THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Kathy Mack

Theology Department Chair Ext. #159

Heather Porath

Theology & Spiritual Advisor

Aaron Dufresne

Theology & Campus Minister Ext. #154

Rebecca Cooper

Theology & ASB Moderator Ext. #158

Charles Merritt

OLA RCIA & Bible Study Ext. #162

Theology Course Curriculum Framework

All Theology Courses at Saint Bonaventure adhere to the course descriptions as defined by the the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Curriculum Framework

(USCCB) Curriculum

FRESHMAN (1 Semester Each)

SCRIPTURE: This course will give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course they will learn about the Bible, authored by God through Inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world.

If they have not been taught this earlier, they will learn how to read the Bible and will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the Gospels, where they may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally.

CHRISTOLOGY: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. In this course students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who he is, the students will also learn who he calls them to be.

SOPHOMORE (1 Semester Each)

SPIRITUAL LIFE: In this course students will understand all that God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Through this course of study, students will learn that for all eternity, God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with him, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ won for us. Students will learn that they share in this redemption only in and through Jesus Christ. They will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what life as a disciple entails.

ECCLESIOLOGY: This course will help students understand in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit. The students will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. In this course, students will learn not so much about events in the life of the Church but about the sacred nature of the Church.

JUNIOR (1 Semester Each)

SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY: Through this course, students will learn that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.

MORALITY: This semester students will understand that it is only through Christ that they can fully live out God’s plans for their lives. Students are to learn the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples.

SENIOR (1 Semester Each)

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Students will be introduced to the Church’s social teaching. In this course, students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission.

Meets CSU/UC “G” requirements

VOCATIONS & DISCERNMENT: This course is designed to help students understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to live. In this course, students should learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The course should be structured around married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community.

Meets CSU/UC “G” requirements