Terence Curtin

Semester 1 Thursday morning 2007

This unit explores the fundamental principles of sacramental theology, and on that basis proceeds to a study of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The unit will address the following topics: sacramentality and a sacramental universe; the role of myth, ritual and symbol; the relationship between Word and Sacrament; Christ as the primordial sacrament and the Church as the basic sacrament; initiation in the New Testament; initiation in patristic theology and practice; Baptism in medieval theology; Reformation issues; the emergence of Confirmation as a distinct sacrament; infant baptism and Christian initiation; ecumenical agreement on the nature of Baptism, and its implications; the RCIA as model for Christian initiatory practice.

Prerequisites:	second level	two Systematic Theology units CD101 and CD102 are recommended
	third level	four Systematic Theology units
Requirements:	3 hours per week
Assessment:	second level	two 500 word papers	2 x 10%
		one 2,500 word essay	50%
		one 1 hour written examination	30%
	third level	two 500 word papers	2 x 10%
		one 3,000 word essay	50%
		one 1 hour written examination	30%

Bibliography

Austin, G. Anointing with the Spirit: The Rite of Confirmation The Use of Oil and Chrism. New York: Pueblo, 1985.

Best, T. F., and D. Heller. eds. Becoming a Christian: The Ecumenical Implications of our Common Baptism. Geneva: World Council of Churches Publications, 1999.

Cooke, B. Sacraments and Sacramentality. Revised ed. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1994.

Johnson, M. E., et al. eds. Living Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1995.

Johnson, M. E. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1999.

Martinez, G. Signs of Freedom: Theology of the Christian Sacraments. New York: Paulist Press, 2003.

Martos, J. Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church. Expanded ed. Liguori: Triumph Books, 1991.

Osborne, K. B. Sacramental Theology: A General Introduction. Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1998.

Turner, P. Confirmation: The Baby in Solomon’s Court. New York: Paulist Press, 1993.

World Council of Churches. Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. Faith and Order Paper. Geneva: World Council of Churches, 1982.