| CODE | FDT5030 | |||||||||
| TITLE | The Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Theological and Canonical Aspects | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology, including Ecumenism | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This unit offers a postgraduate presentation of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist from a scriptural and systematic point of view. The unity of Christian initiation and the inextricable bond binding these three sacraments together is highlighted. Canonical legislation regarding these three sacraments is outlined within the context of the study-unit. Study-Unit Aims: - To present the theology of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation, namely, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; - To outline the biblical and patristic foundations of each of the three sacraments; - To present the debate regarding certain contemporary pastoral issues related to Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; - To delineate the canonical norms applicable to the three sacraments. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Be conversant about the theology of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist from a biblical, theological and canonical point of view; - Distinguish between the effects of sacramental grace in each of these three sacraments; - See the important relationship between lex orandi and lex credendi, on one hand, and lex vivendi on the other. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain convincingly to others the effects of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist to others; - Highlight the inextricable link between sacramental orthodoxy and sacramental orthopraxis; - Interpret the relevant canons from the Code of Canon Law, especially in challenging pastoral situations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - BENEDICT XVI, Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (22 February 2007), Vatican City 2007. - CANTALAMESSA, R., The Eucharist, Our Sanctification, Collegeville/MN 1993. - Catechism of the Catholic Church, London 1994, paragraphs 1322-1419. - Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, London 2005, questions 271-294. - JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia (17 April 2003), Vatican City 2003. 鈥斺�斺��, Apostolic Letter Mane Nobiscum Domine (7 October 2004), Vatican City 2004. - NEUNER, J. 鈥� DUPUIS, J., eds, The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal Documents of the Catholic Church, Bangalore 20017, 605-652. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Hector Scerri Kevin Schembri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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