This unit investigates the liturgical celebration of the sacraments of healing – reconciliation and anointing – as well as the rites for the pastoral care of the sick and the funeral rites of the Catholic church. It commences with an overview of the evolution of rites of penance, then explores current forms of the liturgical celebration of reconciliation in the Catholic church, with particular emphasis on the preparation of children and their families for first reconciliation. It goes on to examine the wide range of rites provided for the pastoral care of the sick and the dying. Finally consideration is given to the diversity of the church’s funeral rites, including those for children. The role of music in all these rites is a particular focus of attention.

Pre-requisites:
DL350

Excluded combination:
DL362 and DL363

Requirements:
intensive mode

Assessment:

• one 2,000 word essay - 50%
• one 1,000 word class presentation - 25%
• one 1,000 word evaluation of a liturgical celebration - 25%

Bibliography:

• Dallen, James. The Reconciling Community: The Rite of Penance. New York: Pueblo, 1986.
• Glen, Genevieve, Marilyn Kofler, and Kevin O’Connor. Handbook for Ministers of Care. 2nd ed. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1989.
• Gusmer, Charles W. And You Visited Me: Sacramental Ministry to the Sick and the Dying. New York: Pueblo, 1984.
• Henchal, Michael J., ed. Repentance and Reconciliation in the Church: Major Presentations Given at the 1986 National Meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1987.
• The Rites of the Catholic Church. Study ed. New York: Pueblo, 1983.
• Rutherford, Richard H. The Death of a Christian: The Order of Christian Funerals. Rev. ed. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990.
• Smith, Margaret. Facing Death Together: Parish Funerals. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1998.