LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA – Saint Vincent Seminary will offer graduate courses, “Ecclesiology,” “M.A. Seminar: The Eucharist,” “Mariology,” and “Spiritual Direction Principles,” in two summer sessions. All courses are three credits.
The first summer session will be from May 22 to June 15, with a deadline for registration of May 10./p>
Rev. Warren D. Murrman, O.S.B., Professor of Theology and Liturgy at the Seminary, will teach the three-credit course “Ecclesiology” from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course involves a discussion of the phenomenon of the Church as a people sharing a common belief in Jesus Christ. It begins by considering the Church from the contemporary method of “models.” The central portion is a study of the mystery, structure, and life of the Church in the documents of Vatican Council II. Particular emphasis falls upon ecumenism and dialogue with other religions. Father Warren received his B.A. from Saint Vincent College, M.A. from Saint Vincent Seminary, and the S.T.D. from the University of Munich, Germany. In addition, Fr. Warren received the Diploma, from the Liturgical Institute, Trier, Germany./p>
“M.A. Seminar: The Eucharist” will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Sr. Maureen Crossen, R.S.M., a member of the Theological Faculty of Carlow College in Pittsburgh, will teach the class. This M.A. seminar is designed as an opportunity for the student to engage in a theological dialogue on the Eucharist. The dialogue is based on common readings among the participants, as well as in-depth research on a particular aspect of the Eucharist of interest to the student. The common readings include a survey of the history of the Eucharist and contemporary understandings of the sacramental and social justice implications of the Eucharist. Participants will also explore the transformative language and theology of the Eucharsitic Prayers of the Liturgy. Oral and written presentations will be required. Sister Maureen received her B.A. from Carlow College, M.A. from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and Ph.D. from Duquesne University./p>
Session 2 will be offered from June 26 to July 20, with deadline for registration of June 12./p>
“Spiritual Direction Principles” will be taught by Dr. M. Susan Stangl, Lecturer in Spirituality at the Seminary. It will be offered from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Foundational principles of the Christian spiritual life are presented in this course as a framework for giving spiritual direction. These principles address dynamics which both facilitate and obstruct growth in the life of Christian faith. Traditional methods of giving and receiving spiritual direction based upon some of the great spiritual masters will be highlighted, as well as relevant information coming from the human sciences concerning the life of the spirit. Dr. Stangl holds a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University, and the M.A. and Ph.D. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the retreat staff of Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat House in Pittsburgh./p>
Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Assistant Professor of Spiritual Theology at the Seminary, will teach “Mariology” from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays of Session 2. The role of Mariology is perhaps one of the most controverted themes in the contemporary Church. Before the Second Vatican Council popular Marian devotions were almost a completely unquestioned fact of Catholic life. After the Council, however, in light of the growing movement toward ecumenism, the role of Mary in Catholic piety became a suspected hindrance to interfaith dialogue. Subsequently, therefore, the study of Mariology, and all things Marian, was oftentimes played down as non-essential aspects of our Catholic faith. In recent years, however, the Church has witnessed a renewed interest in Mary, at times to potentially dangerous extremes. The purpose of this course is to present a balanced exploration of the role of Mariology in a way that is respectful to both devotion and honest academic inquiry. Father Justin received his B.A. from Seton Hall University, and the M.A. and M.Div. from Saint Vincent Seminary. In addition, Fr. Justin holds an M.A. from Duquesne University and the S.T.D. from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome./p>
The tuition charge for the Summer Session is $192 per credit hour/ $576 per course. The charge for audit is $125 per credit/ $375 per course. There are no application fees for the summer sessions. Housing is also available. For further information contact the Seminary Academic Dean, Saint Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA, 15650-2690, 724-539-9761, Extension 2395, http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/seminary, e-mail: svssummer@stvincent.edu./p>