12:315 The Liturgical Year

 Fall Semester 2006 - Web-Hybrid - 3 Credit Hours
Class will meet on September 23, October 21, and November 18
Saint Meinrad School of Theology
St. Meinrad, Indiana

Room B-102 -- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

Course Description

This course studies the historical development of the Liturgical Year and the reforms of the Church Calendar that were brought about by the Second Vatican Council.  The course is directed toward discovering the theological and liturgical principles which guided the reform of the Liturgical Year so that these principles might enable the participants to prepare the liturgical celebrations of Sunday, the liturgical seasons, and feasts in the parishes where they might minister and to incorporate the spirit of the Liturgical Year into their personal prayer.

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Reading

1.  Calendarium Romanum (in English).  Note:  General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the New General Roman Calendar issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites on March 21, 1969 was published in English by the Bishops Committee on the Liturgy in their booklet Norms Governing Liturgical Calendars.  The Liturgy Documentary Series, Number 6.  Washington DC: Office of Publishing and Promotion Services, USCCB, 1984. Publication number 928-9.  $6.95 paper.  This useful and important reference text is currently (September 2006), for some reason unknown to me, out of print!    Many used copies are available for purchase online, for example at www.alibris.com for as little as $2.95. You might be able to borrow a copy from your parish or diocesan liturgical library.  Some bookstores still have a "new" copy for sale.  

The first half of the text is available online at www.catholicliturgy.com 

http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/DocumentSubCategories/Index/2/SubIndex/38

2.  Ordo Lectionum Missae (in English).  Note:  the text that is important for this course is the "General Introduction to the Roman Lectionary for Mass"  which consists of 125 articles and three tables [not simply the list of scripture readings].  The text was published by the Bishops Committee on the Liturgy in The Lectionary for Mass, Second Typical Edition. Introduction. The Liturgy Documentary Series Number 1.  Washington DC: Office of Publishing and Promotion Services, USCCB.  Publication number 5-245. ISBN 1-57455-245-7.  $6.95 paper.  Note:  This book is out of print in 2006.  You might be able to borrow a copy from your parish or diocesan liturgical library.  The entire text is available online at www.catholicliturgy.com

3.  A.G. Martimort (Editor). The Church at Prayer, Volume IV, The Liturgy and Time. New Edition, Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1983.  ISBN 0-8146-1366-7.  (=TCAP)

4.  Maxwell Johnson, Editor. Between Memory and Hope: Readings on the Liturgical Year. The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, 2000.  ISBN 0-8146-6025-8. Paper, $39.95. (= Johnson)

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Course Objectives

This course studies:
1.      The origins and reform of the liturgical year
2.      The curent documentation (Roman Calendar)
3.      The liturgies proper to the various liturgical seasons
4.      Seasonal devotions

The course prepares one to:
1.      Develop a liturgical spirituality
2.      Understand the history and the structure of the current Church calendar
3.     Plan and prepare liturgical celebrations
4.      Encourage seasonal devotions in the parish

The hoped for outcomes of the course are:

1.  A deeper appreciation of the Church Year and its role in forming a liturgical spirituality.

2.  A familiarity with the current Roman Calendar, Sacramentary, and Lectionary and the other Church documents related to the Liturgical Year.

3.  A knowledge of the history of the Liturgical Year which will help the student appreciate its current structure and future developments.

4.  The background necessary to intelligently plan and prepare fruitful celebrations of Sunday, the liturgical seasons, and feasts in the parishes and/or monasteries  where they might minister.

5.  Tips for fostering seasonal devotions in the parish.

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Course Outcomes

The goal of the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree from Saint Meinrad School of Theology is to  strengthen the theological basis of a student=s life and work, whether in a ministerial or secular career. The degree also provides a basis understanding of the theological disciplines required for further graduate study.  The MTS degree intends the following outcomes:

1. Graduates will understand the biblical, historical, and doctrinal dimensions of Catholic belief and practice. (This course outcome will be achieved by reading the documents of the Church regarding the Calendar and the Lectionary and by studying the history of these rites in the assigned readings.)

2. Graduates will read and interpret theological texts critically. (This course outcome will be through the written assignments and discussion of the ANGEL postings.)

3. Graduates will analyze issues of contemporary life and pastoral practice theologically. (This course outcome will be achieved by the readings , postings, lectures, and class discussions.)

4. Graduates will identify the personal, social, and cultural influences on their theological interpretations and expressions. (This course outcome will be achieved by the readings , postings, lectures, and class discussions.)

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Course Method

1.  This course will be taught in the web-hybrid format.  Even though the class will meet face-to-face on three Saturdays, the majority of the learning activities will be accomplished at home and on-line.  Participants in this course are expected to have:  a personal computer or access to a computer; the ability to access websites and download and print files; the ability to send and receive e-mail; and the ability to post essays and enter into discussion on ANGEL.

2.  In this syllabus an assignment is given for each Sunday and Thursday during the course.  The written assignments are to be posted on ANGEL by midnight on the assigned date. 

3. The assignments are of unequal length.  I suggest that you read the entire syllabus and make a schedule for yourself which accommodates your own working and living context. 

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Evaluation and Grading

1.  It is presumed that each of the participants is an adult learner and will take responsibility for reading and studying the texts, posting the required assignments, and participating in the class discussions, etc. 

2.  There are ten writing assignments on the major topics of the course and related to the assigned readings.  Read the assignment and then select one article to comment on or write a reflection on the topic in general. 

3. The postings are evaluated according to the following scale:

OK (B-)  A posting that indicates that you have read at least some of the assignment and have thought about it.

Good (B)  A posting which indicates that you have read the assignment and have understood what you have read.

Better (B+ / A-)  A posting which demonstrates that you have read the assignment and have understood what you have read and have made some steps to integrate the reading into your previous knowledge and pastoral experience.  This posting will include material "beyond" what is contained in the assigned reading. 

Best (A)   A posting which demonstrates that you have read the assignment and have understood what you have read and that you are able to critique and evaluate the reading by integrating it with your previous courses, reading, and pastoral experience and can present those conclusions in such a way informs and holds the interest of the other participants. This posting will include material "beyond" what is contained in the assigned reading and which will enable the other participants to experience the readings in a ministerial context. 

4.  One of the first five and one of the second five written assignments is to apply the topic directly to parish life in a practical manner. 

5.  The ten written assignments each count for 10% of the course grade.  They can be posted at any time during the course as long as they are posted before midnight on the day given below in this syllabus.

6.  The ANGEL grade book lists your grades numerically; the School Bulletin states that 95 (and above) = A; 94 = A-; 93 = B+; 92 (and lower) =B. [.5 is rounded up] 

7.  It is helpful, and indeed important, to read one another's postings.  However, your postings are presumed to be your original thought unless you indicate otherwise.  When quoting someone give the source of the quote and indicate by quotation marks where the quotation begins and ends.  Each participant is expect to be familiar with the "Statement on Plagiarism" in the Saint Meinrad Student Handbook.

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

September 23, 2006

Saturday Morning 8:30 a.m. September 23, 2006

1.  Even though the class will meet face-to-face on three Saturdays, the majority of the learning activities will be accomplished at home and on-line.  The online discussions become much easier and much more valuable if the participants know one another through more than just their ANGLE postings.  Consequently we want to devote a good amount of time and effort today during this first meeting to getting acquainted -- not just to "become friends" (which would be nice) but so that we will be better able to understand and respond one another's ANGEL postings and take full benefit from the advantages inherent in online learning. 

2. Introductory materials regarding course method.  Orientation to my website www.tomrichstatter.org    d11 General Introduction to All of the Courses I Teach     d12 General Introduction to All of the Online and Hybrid Courses I Teach 

3.  Presentation of Syllabus and assignments.  Summary and overview of the material to be studied.  Chapter y12 Introduction  Four Treasures in the attic   A note about icebergs   Chapter y13 Overview of the Liturgical Year   Chapter y17 Bibliography

12:00 Lunch

Saturday Afternoon 1:00 p.m. September 23, 2006

3.  Lecture notes:   Chapter y14 Time   Introduction to the "Ten Finger History Grid"    "Tip of the pistol" changes in history  Chapter y15 The Roman Calendar    Chapter y21 Sunday     Chapter y31 Lent     Chapter y32 Passion Sunday      Chapter y33 The Triduum    Chapter y34 Holy Thursday     Chapter y35 Good Friday   Chapter y36 Holy Saturday     Chapter y37 The Paschal Vigil     Chapter y38 Easter     Chapter y39 The Fifty Days / Pentecost  Video:  The Church Celebrates:  The Liturgical Year and Sunday (teaching segment, 8 min.)  Catholic Update Video, V2061, Saint Anthony Messenger Press .

4:30 End

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Thursday, September 28  Norms Governing Liturgical Calendars.  The Lectionary for Mass, Second Typical Edition. Introduction. Dalmais, "Time in the Liturgy" TCAP, pp 1-8. 

Sunday, October 1 Johnson Chapter 1 "The Liturgical Year: Studies, Prospects, Reflections" by Robert F. Taft, pp 3-24. Johnson Chapter 2 "Liturgical Time in the Ancient Church: The State of Research" by Thomas J. Talley, pp 25-48.   Assignment #01 due.  Topic:  Time 

Thursday, October 5   Jounel, "Sunday and the Week" TCAP, pp 9-30. Jounel, "The Feasts of the Lord in Ordinary Time" TCAP, pp 97-107. Johnson Chapter 3 "Day of the Lord: Day of Mystery" by H. Boone Porter, pp 49-58. Johnson Chapter 4 "Sunday: the Heart of the Liturgical Year" by Mark Searle, pp 59-76. Johnson Chapter 5 "The Frequency of the Celebration of the Eucharist Throughout History" by Robert F. Taft, pp 77-98.     Assignment #02 due.  Topic:  Sunday 

Sunday, October 8  Jounel, "The Easter Cycle" TCAP, pp 31-76  Johnson Chapter 11 "The Origin of Lent at Alexandria" by Thomas J. Talley, pp 183-206. Johnson Chapter 12 "Preparation for Pascha? Lent in Christian Antiquity" by Maxwell E. Johnson, pp 207-222.  Assignment #03 due.  Topic:  Lent 

Thursday, October 12 Johnson Chapter 8 "The Three Days and the Forty Days" by Patrick Regan, pp 125-142. Johnson Chapter 9 "Veneration of the Cross" by Patrick Regan, pp 143-154 

Sunday, October 15  Johnson Chapter 10 "Holy Week in the Byzantine Tradition" by Robert F. Taft, pp 155-182. Johnson Chapter 6 "History and Eschatology in the Primitive Pascha" by Thomas J. Talley, pp 99-110.   Assignment #04 due.  Topic:  Triduum 

Thursday, October 19  Johnson Chapter7 "The Origins of Easter" by Paul F. Bradshaw, pp 111-124.  Johnson  Chapter 13 "The Fifty Days and the Fiftieth Day" by Patrick Regan, pp 223-246. Johnson Chapter 14 "Making the Most of Trinity Sunday" by Catherine Mowry LaCugna, pp 247-264.  Assignment #05 due.  Topic:  Easter 

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October 21, 2006

Saturday Morning 8:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. October 21, 2006 (B 102)

1.   Discussion of the ANGEL postings.   Review of  1) Sunday and  2) Easter.  Video:  The Church Celebrates:  Lent and Easter (teaching segment, 8 min.)  Catholic Update Video, V2062, Saint Anthony Messenger Press . 

2.  Comments on the postings:   Anamnesis   Triduum in Jerusalem & Triduum in Tell City    Pleroma    Numbers as Qualities   Time as Metaphor   Ministry as Prayer    Looking ahead to the course Conclusions    Life's Three Great Questions   Spirituality of the Seasons            

3.  Looking ahead:  Chapter y41 Advent   Chapter y42 Christmas   Chapter y43 Feasts of the Christmas Season.

12:00 Lunch

Saturday Afternoon 1:15 - 4:30 p.m. October 21, 2006 (B 102)

4.  Looking ahead (continued):  Chapter y51 Saints   Chapter y53 January through December   Chapter y54 Calendar for the USA.  Chapter y52 Mary    Chapter y61 Devotional Times     Chapter y71 Alternative Calendars  The course survey

5.  Summary as exemplified in Sunday Eucharist   

4:30 End

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Thursday, October 26  Jounel, "The Christmas Season" TCAP, pp 77-96. Johnson Chapter 15 "Constantine and Christmas" by Thomas J. Talley, pp 265-272.

Sunday, October 29  Johnson Chapter 16 "The Origins of Christmas: The State of the Question" by Susan K. Roll, pp 273-290.       Assignment #06 due.  Topic:  Advent 

Thursday, November 2    Johnson Chapter 17 "The Appearance of the Light at the Baptism of Jesus and the Origins of the Feast of Epiphany: An Investigation of Greek, Syriac, Armenian, and Latin Sources" by Gabriele Winkler, pp 291-348. Johnson Chapter 18 "The Origins and Evolution of Advent in the West" by Martin J. Connell, pp 349-374.Assignment #07 due.  Topic:  Christmas 

Sunday, November 5   Jounel, "The Veneration of the Saints" TCAP, pp 108-129. Johnson Chapter 19 "On Feasting the Saints" by John F. Baldovin, pp 375-384. Johnson Chapter 20 "The Marian Liturgical Tradition" by Kilian McDonnell, pp 385-400.    Assignment #08 due.  Topic:  Saints 

Thursday, November 9   Jounel, "The Veneration of Mary" TCAP, pp 130-150. Johnson Chapter 21 "Forgetting and Remembering the Saints" by James F. White, pp 401-414. Johnson Chapter 22 "The One Mediator, the Saints, and Mary: A Lutheran Reflection" by Maxwell E. Johnson, pp 415-428  Assignment #09 due.  Topic:  Mary 

Sunday, November 12  Johnson Chapter 23 "The Liturgical Year: Calendar for a Just Community" by John F. Baldovin, pp 429-445.   

Thursday, November 16   Review the readings.   Assignment #10 due.  Topic:  Concluding Essay  In an essay of 800-1000 words, write a concluding essay.  The topic of this essay is to have been discussed and approved by the professor before midnight November 2.

Thursday or Friday, November 16 / 17   Please take the Course Survey on ANGEL listed under the LESSONS tab next to the discussion box for the Concluding Essay. It should not take more than a few minutes and we will look at the results on Saturday.  Students in the past have found this a very useful and helpful exercise.

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November 18, 2006

Saturday Morning 8:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. November 18, 2006 (B 102)

1.  Reading of the six "Concluding Essays" 

12:00 Lunch

Saturday Afternoon 1:15 - 4:30 p.m. November 18, 2006 (B 102)

2.  Review of the six issues and the "Ten Finger History Grid" for the comparison and summary of the history of the liturgical year and and its celebration.

3.  Review of postings Advent Conclusions  

4.  Chapter y89 Conclusions

5.  Readout of the "Course Survey" and time for "process comments"

6.  Final written evaluation for school administration.

4:00 End

(Party --  for those who wish -- at my house in Tell City, with dinner at Patio Restaurant).

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Participants

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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 01/17/07 .  Your comments on this site are welcome at webmaster2@tomrichstatter.org.