People’s Catholic Seminary Programs and Courses in 2023

PCS 101 Théologie contemporaine pour le peuple de Dieu


Presented by Dr. Sylvaine Landrivon
Available now in French only

Click here to Enroll

PCS 101 – “PALABRAS DE LECHE Y MIEL”


Presented by Rev. Aida Soto Bernal, ARCWP
Available now in Spanish only

Click here to Enroll

PCS 101   Teología Contemporánea para el Pueblo de Dios


Presented by Victorino Pérez Prieto PhD and Rev. Christina Moreira, ARCWP
Available now in Spanish only

Click here to Enroll

PCS 202 – Jesus Spiritual Awakening: Diving deeper into the first chapter of Mark’s gospel.

Presented by Dr. Lizzie Berne DeGear
Begins January 11, 2023
7:30 pm – 8:30pm  
(meets every Wednesday for six weeks)
Click here to Enroll

PCS 710 – Celebrating Celtic Spirituality

Presented by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

Begins February 1, 2023
Noon to 1pm EST (meets every Wednesday for four weeks)

Click here to Enroll

 PCS 508 –  The Gospel of Thomas Goes Public

Presented by Dr. Shirley Paulson

Begins March 1, 2023
7:30pm  to 8:30pm EST
(meets every Wednesday for seven weeks)

Click here to Enroll

PCS Forum:  Topic: Introduction to the I Am Teachings of Jesus
FREE

Presented by Rev. Dr. Patricia Fresen
January 12, 2023
1pm EST ( 1 ½ hours)

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84965259983?pwd=VFl1cWhjV2UvMGl1cWFyR05mU2xKQT09
Meeting ID: 849 6525 9983     Passcode: 868236.     Dial in for audio only: +1 929 205 6099 US

——————————–

 Bridget Mary Meehan, D.Min.

Mary Theresa Streck, Ed.D., D.Min

Administrators

The Elephant in the Church – A People’s Catholic Seminary Course

The Elephant in the Church – A People’s Catholic Seminary Course

PCS 306 Visionary Women Leaders in Christianity

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores “Women Christianity” from a historical perspective, following the story from biblical times to the present day. Women are the “elephant in the Roman Catholic Church.” They have been perpetually silenced, ignored and discounted. If the Church is to survive, it is evident that it must be a more inclusive Church where the gifts of women and men are equally recognized, and where the present understanding of ordination is transformed from the bottom up.

TEXT

The Elephant in the Church by Mary T. Malone

Women are the elephant in the Church. They have been perpetually silenced, ignored and discounted. They are not required to make any contribution to the Church, except for obedience. This book explores what the author terms Women Christianity from a historical perspective, following the story from biblical times to the present day. If the Christian Church is to survive, it is clear that it must be a more inclusive Church where the gifts of women and men are equally recognised, and where the whole notion of ordination has to be revamped from the bottom up. First published in 2014, this revised edition includes an interview with the author in how her view on the role of women in the Church has changed over recent years. It also includes a new introduction by the former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

Secondary Text: What About Me? Women and the Catholic Church by Sharon Tighe-Mooney

COURSE FORMAT

This course is offered as an independent study or in a cohort model. Cohorts meet in person or use an on-line blog format (www.blogger.com) to foster an interactive learning community.

Cost of Course: $100. Financial aid available.  Register here:
https://pcs306coursedescription2.blogspot.com/

Course is now open and accepting students.

Michael Morwood Retreat – Albany NY – June 1-3

*God, Jesus and Prayer through a 21st Century Lens.  A weekend retreat with Michael Morwood, Adult Faith Educator

June 1-3, 2018  –  $95  – includes Friday Evening wine and cheese reception and lunch and dinner on Saturday.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites  –  16 Wolf Road  –  Albany, NY   –  518-459-3600

Seating is limited – book now!

About the Presenter: Michael Morwood€’s particular interest is in helping adult Christians examine what they believe and why they believe it, what they imagine and why they imagine the way they do. He is the author of ten books including Praying a New Story, Children Praying a New Story and It’€™s Time: Challenges to the Doctrine of the Faith. Michael Morwood resigned from priestly ministry in the Catholic Church in 1998 following the banning of his book Tomorrow’s Catholic: Understanding God and Jesus in a New Millennium by the then Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia, George Pell.

  • RETREAT SCHEDULE:
  • Friday, June 1  – 5:30pm -7:00pm  Wine and cheese reception
  • 7:00pm -9:00pm €“ Presentation and discussion
  • Saturday, June 2 – 9:00am -€“ 12:00pm two presentations and discussion with breaks
  • 12:00pm -1:00pm – Lunch
  • 1:00pm 5:00pm – two presentations and discussion with breaks
  • 5:00pm – 6:00pm Dinner
  • 6:00pm – Informal gathering for follow-up questions
  • Sunday, June 3 – 9:00am – 10:30am – Presentation and discussion
  • 11:15am – 12:15pm – Liturgy
  • 12:15pm – Conclusion of retreat

The retreat is sponsored by the Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community and People’s Catholic Seminary. For more information: upperroomicc@gmail.com

TO REGISTER: Download the flyer by clicking here: Michael-Morwood-flyer-June-1-3-2018-FINAL Print the flyer, cut off the bottom section and return with your payment as directed.

RESERVATIONS: Please send retreat payment and completed form (below) by April 1, 2018 to Upper Room, PO Box 421, Watervliet, NY 12189.  Please make checks to: Upper Room. To book a room for the weekend, please contact hotel for group discount under the name of Upper Room.

Name: ___________________________________________

Phone: _________________________

Address: __________________________________________

Email: __________________________

NEW, AFFORDABLE MASTER IN PASTORAL MINISTRY DEGREE, APPLY NOW

If you are interested in this degree, there is scholarship money available at: http://www.womensordination.org/programs/scholarship

NEW, AFFORDABLE MASTER IN PASTORAL MINISTRY DEGREE, APPLY NOW *It is with great joy that we announce a new adventure between Global Ministries University (www.globalministriesuniversity.org ) and People’s Catholic Seminary (www.pcseminary.org ). Beginning in January, 2018, we will collaboratively offer a Master in Pastoral Ministry degree. The degree will be granted by GMU and PCS will provide the courses. This affordable master’€™s program is designed for those who are walking the pathway to ordination, the ordained, and members of our inclusive communities who seek to continue their education within an interactive supportive seminary environment. Credit is awarded for life experience and previous education. Global Ministries University is an accredited member of the International Association of Distance Learning.  For more information about the degree, please contact Bridget Mary Meehan and Mary Theresa Streck at peoplescatholicseminary@gmail.com <mailto:peoplescatholicseminary@gmail.com>.

* ** * * ** ** **** **** * * **** ** **** ** ** ** **

GLOBAL MINISTRIES UNIVERSITY and PEOPLE’s CATHOLIC SEMINARY

MASTER IN PASTORAL MINISTRY

COURSES: (Descriptions below)

100 Introductory / Foundational 101. Contemporary Theology for the People of God

102. Feminist Introduction to the Bible

103. A Feminist Sacramental Theology

200 Jesus, Life and Teachings

201. Rediscovering Jesus in a Companionship of Empowerment

202. Parables as Subversive Stories

300 Women and Religion

301. Spiritual Encounters with Women Mystics

302. Women in the Hebrew Scripture

303. Women in the Gospels

304. Women in the Early Church

400 Sacraments

401. Sacraments: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

402. Eucharist: Embracing an Open Table

403. Baptism and Confirmation

404. Reshaping the Priesthood as a Discipleship of Equals

405. Marriage, Sexuality and Just-Love

406. Anointing of the Sick

407: Sacrament of Reconciliation

500 Future Church

501. Future Church: Evolving, Empowering and Egalitarian

502. Social Justice and Ethics

600 Pastoral Development

601. Homiletics and Preaching

602. Spiritual Direction: Spiritual Companions on a Journey

603. Spirituality of Art

700. Final Ministerial Project

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MM101. Contemporary Theology for the People of God This course introduces pastoral leaders in inclusive communities to an accessible contemporary theology that presents a tapestry of the Divine Presence Who lovingly invites us into the fullness of life for all creation, explores the diverse and fuller naming of the Divine that encompasses the full reality of women and men of all races and classes, and illuminates a rich variety of theological approaches to compassionate living in our work for peace, justice and ecological wholeness.

MM102. Feminist Introduction to the Bible This course presents a comprehensive, biblical reading of the Scripture and introduces the message using historical/critical tools to understand the different authors.

MM103. A Feminist Sacramental Theology This course offers a feminist analysis of the main dimensions of sacramental theology –those have to do with the body, with symbols, and with ethics, exposes how women because of gender are given a place on the margins- outside of the sacraments proposes that women involved in sacramental ministry contribute to sacramental theology through their commitment to the wider church, and reimagines a feminist sacramental theology for the 21st century.

MM201. Rediscovering Jesus in a Companionship of Empowerment This course introduces the deep wisdom of recent biblical scholarship on the life and teachings of Jesus and the challenges it presents to believers today, and reimagines the Christian call to live as co-creators and empowered individuals within an egalitarian church community.

MM301. Spiritual Encounters with Women Mystics This course explores the Christian’s call to be a visible mystic and agent of prophetic witness in the church and world community through a ministry rooted in contemplation and action.

MM302. Women in the Hebrew Scripture This course recounts the stories of women in the Hebrew Scripture as an inspirational example of women’€™s empowerment, encompasses scholarship of feminist theologians on the background and context of women in the bible, and offers women as role models for contemporary women and men in living fully and courageously.

MM303. Women in the Gospels This course studies the stories of women in the Gospel as companions and equals with the male disciples, incorporates feminist theological scholarship on the background and context of women in the Gospels, and explores women in the Gospel as role models for contemporary women and men in ministry.

MM304. Women in the Early Church This course covers the stories of women in the early Church as liturgical leaders and preachers of the Gospel, reflects feminist theological scholarship on the background and context of women in the early Church and to explore women in the early Church as role models for contemporary women and men leading the church today toward a new model of partnership, equality and inclusivity.

MM401. Sacraments: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow This course presents sacramental development throughout history, exposes how church fathers and scholastic theologians misinterpreted ancient texts to prove Catholic doctrine, introduces critical analysis of sacramental theologies that no longer meet the needs of contemporary Catholics and re-imagines sacramental experiences and rituals in a diversified global church.

MM402. Eucharist: Embracing an Open Table This course covers the development of the sacrament of the Eucharist from atonement theology to a theology of blessing, supports pastoral leaders in developing and praying contemporary Eucharistic celebrations through the liturgical year and builds a database of creative resources for a contemporary lectionary.

MM403. Baptism and Confirmation This course explores the development of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, articulates the commitment to Gospel living by integrating theological reflection, spirituality and ministerial experience, and supports pastoral leaders in developing contemporary baptism and confirmation rituals for their Christian Communities that reflect the heart of the call to live the Gospel as mystics, prophets and sacramental celebrators of life.

MM404. Reshaping the Priesthood as a Discipleship of Equals This course examines the role of the international Roman Catholic Women Priests Movement in reshaping and redefining priestly and pastoral ministry as a discipleship of equals in the 21st century.

MM405. Marriage, Sexuality and Just-Love This course provides an overview of the development of the sacrament of marriage, and presents Christian sexual ethics within a just-love framework. It integrates theological reflection, spirituality and ministerial experience in order to support pastoral leaders in developing contemporary marriage rituals for their Christian Communities that reflect the heart of the call to live the Gospel as mystics, prophets and sacramental celebrators of life.

MM406. Anointing of the Sick This course explores the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick as an encounter with divine healing love that energizes and transforms body, mind, and spirit, reflects on meditation as a tool in self-healing and vitality, and creates create contemporary celebrations of Anointing of the Sick that respond to diverse pastoral needs.

MM407. Sacrament of Reconciliation This course presents the sacrament of reconciliation as an encounter with Divine healing and transforming love, reflects on role of priest and community, and creates a contemporary celebration of reconciliation that responds to diverse pastoral needs.

MM501. Future Church: Evolving, Empowering and Egalitarian The course proposes a visionary framework for understanding the evolution of religions and specifically the transitions that continue to evolve in Christianity. Paul Smith, author of Integral Christianity introduces the integral approach that Jesus advocated in his time and that traditional Christianity has been unable to see. This course invites participants to analyze this framework and apply it to the present evolving changes occurring in Christianity, specifically the Roman Catholic Church.

MM502. Social Justice and Ethics This course explores issues and theologies of social justice and ethics that build a just society; reflects on the scriptural foundations of Catholic social teaching, and examines the social and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in light of concrete issues such as human rights, refugees, peace-building, war, violence, discrimination, environmental degradation, economic exploitation, reproductive rights, racism, sexism, and homophobia.

MM601. Homiletics and Preaching This course creates inspiring homilies and implements effective delivery, incorporates contemporary scholarship of scripture for preaching and introduces various approaches of sermon development and performance.

MM602. Spiritual Direction: Spiritual Companions on a Journey This course provides an introduction to the ancient practice of spiritual companionship or spiritual friendship in the Christian tradition. It gives helpful input about what to look for in searching for a spiritual director, how to prepare to be one, and how to help those who are called to this distinctive ministry.

MM603. Spirituality of Art This course provides a path to creative expression of the Divine Presence and oneness of all people and creation. Through readings, videos, art-making, students will express their mystical, prophetic, sacramental vision of ministry for the 21st century.

MM700. Master in Ministry: Ministerial Project (6 credits) A student will choose a primary focus of ministry that is related to the student’€™s interests and/or practices of ministry as the topic of the Master of Ministry Project. The written reflection on this Master of Ministry Project should state the goals of the selected ministry action, and clearly demonstrate the student’€™s knowledge and skills in the practice of ministry. This project should also describe the context of ministerial action, and integrate the learning from course work and readings in the Master of Ministry program. It should articulate the student’€™s vision of ministry, a description of personal gifts, opportunities, challenges, hopes and dreams for self and others involved in the project. The reflection paper should also describe the participation of people/faith community in the project and conclude with an annotated bibliography of sources used in the ministry project. The student should work closely with the administrators during this phase of the program.

Mary Theresa Streck, Ed.D., D.Min.

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests

www.arcwp.org

People’s Catholic Seminary

www.pcseminary.org

People’s Catholic Seminary opens new course on Baptism and Confirmation

PCS 601: Baptism and Confirmation

Welcome to PCS 601. The purpose of this course is to reflect on baptism and confirmation as sacraments of welcome to the Christian community and commitment to Gospel living. The course integrates theological reflection, spirituality and ministerial experience.

The two main resources for this course are from Ilia Delio and Greg Boyle. Ilia Delio, in a YouTube lecture, presents her reflection on what it means to live the Gospel in an age that is global, plural and scientific. Greg Boyle presents what his baptismal call and confirmation commitment look like in his work with gang members from LA.

The course is divided into 6 sessions over 12 weeks. Each session is two weeks in length. During the first week, participants listen to, or read, the resources. In the second week participants write a reflection based on the questions in each assignment. This is an interactive experience and participants are encourage to read and respond to each other’s inspired words.


Course Facilitators:
Bridget Mary Meehan, D. Min.
Mary Theresa Streck, D. Min.

Registration is ongoing.

Cost of program: $100 (financial aid is available)

Register now at peoplescatholicseminary@gmail.com

Mail check or money order to:
People’s Catholic Seminary
PO Box 421

Watervliet, NY 12189

Other courses available at www.pcseminary.org


Mary Theresa Streck, Ed.D., D.Min.
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests