Advanced Ministry Formation for Deacon Candidates and Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Diocese of Las Vegas – Group A (2008-2011)
Reading and Writing Assignments – Spring 2009
Here is a summary of the learning objectives and reading assignments for each month, along with two short written assignments for each month’s session. All readings should be done before coming to each month’s session. Reading selections will be taken from our textbooks (see our initial bibliography), online sources, or other books available for purchase through the Diocese of Las Vegas (or from online sources, or in your local bookstore).
Monthly written assignments this Spring should be done as soon as you can after each session, and turned in at the beginning of the following month's session. Please write about one full single-spaced page in response to each of the two topics listed below for each month. Remember that this is not a Ph.D. program (so don’t make your paper merely academic), but it is more advanced than the LEMP (so spend more time reflecting deeply and personally on the questions). 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.
Jan. 17-18, 2009 – The Synoptic Gospels (with Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.)
Learning Objectives:
To know the main similarities and important differences in the structure, contents, and themes of the three Synoptic Gospels, especially the Gospel of Mark (for the current Lectionary “Year B”).
To understand the Catholic Church’s official teachings about the “historical truth” of the canonical Gospels.
To become familiar with and develop facility in using Kurt Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels as an aide in scripture study and preaching preparation.
Reading Assignments(please do in advance):
The Gospel according to Mark – read it straight through, at one sitting, like a short novel. Pay attention to the “literary flow” of the story as a whole, and consider what “main message” the author is trying to convey.
Pontifical Biblical Commission: Instruction on the Historical Truth of the Gospels, pages 227-235 in Dean Bechard, ed., The Scripture Documents: An Anthology of Official Catholic Teachings (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 2002), or online at http://www.catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/ .
Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels (New York: United Bible Societies, 1985) – become familiar with this book by skimming over the front and back matter (prefaces, introduction, and esp. the indices), and then studying the texts presented on pages 1-40 (for Mark 1 and parallel texts from Matthew, Luke, and/or John).
Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament (New York: Doubleday, 1997) – read carefully chapters 6 and 7 (pp. 99-170), and skim chapters 8 and 9 (pp. 171-278, as time permits).
Written Reflections (please write two short papers, only about one full page each; due Feb. 21, 2009):
Overall Impressions: In reading all of Mark’s Gospel straight through, what stood out most for you? What surprised you or impressed you when you read the whole Gospel, in ways different than when you read only small sections separately?
Exegesis for Preaching: Select a reading from Mark’s Gospel that will be used this summer (12th to 16th Sundays, or 22nd to 33rd Sundays of Ord. Time, Year B). Choose a Markan text that has some interesting Synoptic parallels. Read and study the biblical text carefully, also using Kurt Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Raymond Brown’s Intro to the NT, and your own Bible Commentaries. Do a biblical exegesis of this passage, answering each of the following questions very briefly, but clearly. Do not write a smooth flowing essay, but number your responses according to the 15 points listed below. You might need slightly more than one page to answer all the questions, but don’t make your paper too long overall. For now, focus only on the GOSPEL, not the 1st Reading, Psalm, or 2nd Reading for that Sunday.
Pericope: Give the biblical reference (ch. & vs. #s) and a short title for this Gospel reading.
Liturgical Day: For which Sunday of the Liturgical Year is this reading assigned?
Literary Context: In which section of Mark’s Gospel is this passage found? What stories come immediately before and after in the Gospel?
Integrity: Is the entire biblical story included in the Lectionary selection, or only part of it? Are any verses left out? Which ones? Why do you think they are omitted?
Literary Genre: What type of biblical story is this? (be specific; see the “Biblical Genres” webpage). Is this story typical of its genre, or in what ways is it unusual?
Vocabulary: What are the key words in this pericope? What difficult words or phrases in this pericope may require explanation?
Geography: Where does this Gospel story take place? Is this in a Jewish or Gentile region?
Characters: Who (aside from Jesus) appears in this story? Disciples, opponents, etc.? Be specific.
Plot & Structure: How does the action in this story develop? Are there different scenes within the story? How is the pericope structured? Is the climax in the middle or at the end?
Old Testament: Are there any direct quotes or indirect allusions to the OT? To which passages?
Synoptic Parallels: Using Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels, analyze your pericope carefully. What significant differences are in the parallel versions in Matthew and/or Luke? What do these differences tell you about the distinctive themes or emphases of Mark’s version?
Original Message: What main point was the Evangelist trying to convey to his ancient readers?
Commentary: What other insights did you obtain from your Bible Commentary? What do the commentators mention that you yourself did not previously notice in this pericope?
Prayer: As you reflect over this passage more prayerfully (take at least an extra day), what might God be saying to you, about your own faith life and discipleship, through this Gospel story?
“Good News”: Write a one-sentence summary of the main point you would like to make for your congregation if you were preaching on this pericope.
Feb. 21-22, 2009 – The Gospel according to John (with Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.)
Learning Objectives:
To become thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Fourth Gospel (John), and its main similarities and differences from the Synoptic Gospels in structure, themes, and theology.
To know when and how the Gospel and Epistles of John are used in the Lectionary for Mass.
To develop even greater facility in using Kurt Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels as an aide in scripture study and preaching preparation.
Reading Assignments (please do in advance):
The Gospel according to John – read it straight through, preferably at one sitting. Pay attention to the “literary flow” of the story as a whole, and consider what “main message” the author is trying to convey to us.
Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels (New York: United Bible Societies, 1985) – study the texts presented on pages 276-333 (the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus: John 13—20, and the Synoptic parallels).
Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament (New York: Doubleday, 1997) – read thoroughly chapters 11 and 12 (pp. 333-394), and skim chapters 13 and 14 (pp. 395-405).
Written Reflections (please write one full page for each of the two parts):
Overall Impressions: In reading all of John’s Gospel straight through, what stood out most for you? What surprised you or impressed you when you read the whole Gospel, in ways different than when you read only small sections separately?
Exegesis for Preaching: Select any reading from John’s Gospel that has some interesting Synoptic parallels and is read at some time in the liturgical year (as found in the Lectionary for Mass). Read and study the biblical text carefully, also using Kurt Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Raymond Brown’s Intro to the NT, and your own Bible Commentaries. Do a biblical exegesis of this passage, answering each of the following questions very briefly, but clearly. Do not write a smooth flowing essay, but number your responses according to the 15 points listed below. You might need slightly more than one page to answer all the questions, but don’t make your paper too long overall. For now, focus only on the GOSPEL, not the 1st Reading, Psalm, or 2nd Reading for that Sunday.
Pericope: Give the biblical reference (ch. & vs. #s) and a short title for this Gospel reading.
Liturgical Day: For which Sunday of the Liturgical Year is this reading assigned?
Literary Context: In which section of John’s Gospel is this passage found? What stories come immediately before and after in the Gospel?
Integrity: Is the entire biblical story included in the Lectionary selection, or only part of it? Are any verses left out? Which ones? Why do you think they are omitted?
Literary Genre: What type of biblical story is this? (be specific; see the “Biblical Genres” webpage). Is this story typical of its genre, or in what ways is it unusual?
Vocabulary: What are the key words in this pericope? What difficult words or phrases in this pericope may require explanation?
Geography: Where does this Gospel story take place? Is this in a Jewish or Gentile region?
Characters: Who (aside from Jesus) appears in this story? Disciples, opponents, etc.? Be specific.
Plot & Structure: How does the action in this story develop? Are there different scenes within the story? How is the pericope structured? Is the climax in the middle or at the end?
Old Testament: Are there any direct quotes or indirect allusions to the OT? To which passages?
Gospel Parallels: Using Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels, analyze your pericope carefully. What significant differences are in the parallel versions in Mark, Matthew, and/or Luke? What do these differences tell you about the distinctive themes or emphases of John’s version?
Original Message: What main point was the Evangelist trying to convey to his ancient readers?
Commentary: What other insights did you obtain from your Bible Commentary? What do the commentators mention that you yourself did not previously notice in this pericope?
Prayer: As you reflect over this passage more prayerfully (take at least an extra day), what might God be saying to you, about your own faith life and discipleship, through this Gospel story?
“Good News”: Write a one-sentence summary of the main point you would like to make for your congregation if you were preaching on this pericope.
March 21-22, 2009 – The Old Testament (with Rev. Robert Kugler, Ph.D.)
Learning Objectives:
To be thoroughly familiar with the basic contents, structure, and compositional history of the Old Testament.
To have a basic understanding of the variety of different theologies contained within the Old Testament writings.
To know the main principles regarding the use of the Old Testament and references to Jews and Judaism within contemporary Christian preaching and catechesis.
Reading Assignments(please do in advance):
Required: Pre-publication excerpts from Introduction to the Bible, by Rob Kugler and Patrick Hartin (Eerdmans, 2009). — PDF file on this website
Recommended: "Notes on the correct way to present the Jews and Judaism in preaching and catechesis in the Roman Catholic Church." Commission of the Holy See for Religious Relations with the Jews. 1985. — on the Vatican Website
Recommended: "The Jewish People and their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible." Pontifical Biblical Commission. 5/24/2001. — on the Vatican Website
Written Reflections (please write one full page for each part, A and B):
Personal Reflection: What is the continuing importance of the Old Testament for Christians today? How do we view its relationship with the New Testament? Think not only about the “nice” passages of the OT (Messianic prophecies, ethical guidelines, etc.), but also about the texts that could be considered “difficult” (violent stories, ritual prescriptions, etc.).
Exegesis for Preaching: Read and study the liturgical readings for the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A (Lectionary #79) and address each of the following points:
For the First Reading (from Lev 19):
Literary Context: In which section of the Book of Leviticus is this selection found? What material comes just before and just after?
Liturgical Selection: Is the whole biblical unit included in the Lectionary reading? If not, which verses are included and which are excluded? Why?
Literary Genre: To what genre/type of biblical literature does this text belong?
Historical Context: When, by whom, and for whom was this text originally written?
Literary Content: Summarize what is going on in the biblical text. Who is doing what, and/or who is speaking to whom about what?
Theological Message: What main point does this biblical text convey to us today?
Liturgical Selection: Is the whole Psalm used in this Mass? If not, which verses are included and which are excluded? Why?
Literary Genre: What type of Psalm is this? (praise, lament, ascent, thanksgiving, etc.)
Literary Content: What key words, topics, and/or images are included in this Psalm?
Theological Message: What main message does this Psalm have for us today?
Liturgical Response: Which verse was chosen as the “refrain”? Is this the same as, or different from, what you see as the main theological message of this Psalm as a whole?
For the Gospel Reading (from Matthew 5):
Literary Context & Genre: From which section of the Gospel is this reading taken? What comes before and after this selection in the biblical text? What is its literary genre?
Literary Content & Message: Briefly summarize the passage: What is going on? Who is doing what, or who is speaking to whom? What is the theological emphasis?
Thematic Connections: What is (are) the main connection(s) between this Gospel reading and the First Reading chosen for this Mass?
Commentary: What other insights did you obtain from your Bible Commentary? What do the commentators mention that you yourself did not previously notice about the connections between this Gospel reading and the Old Testament?
Connections for Preaching:
Prayer: As you reflect on these three texts more prayerfully (take at least an extra day), what might God be saying to you about your own faith life through these texts?
Good News: Write a one-sentence summary of the main point you would like to make for your congregation if you were preaching on these texts from the Lectionary.
In this second written paper, please address each of the above issues briefly, but clearly. Do not write a smoothly flowing essay, but number your responses according to the four main points above. You might need slightly more than one page to answer all the questions, but don’t make your paper too long overall.
April 18-19, 2009 – Pauline & Deutero-Pauline Epistles (with Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.)
Learning Objectives:
To be thoroughly familiar with the titles, types, and arrangement of the NT Letters and Epistles, in their various categories and subcategories.
To know the standard structure of ancient letters in general, and the special features of the NT Letters and Epistles in particular.
To know the main stages of the life and ministry of Paul and his closest missionary associates.
To understand and be able to explain the main points and emphases of Pauline Theology and Ethics.
To recognize the influence of Paul and his writings throughout the history of Christianity, up to today.
Reading Assignments (please do in advance):
From the New Testament:
Read thoroughly Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians, his Letter to the Romans, and his Letter to Philemon.
Skim over quickly any of the other Pauline Letters that catch your interest.
From Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the NT:
Chap. 15 – “Classifications and Format of NT Letters” (pp. 409-21)
Chap. 16 – “General Issues in Paul’s Life and Thought” (pp. 422-45)
Chap. 17 – “An Appreciation of Paul” (pp. 446-55)
Chap. 18 – “First Letter to the Thessalonians” (pp. 456-66)
Chap. 25 – “Pseudonymity and DeuteroPauline Writing” (pp. 585-89)
Glance over the subheadings and read the “Background” sections of chapters 19-31, as time permits.
Written Reflections (please write one full page for each part, A and B):
Overall Impressions: In reading all of Paul's Letter to the ROMANS straight through, what stood out most for you? How do you see the relationship between theology and ethics in Paul's thought? What else surprised you or impressed you when you read the whole letter?
Exegesis for Preaching: Select a reading from Paul’s Letter to the PHILIPPIANS that is used in Lectionary Cycle A (25th to 28th Sundays of Ordinary Time; Lectionary #133, 136, 139, or 142). Study the biblical text carefully, also using Raymond Brown’s Intro to the NT and your own Bible Commentary. Do an exegesis of this passage, answering each of the following twelve questions briefly, but clearly. Do not write a smoothly flowing essay, but number your responses according to the points listed below. You may need slightly more than one page to answer all the questions, but please do not make your paper too long overall; focus only on the 2nd Reading, not on the other readings for that Sunday.
Pericope: Give the biblical reference (ch. & vs. numbers) and a short title for this reading.
Liturgical Day: For which Sunday of the Liturgical Year is this reading assigned?
Literary Context: In which section of Paul’s Letter is this text found? (see the webpage on “NT Letter Structure”) What topics are discussed immediately before and after this passage?
Integrity: Is the entire biblical passage included in the Lectionary selection, or only part of it? Are any verses left out? Which ones? Why do you think they are omitted?
Literary Genre: What type of writing is in this passage? (be specific: prayer, exhortation, teaching, etc.).
Vocabulary: What are the key words in this text? What difficult words or phrases in this passage may require explanation?
Structure: How is Paul’s argument in this passage developed? Are there different parts or stages to his argument? What is the main point or climax?
Old Testament: Are there any direct quotes or indirect allusions to the OT? To which passages?
Original Message: What main point was Paul trying to convey to his original readers in this text?
Commentary (specify which one you are using): What other insights did you obtain from your Bible Commentary? What do the commentators mention that you yourself did not previously notice in this passage?
Prayer: As you reflect over this passage more prayerfully (take at least an extra day), what might God be saying to you, about your own faith life and discipleship, through this Pauline text?
“Good News”: Write a one-sentence summary of the main point you would make for your congregation if you were preaching and focusing on this text.
May 16-17, 2009 – The Catholic Epistles, Acts of the Apostles, and Book of Revelation (with Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.)
Learning Objectives:
To know and be able to explain the literary genres, composition histories, and theological emphases of each of these NT books.
To understand the main similarities and differences between the Pauline Letters, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the Catholic Epistles.
To know the overall outline of the Acts of the Apostles and its compositional and theological relationship with the Gospel of Luke.
To be able to interpret the Book of Revelation properly and know how and why it is so frequently misinterpreted and misused.
To know when and how these books are used in the liturgical year and the Lectionary for Mass.
Reading Assignments (please do in advance):
From the New Testament:
Read thoroughly the Letter to the Hebrews, the Letter of James, and the whole Book of Revelation.
Skim quickly over the Acts of the Apostles and the rest of the Catholic Epistles.
From Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the NT:
Chap. 10 – “The Acts of the Apostles ” (pp. 279-332)
Chaps.12-14 – "First/Second/Third Letter of John" (pp. 383-405)
Chap. 32 – "Letter (Epistle) to the Hebrews" (pp. 681-704)
Chaps. 33-36 – "Letters of Peter/James/Jude" (pp. 705-772)
Chap 37 – "The Book of Revelation (The Apocalypse)" (pp. 773-813)
Written Reflections (please write one full page for each part, A and B):
Overall Impressions: In reading the whole Book of REVELATON straight through, what stood out most for you? What do you see as the overall message, and for whom is this message intended? What else surprised you or impressed you when you read the whole book, in ways different than when you read only small sections separately?
Exegesis for Preaching: Select a reading from the Letter of JAMES that is used this year (22nd to 26th Sundays of Ordinary Time, Year B, Lectionary #125, 128, 131, 134, or 137). Study the biblical text carefully, also using Raymond Brown’s Intro to the NT and your own Bible Commentary. Do an exegesis of this passage, answering each of the following twelve questions briefly, but clearly. Do not write a smoothly flowing essay, but number your responses according to the points listed below. You may need slightly more than one page to answer all the questions, but please do not make your paper too long overall; focus only on the 2nd Reading, not on the other readings for that Sunday.
Pericope: Give the biblical reference (ch. & vs. numbers) and a short title for this reading.
Liturgical Day: For which Sunday of the Liturgical Year is this reading assigned?
Literary Context: In which section of James’ Letter is this text found? (see the webpage on “NT Letter Structure”) What topics are discussed immediately before and after this passage?
Integrity: Is the entire biblical passage included in the Lectionary selection, or only part of it? Are any verses left out? Which ones? Why do you think they are omitted?
Literary Genre: What type of writing is in this passage? (be specific: prayer, exhortation, teaching, etc.).
Vocabulary: What are the key words in this text? What difficult words or phrases in this passage may require explanation?
Structure: How is James’ argument in this passage developed? Are there different parts or stages to his argument? What is the main point or climax?
Old Testament: Are there any direct quotes or indirect allusions to the OT? To which passages?
Original Message: What main point was James trying to convey to his original readers in this text?
Commentary (specify which one you are using): What other insights did you obtain from your Bible Commentary? What do the commentators mention that you yourself did not previously notice in this passage?
Prayer: As you reflect over this passage more prayerfully (take at least an extra day), what might God be saying to you, about your own faith life and discipleship, through this text from the Letter of James?
“Good News”: Write a one-sentence summary of the main point you would make for your congregation if you were preaching and focusing on this text.