and rituals for the unbaptized, and those for the baptized? How well (or poorly? or both?) do those reflect our theology of baptism?
Pastoral: Paragraph 9 of the “Introduction” to the RCIA (“Ministries and Offices”) emphasizes the ministry of the baptized assembly, “the People of God, as represented by the local Church.” Consider the four stages of the RCIA, and describe/explain how the assembly’s crucial ministry could best be developed, very practically, for each of them in your own parish. How might your own particular ministry foster that development?
Dec. 5-6, 2009 – Infant Baptism and Family Preparation (with Fr. Bill Kenny)
Learning Objectives:
To understand the history and theology of Infant Baptism as a tradition in the Roman Catholic Church; to study the differences between sprinkling, pouring, partial and full immersion; and to understand the importance of "large" symbols.
To understand the difference between the Rite of Infant Baptism within a Eucharistic liturgy and the Rite of Baptism outside a Eucharistic liturgy.
To understand the reason for and recommended contents of a Baptismal Preparation Program for parents (and godparents).
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter VI: “Baptism” (pp. 147-183)
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Rite of Baptism for Children” (pp. 359-466)
Written Reflections:
Theological: What are your own thoughts about infant baptism versus the delaying of baptism until an older age? Please be concrete and detailed in your response.
Pastoral: What aspects of the Rite of Baptism best reflect the Paschal Mystery (the death and resurrection of Jesus)? How can you, as a minister of infant baptism, emphasize this mystery?
Jan. 16-17, 2010 – Confirmation and Catechesis (with Fr. Bill Kenny)
Learning Objectives:
To understand the complex history and theology of the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Roman Catholic Church, and to become thoroughly familiar with the components of the Rite of Confirmation.
The reflect, both theologically and practically, on the differences between the various possible ages for the conferral of Confirmation (at infant baptism, at the time of First Communion, at adolescence, etc.).
To consider the challenges and difficulties of preparing young people (and their families) for confirmation today; to think about what components should be part of any good program for Confirmation preparation and catechesis (doctrine, service, community, etc.), and how these can most effectively be intergrated into the overall life of the parish community.
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter VII: “Confirmation” (pp. 184-208)
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Rite of Confirmation ” (pp. 469-516)
Written Reflections:
Theological: What are your own thoughts about the different possible ages for the Sacrament of Confirmation? Why? Please be pastoral and theological in your response; that is, consider both practical factors and reflect on the four main sources for theological reflection (Sacred Scripture, Church Tradition, Human Experience, and the Ecclesial Magisterium).
Pastoral: Describe what you think are the best and most important components for an adolescent two-year Confirmation Preparation program. Give specific examples, outlines, etc.
Feb. 20-21, 2010 – Marriage and Pre-Marital Preparation (with Deacon Tom & Joanne Halt)
Learning Objectives:
To understand the history of marriage in its cultural variations from biblical times (OT & NT) to the current day, and the basis of our contemporary theology of Christian marriage.
To understand the structure of the Rite of Marriage, including the differences between and the reasons for the Rite of Marriage within and outside of Mass.
To understand, as pastoral ministers, the objectives of pre-marital counseling sessions and some pastoral approaches to pre-marital and marital counseling.
To understand the pastoral and social involvement of married clergy in the life of the parish (esp. deacon couples as witnesses to the sacramentality of both marriage and holy orders).
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter XI: “Marriage” (pp. 351-399)
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Rite of Marriage” (pp. 715-758)
Barbara Markey, ND, Ph.D. “The Lifecycle Stages of a Marriage” - download
Joann Heaney-Hunter, Ph.D. “Eros and Agape: Expressions of Love in Sacramental Marriage” - download
EXTRA ASSIGNMENT: Please investigate what your parish does for pre-marital preparation.
Written Reflections:
Theological: How has sacramental marriage made a difference in our society? in your parish? in your life? Has it been a source of transformation? (How, or why not?) Has it created a passion for God’s inclusion? Provide examples to support your position(s).
Pastoral: What do you think are the three most important areas the parish minister should focus on in helping a couple prepare for a life of sacramental witness as a married couple? Provide the reasoning behind your choices.
March 13-14, 2010 – Anointing and Pastoral Care of the Sick (with Ann Karner)
Learning Objectives:
To understand and be able to explain the best contemporary theology of suffering and illness.
To recognize the gifts, talents, and skills required by all those who minister to the sick and the dying.
To know the historical development and scriptural/theological basis of the Sacrament of Anointing in the Catholic Church, especially the recent shifts in mentality from “Extreme Unction” to “Anointing of the Sick.”
To become familiar with the components of the Rites of Anointing and Viaticum, and how Deacons and/or Lay Ministers can assist the priest with these rites, whether they are celebrated individually or communally.
Reading Assignments:
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter X: “Anointing” (pp. 325-350)
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Administration of Communion and Viaticum to the Sick by an Extraordinary Minister” (pp. 659-668)
and “Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum” (pp. 759-908)
Written Reflections:
Theological: In your own understanding, what role does suffering play in God’s plan for salvation? How does your image of God relate to your understanding of suffering?
Pastoral: Many people still regard the Sacraments of the Sick as the “Last Rites” or “Extreme Unction,” to be administered only shortly before someone dies. How would you explain the Sacrament of Anointing and Viaticum to those who retain that understanding?
April 17-18, 2010 – Funerals and Bereavement Ministry (with Team from Christ the King)
Learning Objectives:
To know the historical development and cultural diversity of the various Funeral Rites in the Catholic Church.
To become thoroughly familiar with the various components of “The Order of Christian Funerals,” and especially the Deacon’s role in presiding or assisting at these Rites (Vigils, Funeral Liturgies, and Rites of Committal).
To recognize the importance of the whole parish in providing good pastoral care for the families of the dying and deceased.
Reading Assignments:
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Order of Christian Funerals” (pp. 909-1118)
Martos, Doors to the Sacred - none
Written Reflections:
Theological: How is the Catholic teaching of the Paschal Mystery (the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus) expressed in the liturgical elements of the Order of Christian Funerals? Be specific and detailed in your analysis.
Pastoral:
How would you convince a family whose first choice is to "do something as simple as possible" (that is, just one quick service) to do the full set of Christian Funeral rituals: Vigil, Funeral, and Committal?
May 15-16, 2010 – Reconciliation and Pastoral Counseling (with Fr. Joe Annese)
Learning Objectives:
To be aware of the many and varied contexts in which pastoral ministers (both clergy and laity) may need to engage in pastoral counseling.
To understand and appreciate the crucial role of compassion in the practice of any type of pastoral counseling.
To be aware of the human qualities and spiritual gifts necessary for being a good listener, and to know your own limitations in pastoral counseling, esp. when you need to refer someone to seek more professional help.
To know the basic stages in the complex historical development of the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
Reading Assignments:
Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son. Doubleday: Image Books, 1994.
The three “Pastoral Letters” of the New Testament: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus.
Martos, Doors to the Sacred: Chapter IX: “Reconciliation” (pp. 275-324).
The Rites, Vol. 1: “Rite of Penance” (skim over pp. 517-630).
Written Reflections:
Theological: Summarize the concrete theological aspects of compassion as presented in the three “Pastoral Epistles”: 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; and Titus.
Pastoral: How does the Parable of the Good Shepherd (Luke 15:1-10) and Rembrandt’s painting of the Return of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) flesh out for you how to be a compassionate minister?
Summer Writing Assignments:
A one or two page reflection on Spiritual Direction. Please give the name of your Spiritual Director, and how often you are meeting with him/her. Also, share how this experience has been for you: positive/negative? growth in your spiritual journey? comfort level? type of spiritual direction that your director is encouraging you to do (e.g, conversing with him/her, reading the Bible and other spirtual material, other projects)?
A one or two page reflection on your Ministerial Service (the "new" ministry in which you are supposed to be involved): What is the ministry? Why did you choose this ministry? How often do you participate? Reflect on how this experience has been for you: positive/negative; comfort level; new insights into yourself, the church, the people you serve; what has been the most rewarding part of this ministry; what is the most difficult part?
Both of these reflection papers are due by June 30. Send them to Fr. Bill Kenny anyway you can: mail, e-mail, FAX
. Revised & updated edition. Liguori/Triumph Press, 2001.
. Third edition. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1990.
. 3rd edition. Chicago: LTP, 2007.