Certification Program
Fall 2008
**Online Bookstore!**
* Available via videoconferencing in Apalachin, Auburn, and Watkins Glen
►Indicates course is required for the NEW Certificate in Parish Bible Study Leadership
► A 11 Understanding the Old Testament *
When Jesus referred to the “Scriptures”, he was alluding to what we call the Old Testament. This course explores the origins, development, and major themes of the Old Testament, as well as its importance for Catholics today. We will examine the use of the Old Testament and its beauty for preaching, prayer, and faith formation programs. This course is intended for those who have had no formal training in Biblical Study. It is required for those seeking a Certificate as Parish Bible Study Leader.
Instructor: D. N. Premnath
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
September 8, 15, 22 and 29
► A 18 Catholic Understanding of the Bible *
Not all Christians read the Bible in exactly the same manner. This course explores the variety of ways that Catholics have read the Bible throughout history as well as a contemporary application of Scriptural interpretation in the Church today. This course is intended for those who haveno formal training in Biblical Study. It is required for those seeking a Certificate as Parish Bible Study Leader.
Instructor: Rev. George Heyman
Fridays, 9:30 AM - Noon
October 3, 10, 17 and 24
► A 19 Introduction to the New Testament
The New Testament is integral to our life as Catholic Christians. It is both the Word of God and the words of human authors. This course explores the origins, development, and the historical dimensions surrounding the construction of the New Testament. It is intended for those who have had no formal training in Bible Study. It is required for those seeking the Certificate as Bible Study Leader.
Instructor: James C. Clar
Thursdays, 6: 30 - 9:00 PM
October 2, 9, 16 and 23
C 14 The Moral Life *
Jesus commanded his followers to “turn away from sin and believe in the Good News”. The Christian call to conversion impacts the daily life of each believer in ways that are not universally shared in contemporary society. This course explores the principles underlying Catholic morality in an attempt to articulate a vision of the moral life for believers in the 21st century. This course is required for faith formation and youth ministers.
Instructor: Sr. Patricia Schoelles, SSJ
Wednesdays, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
November 12 and 19 and December 3 and 10
C 18 Christology: Understanding Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, the Son of Mary, as well as the long-promised Messiah and Savior of Israel. Fully God and fully human, Jesus continues to be Lord for believers today. Christology is the name theologians use to reflect on the meaning of Jesus – his life, death, resurrection and exaltation to the Father. This course explores the origins and development of the Church’s understanding of Jesus and the relevance of these doctrines for believers today.
Instructor: Sr. Nancy Hawkins, IHM
Mondays 6:00 - 8:30 PM
September 8, 15, 22 and 29
C 22 Eucharist
Jesus took bread and wine, his Body and Blood, and said “Do this in memory of me”. The Eucharist has been the foundation of Christian experience throughout the centuries; however, how the Eucharist has been understood has varied across denominational lines. The Second Vatican Council described the Eucharist as the “summit and source” of our life as Catholics. The course is designed to explore a basic theology of Eucharist for Catholics today. This course is required for all faith formation ministers and liturgy coordinators.
Instructor: Joan Workmaster
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 5:00 PM
October 29 and November 5, 12 and 19
D 13 Spirituality in Historical Context *
The quest for God has drawn Christians to develop the Spiritual Life in many and varied ways throughout history. This course is an exploration of the ways that Spirituality has been theorized and practiced throughout Christian history. An historical approach is used to both understand contemporary Catholic spirituality and to assist each student in developing their own personal spiritual life.
Instructor: Deacon Claude Curtin
Tuesdays, 1:30 - 4:00 PM
October 7, 14, 21 and 28
► E 10 Orientation to Ministry
Ministry is the public activity of a baptized follower of Jesus on behalf of a specific Christian community to witness, serve and realize the Kingdom. This course will explore the origins and development of Christian ministry as it impacts the Church today. This course is designed for those who have no formal theological training but may have been involved as a volunteer in their parish or faith community. This course is required for those seeking a Certificate as Parish Bible Study Leader.
Instructor: Donald Schwab
Mondays, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
September 8, 15 and 29 and October 6
E 12 Ministry Skills *
After acquiring the skills that are needed for Church ministry, individuals serve the needs of their brothers and sisters in a variety of ways. This course examines models for collaborative leadership focusing on the skills and attitudes required for service in the contemporary environment of the Church. It explores the dynamics of ministerial relationships and the expertise needed to sensitively and effectively advance the Good News of Jesus. This course is required for faith formation, youth, and pastoral ministers.
Instructor: Barbara Swiecki
Mondays, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
October 27 and November 3, 10 and 17
E 41 Principles of Youth Ministry *
This course presents the foundational understandings and principles of comprehensive youth ministry. It examines the dynamics of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth. These principles will provide the foundation for a parish youth ministry that incorporates developmentally appropriate youth programming, the strengthening of family life, and the involvement of young people as integral members of the faith community. Collaborative strategies with civic organizations designed to strengthen positive youth development will also be addressed. This course is required for all parish youth ministers.
Instructor: Sue Versluys
Mondays, 4:00 - 9:00 PM (Dinner will be provided for the Rochester attendees.)
October 6 and 20
E 43 Practices of Youth Ministry
This course provides a practical introduction to the methods and models for the practice of comprehensive youth ministry. This course enables the development of a foundation of understanding that will assist in setting and implementing a vision for dynamic ministry with youth. Skills for advocacy, planning and organizing youth ministry efforts, as well as methods for collaborative leadership, will be presented. This course is required for all parish youth ministers.
Instructor: Leslie Barkin
Thursdays, 6:00-8:30 PM
September 25, October 16 and 30 and November 13
E 52 The Liturgical Year *
The Church ritualizes its life of prayer centering on the Christ’s redemptive mystery. This course explores the meaning of the Church’s liturgy as it flows from Incarnation (God becoming Human) through Exaltation (God triumphing over sin and death). Attention will be given to the meaning and practice of the liturgical seasons as well as the lesser feasts. The course is required for all liturgical coordinators and is suggested for faith formation and youth ministers.
Instructor: Joan Workmaster
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
September 24 and October 1 and 8
E 84 Parish Accounting II
Building on the material presented in Parish Accounting I, this course continues to explore the practices and procedures that underpin the financial systems of Roman Catholic parishes within the Diocese of Rochester. Required for Parish Business Managers, this course presents the subject matter in a logical sequence, allowing students to maintain parish financial records with professional standards.
Instructor: Fioravante Martusciello
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM -1:30 PM
September 10, 17 and 24
