Deacon Formation Program Courses

PDB 121 Hermeneutics
This course explores a variety of exegetical methods and hermeneutical perspectives used in interpreting the Scriptures.  In addition, students will practice these methods in developing hermeneutical profiles on New Testament texts in preparation for preaching.  (2 units)

PDC 211 History of Christian Spirituality
This survey course will introduce the student to people, themes and issues in the history of Christian spirituality.  The course is designed to give the student a broad overview of traditional Catholic spirituality with an emphasis on the diversity found within the Christian tradition.  (2 Units)

PDC 311 Social Justice
This course provides an introduction to recent Roman Catholic social teaching and some current social issues, as well as practical ways deacons can apply them in their ministry.  (2 Units)

PDP 111 Introduction to Diaconate
As the beginning of formation, this course is intended to introduce students to the theology of the ministry of the deacon. It will provide opportunities to explore the historical development of the diaconate, current theology, and the Bishops' guidelines for deacons in the United States and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. (2 Units)

PDP 131 Proclamation
This course concentrates on the proclamation of scriptural and liturgical texts employed in public worship. Attention is given to style and quality of proclamation which bring written texts to power in the spoken word. Presentation of poetry and various literary works are used in class as preliminary exercises to the interpretation of texts used in liturgy. A final presentation for the class is given which leads into homiletic method for future classes. (2 Units)

PDP 221 Adult Faith Formation
This course provides an overview of the enterprise of adult faith formation through a study of issues, trends and methods.  Students will engage in guided reflection on the current practice of adult faith formation in parish life.  (2 Units)

PDP 231 Introduction to Canon Law
This course will introduce Church law, its history and its application in the life of the Church.  The structure and the content of the 1983 Code of Canon Law will be examined with particular emphasis on general norms, clergy and sacraments.  The course will not cover the canons dealing with annulments and procedures in processing annulment cases.  (2 Units)

PDP 321 Preaching at Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals
This introductory course is intended to give the foundations for liturgical preaching, principally in celebrations which are not celebrated in the context of the Eucharist. Preaching at the rites of baptism and marriage will be the main focus. Basic communication skills will continue to be developed, as well as a continued emphasis on Biblical exegesis. (2 Units)

PDP 322 Presiding at Baptisms, Wedding, Funerals
The purpose of this practicum will be to provide students with the familiarity with the rites and skills necessary to preside at the rites of Baptism, Weddings and Funerals as a deacon, as well as the ability to integrate the theology of the Rite with pastoral practice. (2 Units)

PDP 331 The Role of the Deacon at Eucharist/Presiding at Benediction
The purpose of this practicum will be to provide students with the opportunity to study and become familiar with the role of the deacon at Mass and at Benediction. They will also study the role of liturgical music, especially as it relates to the ministry of the deacon. Along with the technical aspects of performance of these roles, we will also integrate the theology of the Rite with pastoral practice. (2 Units)

PDS 112 Introduction to Liturgical Theology
An introduction to liturgical theology, focusing especially upon an exposition of current official documents on the celebration of the Eucharist and the theological principles undergirding sound liturgical preparation. (2 Units)

PDS 122 Fundamental Theology and Basic Doctrine
Based on the New Testament exhortation to "always be ready to make a defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15) and the Anselmian principle, fides quarens intellectum (faith seeking understanding), this course will explore the "Why" of faith and the "How" of theology, the mystery of God's self-revelation and its credibility, and human meaning in light of the Word made flesh and the Breath of the Spirit. Basic Christian doctrines, such as the Mystery of the Trinity, Incarnation and Redemption, the nature of the Church, grace, and Mary will be examined. (2 Units)

PDS 222 Theology of Preaching
This introductory course is intended to give the theological foundation for liturgical preaching.  The course builds on the principles from the Proclamation course, and is preparation for the preaching courses in the winter and spring courses of the final year of formation.  Fulfilled in Your Hearing is thoroughly examined.  (Units)

PDS 312 Theology of Orders and Ministry
This course will examine the theology of ministry in general, its historical and spiritual development, and its present effect on the life of the Church.  The course will focus on ordained ministry, its evolution and impact through the years, especially since the Second Vatican Council.  Finally, the spirituality of the diaconate will be explored with special emphasis on practical methods of ministering to the people of God in today's Church.  (2 Units)

PDS 333 Theology of Liturgical Music
This course is designed to engage deacon candidates in a theological discussion of music within Catholic worship.  Through a study of liturgical music documents and other sources, deacon candidates will develop a deeper understanding of the theology of worship and the intrinsic importance of music in worship.  (1 Unit)

PDW 113 Pastoral Presence Workshop
This workshop will offer an opportunity to explore various aspects of preparing to be with people in a pastoral context. It will include discussion of compassion, empathy, emotions, feelings (your own and others), simplicity and prayer.

PDW 213 Marriage Workshop
This workshop will familiarize participants with the understanding of Christian marriage in the Catholic tradition through study of its biblical foundations, the theology and practice of marrying and being married throughout the history of the Church, and approaches to supporting couples who are preparing for marriage or already married.

PDW 313 Baptismal Preparation Workshop
This workshop is designed to enable deacon candidates to develop skills in designing a parish baptismal preparation process by studying and considering the theology and history of baptism, the Rite of Baptism, and the pastoral needs of parents and families in our world today. 

PDW 314 Pathways to Prayer
This workshop introduces the art of personal prayer as an essential part of the Christian life.  The focus of the workshop is on the actual experience of prayer with opportunities for both personal and communal reflection.  Experiential learning will occur both during and between class sessions.   

6616 Beechmont Avenue  Cincinnati, OH 45230
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