12:629 Devotional Prayer

Fall Semester (September - December) 2005
Fridays at 2:15 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. in B-104
Saint Meinrad School of Theology
St. Meinrad, Indiana

Rev. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D,
Professor of Sacramental / Liturgical Theology

Course Description

This seminar studies the rich history and practice of Catholic devotions. What can devotions can learn from the liturgy? How can the liturgy become more devotional and popular? The course studies the Roman instructions on the Eucharist outside of Mass, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Directory on Popular Piety. 

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Assigned Reading

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline for the Sacraments.  The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines, (December, 2001) Text available in English on the Vatican web site.  Also available in book form from Pauline Books & Media (2003).  Paperback.   ISBN: 081981881X   $9.95

Pope Paul VI,  Marialis Cultus, Apostolic Exhortation for the Right Ordering and Development of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (February 2, 1974)  Text available in English on the Vatican web site.

Peter Phan (editor).  Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy:  Principles and Guidelines,  A Commentary.  Collegeville:  Liturgical Press, 2005.  ISBN 0-8146-2893-1

James O'Toole (editor).  Habits of Devotion: Catholic Religious Practice in Twentieth-Century America (Cushwa Center) ISBN 0801442567

Further information on these readings is given in the class notes at Chapter v12 Introduction

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Objectives

The hoped for outcomes of the course are:

1.  A better understanding of popular religion.
2.  A better understanding of the relationship between popular devotions and the liturgy.
3.  A better understanding of the relation between devotions, culture, and Catholic identity.
4.  Skill in helping the liturgy become more devotional and "popular." 

This course studies:

1. The nature of devotional prayer
2. The history of Catholic devotions
3. The relation between private devotions and public liturgical celebrations
4. Paul VI: “On devotion to Mary”
5. The Directory on Popular Piety

The course prepares one to:

1. Deepen personal prayer
2. Integrate devotional and liturgical prayer
3. Catechize regarding the nature and function of devotions in the spiritual life
4. Evaluate and critique devotional prayer and expressions of popular piety

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Method

1.  In this  seminar we will study The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines, which is the most recent official Roman document on Catholic Devotions.  We will also study the Commentary on this document edited by Peter Phan.  For the history of devotions in the Unite States we will read James O'Toole (editor).  Habits of Devotion: Catholic Religious Practice in Twentieth-Century America,

2.  Each participant will be asked to read a selection of these documents as indicated in the syllabus and to post a reflection paper on ANGEL before each class period.  Further instruction on these postings can be found in the class notes at Chapter v12 Introduction

3.  During the class period each participant will read their posting and receive comments on it from the professor and the other participants in the course. 

4.  Those taking the course for 3 graduate credits are to do all of the assignments listed in the syllabus.  Those who are taking the course for 2 graduate credits:

a.  May skip the writing assignment and the class meeting on Friday October 28.
b.  May omit the reading of and the reflection paper on Marialis Cultus.
c.  May omit one other reflection paper (your choice -- but not the concluding essay)

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Class #01, Friday, September 2, 2005 – Syllabus
Before Class Read:   Buy and survey the books listed above as assigned readings.
Before Class Write:   No assignment.
During the class time:   Introduction of the participants.  Discussion:  Why are you taking this course and what do you want to learn?  Rector's remarks at the opening Convocation.     Icebergs    Presentation of the syllabus.     Chapter v12  Introduction   Explanation of the discussion boxes on ANGEL.   Popular Religion and Liturgical Prayer  Chapter d12 General Introduction to All of the Courses I Teach    Chapter 17 Bibliography  

Class #02, Friday, September 9, 2005 –  Introduction
Before class read:  Directory, Introduction, # 1-21.  Peter Phan, "Preface"  in Phan, pp. v-vii.  James Empereur, "Popular Piety and the Liturgy:  Principles and Guidelines" in Phan, pp.1-18. 
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.  Further instruction on these weekly postings can be found in the class notes at Chapter v12 Introduction
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.   Icebergs     Classification of Roman Documents

Class #03, Friday, September 16, 2005 – History of Devotions
Before class read:  Directory, Chapter 1. Liturgy and Popular Piety in a Historical Perspective, # 22-59.  Mark R. Francis, “Liturgy and Popular Piety in a Historical Perspective,” in Phan, pp 19-45
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.  Further instruction on these weekly postings can be found in the class notes at Chapter v12 Introduction
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.   Chapter d21  Overview of the History of Liturgy     Chapter v31 Devotional Prayer:  Overview

Class #04, Friday, September 23, 2005 –  U.S.A. Devotional History
Before class read:  Joseph P. Chinnici, O.F.M. “The Catholic Community at Prayer, 1926-1976" in Habits, pp 9-88
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.  Chapter v21 History of Devotions    

Class #00, Friday, September 30, 2005 -- No Class (Long Weekend)

Class #05, Friday, October 7, 2005 –  Theology and Magisterium
Before class read:  Directory, Chapter 2. Liturgy and Popular Piety in the Church’s Magisterium, # 60-75. Directory, Chapter 3. Theological Principles for an Evaluation and Renewal of Popular Piety # 76-92.  Peter Fink; “Liturgy and Popular Piety in the Church’s Magisterium,” in Phan, pp 45-58.  Nathan Mitchell, “Theological Principles for an Evaluation and Renewal of Popular Piety,” in Phan, pp 59-76
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.  Chapter d51 Introduction to Liturgical Law    Chapter d52 General Liturgical Principles

Class #06, Friday, October 14, 2005 –  Confession of Devotion
Before class read:  Habits Chapter 3. In the Court of Conscience:  American Catholics and Confession, 1900-1975.  Habits pp 131-186. 
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.  Chapter r31 The Rite: of Reconciliation:  Introduction

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Class #07, Friday, October 21, 2005 –  The Liturgical Year
Before class read:  Directory, Chapter 4. The Liturgical Year and Popular Piety, # 94-182. 
Keith F. Pecklers, “The Liturgical Year and Popular Piety,” in Phan, pp 77-100.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.  Overview of the Liturgical Year    Introduction to The Roman Calendar and The Roman Lectionary

Class #8, Friday, October 28, 2005 –  Mary
Before class read:  Directory, Chapter 5. Veneration of the Blessed Mother of Our Lord, # 183-207.  Joyce Ann Zimmerman, “Veneration of the Holy Mother of God,” in Phan, pp 101-112.  Pope Paul VI,  Marialis Cultus
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the Chapter 5 of the Directory and the Commentary (Zimmerman).  And (for those taking the course for 3 credits) a second reflection paper on Marialis Cultus.
During the class time:  (Only those taking the course for 3 graduate credits are required to attend this period)  Presentation of the TWO postings, professor's comments, discussion.   See my notes at Chapter m63 Marian Devotions    and   Chapter m71 What I Learned in 1993

Class #9, Friday, November 4, 2005 – U.S.A. Devotion to Mary
Before class read:  Paula M. Kane “Marian Devotion Since 1940: Continuity or Casualty?” in Habits, pp 89-130  
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion. See my notes at Chapter m63 Marian Devotions    and   Chapter m71 What I Learned in 1993

Class #10, Friday, November 11, 2005 -- Saints
Before class read:  Directory, Chapter 6. Veneration of the Saints and the Beatified, # 208-247.  Raúl Gómez, “Veneration of the Saints and Beati,” in Phan, pp 113-134.  Directory, Chapter 7. Suffrage for the Dead, # 248-260.  Peter C. Phan, “Suffrage for the Dead,” in Phan, pp 135-150.  Directory, Chapter 8. Shrines and Pilgrimages # 261-287.  Ana Maria Pineda. “Shrines and Pilgrimages,” in Phan, pp 151-162.
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.

Class #11, Friday, November 18, 2005 -- Eucharist
Before class read:  Margaret M. McGuinness, “Let us Go to the Altar: American Catholics and the Eucharist, 1926-1976" in Habits, pp 187-236
Before class write:   Reflection paper on the assigned reading.
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.

Class #00, Friday, November 25, 2005 -- No Class (Thanksgiving Vacation)

Class #12, Friday, December 2, 2005 -- Conclusions
Before Class Read:   Review the readings.  See my notes on Community in American Catholic Identity.
Before Class Write:   Take the "course survey" before coming to class (so that we can see the results together) Post a 400-600 word concluding essay which summarizes and integrates what you have read and learned during the course.  Further instructions on this assignment can be found at Chapter v12 Introduction
During the class time:  Presentation of the postings, professor's comments, discussion.  Review of the course.  What have we learned?   Chapter v91 Conclusions 2005:  Final Thoughts from 12:629 Devotional Prayer   Process comments.  Written course evaluation for the school.

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Course Requirements

1. Technology.  Participants in this course are expected to have:  1) a personal computer or access to a computer;  2) the ability to access websites and download and print files; 3) the ability to send and receive e-mail; and 4) the ability to post essays and enter into discussion on ANGEL.

2. Reading.  Participants are expected to read the materials listed in the syllabus before the class meeting.

3. Written Assignments.  Participants are expected to complete the written assignments given in the syllabus above.

4. Class Participation.  Each participant is expected to actively participate in the group work, oral presentations, class reports, discussions, sharing of written work, etc. which will comprise the class time.  Absences from class for reasons other than illness are to have the prior approval of the professor. 

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Evaluation and Grading

Participants will be graded on the quality of the postings and their class presentations and discussions -- especially their ability to articulate to the professor and the other participants what they have read and learned; their ability to enter into dialogue with and to critique the findings of the other participants; the quality of their insight into the process, the method, and the content of the course; and their ability to apply these findings to pastoral situations.

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Participants
Fall Semester 2005

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© Copyright: Tom Richstatter, Franciscan Province of St. John the Baptist, Cincinnati Ohio, Order of Friars Minor. All Rights Reserved.  This page was created by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.  Every effort has been, and is being made, to acknowledge sources when the ideas are not my own.  Any failure to comply with the United States Copyright Act (Title 17, United States Code) will be corrected immediately should I become aware of it.  This site was updated on 06/05/07 .  Your comments on this site are welcome at webmaster2@tomrichstatter.org.