The program of ten courses in theology are based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Profession of Faith, Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Christian Prayer, Life In Christ. The courses, fully accredited at the undergraduate level, are offered by Saint Joseph’s College at various locations across the diocese.

ELM 101 2 credit hours
Introduction to the Old Testament - an introductory study of the processes and faith struggles that gave rise to the Old Testament. Students will read major portions of the Old Testament to understand them both in their own context and also in the context of the Christian faith.

ELM 102 2 credit hours
Introduction to the New Testament - an introductory study of the processes and faith struggles that gave rise to the New Testament. Students will read most of the New Testament, attending to the chronological development of this primary faith document of the Church.

ELM 103 2 credit hours
The Word of God in Faith, Theology, and Ministry - a theological study of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Students will work with both Testaments in applying the tools and methods the Church employs to interpret texts and to deepen its understanding of revelation. Assignments and projects will deal with practical applications to liturgy and religious education.

ELM 201 2 credit hours
The Trinity - a study of the theology of the Trinity as a personal communion of love. Students will explore how this communion is experienced by Christians in the world as the creative activity of God the Father, the redeeming activity of God the Son, and the sanctifying activity of God the Holy Spirit.

ELM 202 2 credit hours
Christology - an introduction to the theology of the Church’s doctrine about Jesus Christ, the light of Christian faith, practice and worship. Special emphasis will be given to how the Church reflects systematically on the person, being, and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.

ELM 203 2 credit hours
Ecclesiology - an introduction to the biblical, magisterial, and theological foundations of the nature and mission of the Church. Special attention will be given to the major moments of the Church’s historical development, as well as to its variety of forms and expressions.

ELM 301 2 credit hours
Liturgy - an introduction to the general principles of liturgical celebration, the primacy of the Lord’s Day and the liturgical year, and the various forms of liturgical prayer.

ELM 302 2 credit hours
Sacraments - a study of the Sacraments of the Church, their historical development and theology, with an overview of the Rites books and how to use them.

ELM 401 2 credit hours
Spirituality - a study of the key figures in the historical development of Christian spirituality and of the impact of culture and society on forms and styles of prayer.

ELM 402 2 credit hours
Moral Theology - a study of the nature and process of moral decision-making and the principles derived from the Catholic Faith that would be involved in such moral decision-making.

Register online or call the Office of Ecclesial Lay Ministry to register for any academic course or to receive a descriptive brochure.