Course Goals:

1.    Provide overview of historical development of the sacraments.

2.    Present misinterpretation of ancient texts that became Catholic doctrine.

3.    Promote an understanding of Catholic tradition as one of change that invites creation of meaningful ritual to meet contemporary needs.

4.    Offer a method of reconstructing Catholic ritual rooted in history and scholarship that reflects the diverse experiences of a global church.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1.    Understand the history of the sacraments and the development of church sacramental rituals.

2.    Understand the purpose of Catholic rituals to nurture faith and reflect Gospel values that are meaningful in our times.

3.    Describe ways in which the reform of sacramental theology provides the foundation for new and meaningful Catholic rituals in the 21^st century.

4.    Develop Catholic sacramental rituals based on contemporary theology.