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St. Mary's Seminary & University

Distance Learning for Deacons

What Is Included in a Course

Some courses are special single-session presentations, some are three sessions of recorded content plus an extra live discussion session (which will be recorded for later playback), and some courses have more than three sessions.

All courses will link to their own private web page which include:

  • additional resources and/or links on the topic
  • the video presentations
  • an audio file of each presentation as well. Participants can download the audio file to their mobile device for use as “podcasting” option as well, receiving another option for taking the course in a way most convenient for them.

Most courses are available and registration is now open.

Single-Session Courses

Jesus Was a Refugee

Description
This course is being offered to all ministry personnel (priests, deacons, lay ecclesial ministers, other parish leaders). Dr. Barnabas Aspray applies his particular interest in theology to the reality of migrants, refugees, and modern society’s response to them today. In this single session, he looks to the experience of Jesus as a refugee for insight to our current experiences.

Presenter
Dr. Barnabas Aspray
Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore

Dr. Aspray brings a special research interest in the theological implications of migrants and refugees in the modern world. He also hosts a podcast called “Faith at the Frontiers.”

Sessions
1 Session

Cost
$50

 

Three-Session Courses (with Additional Dialogue Session)

Guiding Sponsors and Candidates

Description
Many deacons have responsibility for parish RCIA processes or sacramental preparation programs. This course examines ways the deacon can more effectively guide sponsors and candidates on their faith journeys.

Dr. Lawrence SuttonPresenter
Rev. Mr. Lawrence Sutton, Ph.D.
Director of Pre-Theology Formation, Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA

Sessions
3 Sessions plus 1 live/recorded discussion session with the presenter

Cost
$200

 

Ministering to Persons with Autism

Description
This course is being offered to all ministry personnel (priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers). Dr. Lawrence Sutton is the author of How to Welcome, Include, and Catechize Children with Autism and Other Special Needs: A Parish-Based Approach and Teaching Students with Autism in a Catholic Setting. In this course, he brings his expertise to address all ministers, inviting us to explore the challenges and opportunities of ministry with persons with autism.

Dr. Lawrence SuttonPresenter
Rev. Mr. Lawrence Sutton, Ph.D.
Director of Pre-Theology Formation, Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA

Sessions
3 Sessions plus 1 live/recorded discussion session with the presenter

Cost
$150

 

Four-or-More-Session Courses

Living a Balanced Life

Description
This course will explore how necessary on-going formation is critical to keeping a balance between our marriage and family responsibilities (our first vocation), the work we do in the world to support and care for our households, and seeking to be a faithful and effective minister of Word and Sacrament to, with, by, and for the people of God.

Presenter
Deacon Larry Matheny
St. Ignatius Parish, Ijamsville, MD

Sessions
5 Sessions

Cost
$200

 


Additional Information

Session 1—Definitions and Discoveries
Who we are and where we are called to minister. Overview of the pillars of on-going formation (Personal, Intellectual, Spiritual and Pastoral); review of other sessions.

Session 2—Personal Pillar of Formation
“Physician know thyself.” Exploring how we care for our own selves (body, spirit and soul). Introduction of stress and trauma, and how if effects the body. Strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, etc. How do I keep myself in balance?

Session 3—Intellectual Pillar of Formation
“Teach me your paths, O Lord.” What have I learned, what do I need to learn; how do I establish a plan to increase my knowledge and understanding of scripture, church teaching, ministry, etc.

Session 4—Spiritual Pillar of formation
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Patterns of prayer life, retreat/recollection, deepening prayer movements (lectio, meditatio, oratio, contemplatio) achieving more balance in prayer life. Becoming more observant of god’s movement in daily life; pastoral reflection as the precursor to homiletics.

Session 5—Where we find ourselves in diaconal ministry
“Better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness.” Understanding and responding to the context of ministry in a world fraught with strife , division and upheaval. Plus: mapping out my personal strategy to stay balanced; knowing when I am out of balance; recovery of balance.