Church and Sacraments

The course examines the foundations, historical developments, nature, and mission of the Church. It presents the major themes of Vatican II’s ecclesiology, situating them in the council’s historical context. It considers such questions as: the interrelationship between the Church and the Kingdom of God, interreligious dialogue, ecumenism, evangelization and mission, inculturation, basic ecclesial communities, as well as Mary’s place in the Mystery of the Church. The course also introduces students to the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. Beginning with the experience of worship and ritual in life, it considers the nature and scope of liturgy in general and the sacraments in particular. Key principles of sacramental theology are explained with a view to the further study of the individual sacraments.