The Rites of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation,
and First Eucharist) and the Eucharistic Liturgy as the primary
sacramental celebrations of and in the Church: their biblical
and anthropological foundations, historical evolution, contemporary
forms and pastoral effectiveness.
Goals and Objectives
Through this course students will demonstrate:
an understanding of the historical evolution
of Initiation and Eucharist in the life
of the Church;
a critical understanding of the theological
interpretation(s) of these primary sacramental
rites within both the Roman Catholic and other (selected)
Christian traditions;
a thorough awareness of the contemporary forms
of these rites especially within the Roman Catholic tradition;
the ability to participate actively in these
rites (if so desired) with intelligence and
understanding.
Course Requirements
The above goals and objectives will be met by:
Attendance at all class sessions. More
than three absences will automatically
lower the final grade by one letter grade.
Full, active, and conscious participation
in class through preparation of assigned
reading, discussion, Q/A, etc.
Preparation of Weekly written summaries
of, or reflections on, assigned
reading due every Wednesday when an exam or other paper
is not due.
Writing Assignments. A choice from
the following options:
Write the three short papers
assigned in the syllabus (due on the dates indicated).
Write a research paper (with
notes in proper form) on some topic having to
do with initiation or eucharist (10 to 15 pages; due
on April 28). Possible research paper
topics are listed at the end of this page.
NOTE: Bibliography
and Outline to be approved by instructor by March
24.
Two Take-Home Unit Exams and a Take-Home
Final Exam as announced on the
syllabus.
Occasional quizzes, announced or unannounced.
Grading
GRADING for this course is based on the
successful completion of Numbers 1-5 above.
The grade A is
reserved for "exceptional work," (95 - 100%)
a level significantly above what is required;
A- (92-94%); B+ (89-91%)
= very good work, the excellent completion of the necessary
requirements;
B (85-88%) = good work
in successful completion of what was expected and
required;
B- (80-84%);
C+ (77-79%);
C (74-76%);
C- (70-73%);
D (65-69%);
F (below
65%).
Grades will be computed according to the
following point system:
Weekly Summaries, etc. = 10
points (total points will vary)
Unit Exams = 50
points each (150 points total)
Papers = 25
points each (75 points total)
(Or Major paper) = 75
points each (75 points total)
Quizzes = 10
points each (total points will vary)
Class Participation = 30
points total (30 points total)
Required Texts
M. Johnson, The Rites of
Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville:
Pueblo, 1999.
M. Johnson, Images of Baptism. Forum Essays
6. Chicago: LTP, 2001.
A. Bouley, Catholic Rites Today (Collegeville:
The Liturgical Press).
N. Mitchell, Eucharist as Sacrament of Initiation (Chicago:
LTP).
Ed Foley, From Age to Age (Chicago: LTP).
USCC, The Real Presence of Jesus
Christ in the Eucharist: Questions and Answers,
United States Catholic Conference, 2001.
Course Packet, Theo 445, available
in the Copy Shop, 3rd Floor, O'Shag.
On Library Reserve
M.
Johnson (ed.), Living
Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation.
Some essays from this collection, as noted
in the Syllabus, will
be required reading.
There will also be required reading
from:
R. Cabié, History of the
Mass
G.
Macy, The
Banquet's Wisdom, and
G. Austin, Anointing
With The Spirit (Collegeville 1985).
Possible Research Paper Topics
Christian Initiation
Is there any good justification for withholding communion
from baptized infants and children?
When is the Holy Spirit "given" in Christian
initiation?
Is there any good justification today for keeping the sacrament
of confirmation separated from the sacraments of baptism
and Eucharist?
Eucharistic Liturgy and Theology
How do contemporary churches understand the Eucharist as
sacrifice?
What is the relationship between the Eucharist and social
justice?
What does contemporary Catholic theology say about the
Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?
How is the Eucharist a foretaste of the heavenly banquet?
Note: See Dr. Johnson for bibliographical
suggestions for these and other topics after you
have done initial library research.
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