Certification Program
Course Description - Spring 2008

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**Available via videoconferencing in Watkins Glen, Apalachin and Auburn
*Available via videoconferencing in Watkins Glen and Apalachin only

A11     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.
Instructor: Rev George Heyman
Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Feb 27, March 5, 12, 19

 

B21     Catechism of the Catholic Church*
Pope John Paul II urged Catholics to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “to  fulfill their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life.” This course explores the four sections of the Catechism, the Profession of Faith; the celebration of the Christian Mystery; Life in Christ; and Christian Prayer.
InstructorsHeyman, Stosur, Schoelles, Wagner
Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
March 26, April 2, 9 and 16

 

C10     Introduction to Theology
When humanity begins to reflect on the meaning of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit it begins to engage itself in the task of theology. This course presents a brief overview of the basic components of theology. It looks at method, revelation, use of scripture, and the role theology plays in the Church today.
Instructor:  Sr. Patricia Schoelles, SSJ
Tuesdays, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
March 11, 18, 25, April 1

 

C11     Sacramental Theology**
The longing of the Christian heart is to be both touched by God and to touch the divine. Sacramental life in the Church flows from this very basic human need. This course will explore the history and development of the Church’s sacraments as well as closely examine the way in which the sacraments impact our lives today.
Instructor:  Rev. Robert Kennedy
Thursdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
May 8, 15, 22, 29

 

D11     The Spiritual Life**
The Creation Story tells us that God created humanity in the divine image. Throughout history people have reflected on this interior or “spiritual life” that exists within each human person. This course explores  the meaning of spirituality in order to enable the student to articulate their own idea of spirituality and relate to the spirituality of the Church.
Instructor: Deacon Claude Curtin
Thursdays, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
May 1, 8, 15
, 22

 

D12     Spirituality and Personality
This course explores some of the connections between styles of spirituality and individual personality types.  By looking at some contemporary gauges of personality difference, as well as some prominent schools of Catholic spirituality, participants will be encouraged to identify approaches to the spiritual life consistent with their personality preferences.
Instructor: Sr. Mary Louise Heffernan, SSJ
Thursdays, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
April 3, 10, 17, and 24.

 

D25     The Art of Spiritual Direction  New Course**
The hunger for a deeper connection to the spiritual life has increased the demand for spiritual directors among today’s Catholics. Spiritual direction is both an art and a science. This newly designed course will introduce the student into the history and meaning of spiritual direction. It is designed for those are interested in learning more about the nature of spiritual direction as well as for those who are discerning their own call to this much needed ministry in the Church today.
Instructor: Dr. Damian Zynda
Saturdays, 9:00am – 12:00 noon
April 26, May 10 and 17

 

E10      Introduction to Ministry
Ministry is  the public activity of a baptizer 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 throughout history. We will examine  the traditional and contemporary forms of ministerial opportunities that are present in the Church today as well as explore new forms of ministry needed for the future.
 Instructor: Rev. Dan. Tormey
Tuesdays,  6:00pm – 8:30pm
Feb 12, 19, 26, March 4

 

E28 The Rites of Christian Initiation**
The Order of Christian Initiation is the process whereby a person discerns whether God is calling them into communion with the Catholic Church. As a formation process there are important ritual moments that are celebrated during a person’s journey of faith. This course introduces participants to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, with emphasis on the experience of conversion, the ritual steps of the Rite and the catechetical periods of formation.
Instructor: Joan Workmaster
Tuesdays, 9:30am – 12:00 noon
Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 4

 

E30  Understanding Stewardship New Course*
In the Gospels Jesus instructs his followers to become good stewards of the gifts they have been given. This means that as Christians we are called to effectively use the gifts and talents we have been given for the good of the community. This course explores the concept of stewardship and it implications for the contemporary Catholic parish. The focus will center on the practical ways that are already underway in parishes as well as methods to begin or enhance a parish’s commitment to ideal of Christian stewardship.
Instructor: Mark Clark
Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 6:30pm
April 2, 9, 16 and 23

 

E32 Parish Bible Study**
As Catholics we believe that Christ is present as the Word of God incarnate. The beauty of the Scriptures is no longer for “Sunday only.” Catholics around the world are seeking a deeper appreciation of the sacred texts. This course is designed to help train Parish Bible Study leaders and enrich those already engaged in this valuable ministry. We will explore various methods and techniques that can be used for Catholic Bible study in our parishes.
Instructor: Rev. George Heyman
Thursdays, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
March 27, April 3, 10 and 17

 

E43      Methods and Models for Youth Ministry
A practical introduction to methods & models for the practice of youth ministry, including volunteer recruitment/retention, youth ministry mission statements, asset building, assessing parish needs, one- to three-year planning, evaluations, teaching & learning styles.
Instructor: Leslie Barkin
Saturdays, 9:00am – 12:30pm
March 29, April 12, May 10

 

E60 Blessings in Disguise: Spiritual Care for Frail Elders with Dementia (half course - fee $50)
As America ages more and more care will be needed for the elderly. Many of the elderly also experience decreased mental ability and require special care. This course is designed for care-givers, as well as all those interested in the spiritual needs of the elderly who suffer from the variety of disabilities grouped under the term, dementia. Participants will learn to foster a positive perspective toward dementia by understanding how spirituality still plays a vital role in the lives of the frail elderly.
Instructors: Pat  Klees, Elaine Hiscock
Mondays, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
March 3 & 10

 

E80 The Changing American Parish (new course)**
This course is an overview of parish structures and systems including parish (and cluster) planning groups. It will focus on the meaning of “consultation;” the roles of parish consultative bodies (Pastoral and Finance Councils) as well as issues in civil and ecclesiastical law that affect the day to day operation of parish.
Instructor: Rev. Dan Condon
Mondays 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Feb 25, March 10, 17, April 7

 

E81 Human Resources I – Administration**
This course focuses on identifying and developing skills in salary and benefit administration. The special emphasis of this course is to deepen the student’s awareness of (a) development, (b) funding; and (c) pastoral administration all done from within the deeper understanding of the mission of the Church today.
Instructor: Patricia Hoskings
Thursdays 1:30pm – 4:00pm
March 6, 13, 27

 

E83      Parish Accounting I
Designed for individuals with some knowledge of accounting, this course presents the subject matter in a logical sequence, allowing students to apply the knowledge learned to create and maintain parish financial records.
Instructor:  Fioravante Martusciello
Wednesdays, 9:30am -1:30pm
April 9, 16, 23
   

 

F1         Theological Reflection(half course - fee $50)
Open only to students who intend to graduate in May, 2008.
Heyman     Sat., 4/26              9:00 am—12:00pm

 

Tuition: $100 per course (except E60 and F1- $50)

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St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
120 French Road
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 271 - 3657
Fax: (585) 271 - 2045
 

 

Albany Extension Site
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 453 - 6760
Fax: (518) 453 - 6793