Face to Face with the Third Millennium: The Church steps into the Future
The church is both product and transformer of culture. Each age brings new challenges. This course will look at four themes as we enter the third millennium: Globalization, Feminization, Spiritualization, and the next Generation, identifying and examining how existing resources can be creatively used to respond to these developments of the earth community. Topics will be viewed through a sacramental lens and a revived sense of spirituality inviting reflection Catholic identity in the sacraments. As re-connection to the elements of earth, air, fire, and water is made, consciousness of God's presence in the world is reawakened. (IPS 400-P01)

July 7-11
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

M. Faulkner, R. O'Gorman

From Babel to Pentecost: Pastoral Sensitivity in Multi-Cultural Parishes
Beginning in the 1960's, the language of the Catholic Church in the United States shifted from "ethnic" to "multi-cultural" parishes. This course explores the theological, ministerial and experiential challenges behind this call to conversion. Topics explored will include: cultural biases/deceptions of the minister, moving from words/labels to lived reality, building authentic multi-cultural communities (instead of parallel communities), outreach to racial and ethnic communities, and developing lay ecclesial ministers out of popular religiosity. Although the Hispanic community will be explored as a test case, the learnings can be used in other cultural settings.The course will rely on readings, participation and cultural experiences. (IPS 401-P18)

July 14-18
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

D. Zapata, R. Dueweke

Parables of the Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Parables
No aspect of New Testament studies has undergone more intensive investigation in recent decades than the parables of Jesus and their "Kingdom" message. The interpretations of the centuries have been almost universally impugned. With regard to the parable form, today's leading question is not what the meaning of this or that parable is, but how parables mean. With regard to the content, the leading question is not what the tradition means by "Kingdom of God" but what Jesus meant by "God's reign." (IPS 412-P02)

June 16-July 4
(3 weeks)

M-F, 9am–noon

T. Reynolds

Jesus: Reel to Reel (Electronic Classroom)
From the earliest oral traditions, to the written Gospels, from medieval mystery/morality plays, to the contemporary cinematic presentations, the world continues to be fascinated with the Jesus story. In this class socio-rhetorical biblical interpretation and narrative theology will be applied to the numerous films and clips about Jesus viewed and discussed. Participants will consider their own stories of Jesus and various stories from other cultures in light of these cinematic presentations. Participants will become familiar with emerging Christologies from contemporary cinema, learn how contemporary biblical scholarship influences these current stories of Jesus, and appreciate narrative as a unique truthful language. (IPS 413-P03)

June 30-July 4
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

R. Ascough, P. Gilmour

The Gospel of John for the Third Millennium
This course favors an incarnational, sacramental reading of the Fourth Gospel, which describes the Johannine Christians as a diverse, inclusive, and just community of believers. We will focus on the author's particular interests in comparison to the other gospels; the understanding of God, Jesus, and the Spirit; the understanding of the human person; the relationship to the Judaism(s) of its time; the leadership roles of men and women; the signs, the discourses, the eschatology, the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Literary, socio-historical, feminist, and narrative perspectives will be used to learn about context, composition, and theology of the gospel. (IPS 414-P04)

July 14–18
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

R. Bieringer, M. Elsbernd

The Prophets
Who are they that claimed to speak in God's name? What is the message that they proclaimed? The prophets of ancient Israel and their message remain an enigma until we are able to determine the roles prophets played in their own world and to understand their message within its historical and literary context. Only then can we begin to speak of the significance of prophecy for our own world. This course will look to the origin and development of the prophetic movement in general, the historical situation of ancient Israel as the immediate background of the rise of the prophets, and most importantly, the written texts of these six prophets of Israel: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Deutero-Isaiah. Analysis of the text will involve active participation of the students. Directives on how to analyze the biblical text will be distributed in class. We will be concerned with uniqueness of each prophet as well as the overall message of the prophets. Students will be expected to write a paper on some aspect of the prophetic message or the relationship between the message of the prophets and our contemporary world. (IPS 415-P19)

July 21-25
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

P. Viviano

Introduction to the Practice of Spiritual Direction
What is spiritual direction? How does it work? What does it look like in practice? What are its inner dynamics? This course will explore the ministry of spiritual direction with its many dimensions. It is designed for those considering or beginning the ministry and also for those in other ministries who serve as spiritual companions and want to deepen their knowledge of spiritual direction so they may increase their awareness in responding. Course format includes lecture, personal reflection, discussion and interaction in small groups. Participants will be required to complete assigned readings and short written assignments. (IPS 428-P06)

June 21 & 28, July 12, 19 & 26

Sat, 9am–5pm

A. Luther

Expressive Arts and Spiritual Mentoring
Art materials are freeing and compelling for they have no expectations or judgments; they are meditative for they hold us to the present moment. Participants will explore family sculptures, sub-personalities, persona issues, dreams, and other themes in a structured sequence, then learn processes for sharing these expressive knowings. The course will serve those who wish to use creative materials for personal spiritual development and/or in ministries of spiritual direction and pastoral counseling. No previous art training is required—just bring two hands and a heart open for new experiences. (IPS 429-P07)

June 16–July 4
(3 weeks)

M-Th, 5:30-8:30pm

B. Gallagher

Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender
This course explores the relationships among spirituality, sexuality, and gender in Christian experience, past, and present. In a reflective format, sessions draw on resources in scripture and Christian history, current psychosexual and gender research, and the religious experience of participants. The goal is a deeper appreciation of the vital links between sexuality and spirituality in adult Christian living. The course is designed for persons involved in adult ministry settings of parish, retreat center, spiritual direction, and pastoral counseling, as well as for those seeking a more profound personal integration of sexuality and spirituality in their own lives. (IPS 430-P08)

June 16–20
(one week)

M-F, 9am–5pm

E & J. Whitehead

Stories from the Spiritual Traditions of the World
In the spiritual traditions of the world storytelling has always been placed in the service of spiritual development. From earliest times spiritual teachers have crafted stories to evoke Spirit and to introduce people into the subtle dynamics of the spiritual life. Although the stories are historically conditioned, rife with the assumptions and conflicts of the times in which they were written, they are still able to express and communicate spiritual wisdom. These stories are an inheritance, a rich resource for the contemporary interest in spirituality. Our course will explore various stories and storytelling traditions. We will tell, read, and reflect on stories from Buddhism, Judaism, Sufism, Hinduism, Native American religious traditions, and Christianity. We will also explore ways these stories can be used in spiritual formation, religious education, preaching, and ministry. (IPS 431-P09)

June 30–July 11
(2 weeks)

M-F, 1:30–5pm

J. Shea

Foundations of Liturgical Studies
This course introduces the students to the interdisciplinary field known as liturgical studies. First, it will survey liturgical history with particular attention paid to the history of the Eucharist. Second, it will introduce the student to the theological interpretation of liturgy. Third, it will explore the place of ritual in the life of faith. These three areas of liturgical study—history, theology, and ritual studies—will be applied to a praxis-theory-praxis model to pastoral ministry. Students will be given the opportunity to both create and lead liturgies, as well as evaluate rituals as a participant observer. (IPS 540-P10)

June 23–27
(one week)

T-Sat, 9am-5pm

T. Johnson

Canon Law: The Essentials for Ministry Within the Church
Underpinning the application of the law to everyday situations in ministry in the parish, diocese, and other Catholic institutions is a series of legal principles. An understanding of how to apply these legal principles and accompanying norms is crucial to being an effective minister. This course will explore how the works of Teaching, Sanctifying, and Governing are treated in the Code of Canon Law. Students will be urged to use creative and pastoral thinking with regard to the interpretation of the law. The format of the class will be a combination of presentation and seminar style through the use of case studies and a short paper. (IPS 452-P11)

June 23-27
(one week)

M-F, 9am-5pm

L. Jarrell, N. Reynolds

The Ministerial Call: Spirituality, Psychology and Theology
This class will explore the rich, complex concept of vocation from a variety of theological and psychological perspectives, using a broad understanding of the ministerial call which includes both traditional and nontraditional forms of ministry. Topics include: psychological and spiritual dimensions; stories of calling in the scriptures; dream, vision, and vocation in ancient and modern cultures; the role of suffering, chance, and mistakes; vocation and social responsibility; and discernment of vocation among others. Course requirements include readings to be done prior and during the course and a final integration paper exploring personal and professional dimensions of ministerial calling which will be due at the end of the semester. (IPS 453-P12)

June 16-20
(one week)

M-F, 9am-5pm

J. Neafsey

The History and Role of Women in Ministry
The course will begin with an exploration of the biblical foundations for women in ministry. It will trace the development of this ministry in both its formal and informal manifestations throughout the centuries with particular emphasis on missionaries, educators, mothers, religious congregations, and social activists. Then the course will look at the reality of women's ministry today across Christian traditions. Through it all, participants will explore the pitfalls and promises of the tradition. (IPS 454-P20)

July 7-11
(one week)

M-F, 9am-5pm

N. Schreck.

Couples Counseling
The marital couple is the building block of a healthy family. To understand marital dynamics and options for working with couples is a critical component of pastoral care and counseling. The course examines developmental stages of marriage, strengths, tasks, and potential struggles associated with each stage. Assessment and intervention strategies are covered, including preventative and therapeutic approaches. Spirituality in marriage and clinical work is also addressed. The course seeks to integrate theory and practice, psychology, and theology. The course will use didactic presentations, case studies, video presentations, class discussion, and interviews with healthy couples. Courses in human development and fundamentals of counseling are helpful background for this course. (IPS 473-P13)

June 20 & 27, July 11, 18 & 25

Fri, 9am-5pm

P. Giblin

Psyche and the Sacred
The human psyche is a prime point of contact between human and Divine. This course will focus on our personal experience of the Sacred and its relationship to the psychology of the individual, and its effects within the personality. A depth approach to the Psyche will engage phenomena such as dreams, mystical experience, synchronicity, relationships, sacred spaces, relics, and conversions, along with other forms of sacred experience. A primary goal of the course is for students to develop a deeper understanding of the psychological meanings of religious experience in order to minister more fully to persons across a wide religious spectrum. (IPS 474-P14)

June 16-27
(2 weeks)

M-F, 9am-noon

W. Schmidt

Transformation: Tools, Frames and Metaphors for the Soul and Spirit
The tools, frames, and metaphors of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) will serve as the vehicles to engage learners in transformational learning experiences. An experiential learning format will be employed to identify and explore behavior patterns that when inquired into provide the doorways to personal change and generative learning. The course will focus on NLP's change patterns and NLP's understanding of language, memory, imagination, and time. The underlying theme of the course is to provide the learner with alternative perspectives and experiences to enrich their meaning making capability and to support their personal renewal. (IPS 475-P15)

July 21-25
(one week)

M-F, 9am-5pm

J. Armstrong

Enneagram Spectrum Training and Certification Program
This training and certification program is offered in a two-week program at Loyola University's Rome Center Campus. Students will learn the overall structure and dynamics of the Enneagram system along with the key features of each of the nine Enneagram styles. Participants will learn how to introduce the Enneagram to others within various time frames (e.g., a 3 hour, 1 day, 1 weekend setting, etc.) and within various venues (e.g., spiritual growth, psychological well-being, business, education, individual and team development, etc.) The training will also be useful for those seeking their own personal growth and who will be working with others in an individual or group context. Some familiarity with the Enneagram is presumed. This program can be taken for Certification alone or for Certification plus 3 graduate credit hours. (IPS 499-P21)

July 7-18
(2 weeks), Rome campus

M-F, 9am-noon

V. Veeneman, J. Wagner

Dignitatis Humanae: Vatican II on Religious Liberty
In this course we will discuss one of the most important documents of the Second Vatican Council. Indeed, during this Council, the Roman Catholic Church for the first time explicitly confirmed the right of individuals with regard to religious liberty. In our lectures, we first will pay attention to the attitude of the Church towards the topic in the period before the Council. In this regard, we will pay attention to the important American theologian, John Courntey C. Murray and the problems he had with his teachings about religious liberty. In a next step, we will examine the document on religious liberty, as prepared by the Secretariate for the Promotion of Christian Unity. After many difficulties, their proposal was first integrated in the document on ecumenism. Because of conservative opposition, the document on religious liberty could only be point of discussion during the third session of the Council (1964). It still took another series of debates before it finally was accepted by the Council. In our lectures, we will carefully examine the reasons for this opposition. Indeed, in the discussion on this document, one will not only discover tensions between minority and majority, but also within the majority itself (differences in view between the French and American schools). We also want to show why this declaration was so important for the English-speaking world (especially for the US bishops). Finally we will thoroughly study the final draft of the declaration, which was approved on December 7, 1965. (IPS 499-P22)

July 7-18
(2 weeks), Leuven campus

M-F, 2-5pm

M. Lamberigts, Elsbernd

Freedom, Justice, Identity, and Authority in Contemporary Muslim Theology
We will begin the course with a brief introduction to the Islamic religion and the historical development of Muslim theology and law. With that background we will consider our four themes of freedom, justice, identity and authority treated in the classical tradition as a prelude to engaging major contemporary tendencies in Muslim thought on these topics. In the main body of the course contemporary conservative and liberal Muslim thinkers and movements together with the historical and political contexts of their ideas will be presented. Fazlur Rahman, Sayyid Qutb, Syed Maududi, Abdol Karim Soroush, Fatima Mernissi, Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im, Khalid Abou al-Fadl, Mohammad Arkoun, and Nasir Hamid Abu Zaid are some of the authors whose ideas will be considered. (IPS 499-P23)

July 7-18
(2 weeks), Leuven campus

M-F, 9am-noon

M. Hermansen

Pastoral Practicum
This course must be arranged with and approved by an IPS faculty member before registration. Please call the IPS office at 773-508-2320 for the necessary forms. 3 graduate credit hours. (IPS 495-P16)

Requires pre-arrangement

Guided Study
This course must be arranged with and approved by an IPS faculty member before registration. Please call the IPS office at 773-508-2320 for the necessary forms. 3 graduate credit hours. (IPS 499-P17)

Requires pre-arrangement