Course Description for Mater Dei Seminary

Philosophy:

A) Dialectics (Logic) 

This course is devoted to the study of dialectics as a philosophical methodology that allows studying of correct thinking through the lens of logic and covers concepts such as the idea (description and definition), it expressed and explained. It also covers the judgment itself and when expressed in its propositions as well as the reasoning and its expression in syllogisms, its laws, figures, and moods.

Textbook: Logic. Glenn

B) Criteriology 

The most fundamental of philosophical sciences, the certitude of cognition. This course investigates knowledge in general, sense knowledge, and intellectual knowledge. It covers the nature of truth, the different states of mind and the criterions of truth. It also covers the nature of certitude and its existence.

Textbook: Criteriology. Glenn

C) Ontology 

This course covers the idea of being, and the primary determinations of being (real being, logical being, actuality, potentiality, essence and existence) The properties of being (oneness, trueness goodness, beauty and perfection). The classification of being: categories, substance and accidents, causes- intrinsic and extrinsic. It deals with the reasons and questions related to being evoked by philosophical and speculative reflection.

Textbook: Ontology. Glenn

D) Cosmology 

This course is the philosophical study of created things and covers the character of bodies, and their constitution: (Monism, Atomism, Dynamism and Hylomorphism) It covers the Creation and development of the world, the final casuality and ultimate end of creation, as well as nature with her laws and miracles.

Textbook: Cosmology. Glenn

E) Ethics

This course is the philosophical study of morality and natural laws. This course covers human acts, its ends, the law and conscience, the morality of human acts, its properties and consequences. Special emphasis will be given to 1) Individual Ethics studying man’s duties toward God, himself, and his neighbor. 2) Social Ethics toward the family, the state, work, church and the world family of nations.

Textbook: Ethics. Glenn

F) Sociology 

This course studies the fundamental principles of God and the soul of man. It covers the structure of society, the family, a natural imitation of God and its social functions, proper order and harmony of society.

Textbook: Sociology. Glenn

G) Psychology 

This course studies the science of life and its manifestations. It covers life (vegetal, sentient and origin of species), human life, sentiency (nature and kind, sensation, appetition and locomotion), intellect, and will (nature, interaction of the intellect and will, free will ).

Textbook: Psychology. Glenn

H) Theodicy 

This course will delve into the philosophical study of God and covers God’s existence, the nature of God in His Essence and Attributes as well as the operations of God shown in the immanent and the transient. This Course on natural theology seeks to offer a meaningful way in approaching the God-Question in the light of human reason.

Textbook: Theodicy. Glenn

History of Philosophy

This course covers the critical record of man’s investigation of reality, effort to attain ultimate truth and the various and conflicting results of that effort. The student will study the continuous character of the development of true philosophy through the centuries such as: Ancient Oriental Philosophy, Greek & Greco- Roman Philosophy, Patristic Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, and Modern Philosophy.

Textbook: The History of Philosophy. Glenn

Elementary Latin I 

This course covers the fundamental of the Latin language such as basic vocabulary, the five declensions of nouns and their use. It also covers the four conjugations of verbs, the use of verbs, present, past, future tenses, indicative and subjective moods, active and passive voices. Develops basic Latin reading skills with the help of grammar and translation exercises. Profoundly strengthens students’ general understanding of grammar, syntax, and word formation in any language.

Textbook: First Year Latin. Henley

Elementary Latin II 

This course allows students the opportunity to continue to study Latin at the introductory level. Focuses primarily on Classical Latin texts. Develops more advanced Latin reading skills, with the help of grammar and translation exercises and follows an intensive review of forms and elementary syntax as well as making translations of Caeser’s Gallic Wars.

Textbook: Second Year Latin. Henley

Intermediate Latin I

This course studies Latin at the intermediate level and follows an intensive review of forms and elementary syntax. It develops more advanced reading skills through the translation of selected Latin texts from the Breviary and Missal.

Textbook: Latin Grammar. Scanlon

Intermediate Latin II

This course studies Latin at the intermediate level and follows an intensive review of forms and elementary syntax. It develops more advanced reading skills through the translation of selected Latin texts from the lessons and readings from the great works of Church history in canon law, philosophy, and theology.

Textbook: Second Latin. Scanlon

Intermediate Latin III

This course studies Latin at the intermediate level and follows an intensive review of forms and elementary syntax. It applies the “natural method” with English language instruction to help the student read and understand Latin natively, with numerous vehicles for simplifying the necessary memorization as well as aiding in truly understanding Latin without constant need to look in a dictionary for rudimentary sentences.

Textbook: Latin by the Natural Method. Most

Eccelesiastical Latin I

This course studies the Latin grammar, vocabularies, and exercises for the reading of the missal and breviary. Its lessons embrace Latin grammar completely, from the first declension to the various uses of the subjunctive. Well-planned exercises, lessons and vocabulary provide a solid foundation in Church Latin. After the student has made a fair start, he will encounter reading lessons, which are connected passages from the two liturgical sources for which the whole book is a preparation.

Textbook:  Latin Grammar for the Reading of the Missal and Breviary. Scanlan

Eccelesiastical Latin II

This course studies the Latin texts of the Roman Ritual and Roman Missal. The student will acquire a basic reading knowledge of ecclesiastical Latin. Designed to reinforce learned grammar, syntax, and vocabulary as the student translates common prayers, hymn texts, biblical passages, and most importantly liturgical texts.

Textbooks: The Roman Missal and the Roman Ritual

Ecclesiastical Latin III

This course translates various treatises of the Fathers of the Church such as St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Textbook: Opera Omnia. Bellarmine

Summa contra Gentiles. Aquinas

Intro to Greek

This course studies the Greek alphabet, the verbs, the three declensions, word order and revisions, its nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions, consecutive clauses, indirect statements and questions, and of course Greek vocabulary.

Textbook: Basic Greek. Jim Found

Beginner Greek

This course helps to increase the students’ Greek vocabulary, reviews the grammar rules and helps the student to get familiar with the language and acquire greater ease in translating. Students will become better acquainted with the language, style, grammatical and syntactical structures which form the core of Greek. Through a systematic and in-depth presentation of vocabulary and language forms students will develop skills in reading, comprehension and translation of phrases and, eventually, small passages in classical Greek.

Textbook: Greek for Beginners. L.A. Wilding

Sacred Scripture I  

This course covers a basic introduction to the Bible. This course introduces students to the sacred scriptures of the Christian faith, their academic study and their interpretation. The various books of the Old and New Testaments of the Catholic Bible are introduced in relation to their historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds, with timely references to geographical and archaeological data. Concurrently, students are introduced to the concepts of biblical inspiration, biblical inerrancy, and the formation of the canon.

Textbook: The Great Commentary. Cornelius A Lapide

Sacred Scripture II 

This course will study of the Old and New Testaments, the doctrinal, moral and prophetical aspects of Sacred Scripture. It aims to provide students with basic knowledge about the Old and New Testaments, and the essential tools and techniques of exegesis and interpretation.

Textbook: A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture. Bp. Frederick Knecht

Greatest Stories Ever Told. Charles Callan, OP

Sacred Scripture III

This course covers specific questions in the Old Testament and the New Testament such as the Book of Books, Catholic and Protestant Bibles, Inspiration and Inerrancy, the Bible and Science, Creation & Evolution, the Fallen State and Science, Old Testament Morality & Religion, the Flood and the Ark

Textbook: Biblical Questions Series. Rudolph Bandas

History of the Bible

This course thoroughly explains the philosophical and theological foundations of Catholic doctrine regarding God’s inspired Word as well as a book-by-book analysis of the Bible. The student will learn of the nature, history, authorship and content of the Bible with selections from and commentaries on the various books of Sacred Scripture.

Textbook: Introduction to the Bible. Laux

Ascetical Theology I 

This course provides an introduction to the classical vocabulary and basic theological understanding of the spiritual life. It will familiarize the student with the essential concepts and content of spiritual theology and man’s relation to God, the perfection of the Christian life, and the duty of tending to perfection and its general means.

Textbook: The Spiritual Life. Tanquerey

Ascetical Theology II 

This course covers the study of the practice of Christian Virtues. Christ, the source of our supernatural life, our incorporation into Christ, devotion to Mary, the sharing in the priesthood and sacrifice.The course delves deeper into the nature of ascetical and mystical theology; the life of meditation and contemplation; the discernment of spirits.

Textbook: Doctrine and Devotion. Tanquerey

Advanced Ascetical Theology

This course studies the various different aids to assist in the devout recitation of the Divine Office which makes up a large part of the priests daily prayer. The student will study the history, structure, and significance of the Roman Breviary assisting them in understanding the Church’s Hours and cultivating devout habits of recitation. It aims to aid in praying fervently and attentively, providing insights into the structure of the Hours, the Collects, the Te Deum, and other elements of the Breviary.

Textbook: The Divine Office: How to Say it Devoutly, How to Make it a Pleasure. O’Sullivan

Ecclesiastical History I 

This course cover the history of the Catholic Church including our Lord’s life and ministry, the birth of the Catholic Church, Roman persecutions, martyrs, saints, Church councils, heresies, schisms, Crusades, the Hundred Years War, Protestantism, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Oxford Movement, Vatican I, and more. Students will gain insight into the Church’s quest to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ throughout the ages.

Textbook: Church History. Laux

Ecclesiastical History II 

This course studies the General Councils of the Catholic Church, notably the Council of Constantinople, which affirmed the Nicene Creed; the Council of Chalcedon, which struck down the heresy of Monophysitism; the First Lateran Council, which adjudicated the separation of spiritual and temporal powers; and the Council of Trent, which condemned the manifold errors of the Protestant Reformation. The student will gain an objective analysis of the ecclesial, political, and theological matters surrounding the Councils.

Textbook: The Church in Crisis: A History of the General Councils. Philip Hughes

Ecclesiastical Chant I

This course covers the characteristics that distinguish Sacred Chant, and the rules that have guarded the ancient melodies. It learns the principle forms of the notations, and the rules for interpretations. It teaches the modes, the choice of pitch as well as the reading and pronunciation of liturgical Latin.

Textbook: Gregorian Chant: A Textbook for Seminaries, Novitiates and Secondary Schools. Rev. Andrew Klarmann

Ecclesiastical Chant II

This course presents a clear, orderly, systematic treatment of liturgical chant and studies the official musical text. The student covers certain fundamental terms such as notation, signs, rhythm, chant structure, etc.  the Solesmes Method, Principal Masses and chants. 

Textbook: The Priest’s Chants and Recitatives at the Altar. Rossini

Ecclesiastical Chant III

This course studies the chants of the Catholic Church and the Gregorian Notation used in the liturgical books of the Catholic Church. The Gregorian Chant notation contains the important rhythmic signs developed by the Benedictines of Solesmes during their lengthy chant reform (ordered and sanctioned by the Popes) in the early 20^th century.

Textbook: Liber Usualis (The Book of Common Use) Desclee

Intro to Moral Theology

This course serves as an introduction to Moral Theology and is specifically designed to acquaint the seminarian of theology with the Moral tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. This course will cover the history of Moral Theology and also specific basic moral notions such as: conscience, freedom, values, norms, and natural law. The basic connection between Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition will also be explained, as well as how Moral Theology relates to other theological disciplines.

Textbook: Outlines of Moral Theology. Francis J. Connell

Moral Theology I 

This course focuses on human acts and their relation to morality. It discusses the nature of human acts, the principles of morality, and the different types of acts. The student will gain an understanding of the ethical and moral principles of the Catholic faith. The subject material is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on human acts and their relation to morality. It discusses the nature of human acts, the principles of morality, and the different types of acts. The second part delves into the concept of law and its role in shaping human behavior. It explores the relationship between natural law and positive law, the different types of law, and the importance of obeying the law. The third and final part ocovers sin and virtue. It provides a detailed analysis of the nature of sin, the different types of sin, and the consequences of sinning. It also discusses the role of grace in overcoming sin and the importance of cultivating virtues such as prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

Textbook: Moral and Pastoral Theology, Vol.I. Henry Davis

Moral Theology II 

This course studies the precepts, principles, and values of Catholic morality. It covers the ten commandments, its precepts and particulars, as well as the precepts of the Church and studies how these play a fundamental role in Christian morality.  The student will focus on the fundamental principles of moral and pastoral theology, exploring the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. They will study the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, providing an in-depth analysis of the Ten Commandments and how they apply to modern-day society. The course will also cover the precepts of the Church, which are the basic obligations that Catholics are required to fulfill. It will draw from a range of sources, including scripture, tradition, and the writings of the Church Fathers, to provide a comprehensive and authoritative resource for moral and pastoral theology.

Textbook: Moral and Pastoral Theology, Vol. II. Davis

Moral Theology. Jone-Adelman

Moral Theology III 

This course studies the Sacraments in general, as well as specific topics such as Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Indulgences, and Censures. It provides a detailed analysis of each Sacrament, including its history, significance, and practical application in the lives of believers. The student will also explore the moral and pastoral implications of each Sacrament, addressing issues such as sin, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. They will gain a deeper understanding of the Sacraments and their role in the Catholic faith.

Textbook: Moral and Pastoral Theology. Davis Vol. III

Moral Theology IV

This course will cover topics such as Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, Marriage, the Clerical State, the Religious State, and the Duties of Laypeople. It will provide a study of: the sacrament of Extreme Unction and the history and significance of this sacrament, as well as its role in the spiritual life of a Catholic; Holy Orders and the history and theology of Holy Orders, as well as the duties and responsibilities of those who receive it; Marriage and the theology of marriage, as well as the practical aspects of married life; the Religious State and the history and theology of religious life, as well as the different types of religious orders; the Duties of Laypeople, which refers to the role of the laity in the Catholic Church and topics such as evangelization, social justice, and the importance of prayer and worship.

Textbook: Moral and Pastoral Theology. Davis Vol. IV

Medico- Moral Problems. Gerald Kelly

Towards Happiness and Holiness in Marriage

Causistry

This course studies casuistry which is a process of reasoning that seeks to resolve moral problems by extracting or extending abstract rules from a particular case, and reapplying those rules to new instances. The student will study a collection of cases in moral and pastoral theology. These comprehensive collections of moral and pastoral cases are designed to help the student understand and navigate complex ethical issues. This course covers a wide range of topics, including marriage, sexuality, sin, confession, and forgiveness. Cases will be presented in a clear and concise manner, with detailed explanations of the moral principles at play. There are a wide range of sources, including scripture, church teachings, and the writings of the saints. This course will help to develop the skills in ethical decision-making.

Textbook: The Casuist: A Collection of Cases in Moral and Pastoral Theology. Stanislaus Woywood

Introductory Dogmatic Theology I 

This course covers Divine Revelation, Faith. The attributes of God, the existence of God, creation, and the creatures of God: man and angels.

Textbook:  God and Creation. Herzog

God the Redeemer. Herzog

Channels of Redemption. Herzog

Dogmatic Theology I 

This course studies the Catholic Religion and shows that it may be investigated by the unaided mind of man, is reasonable, right and true, that the arguments used against the claims of the Catholic Religion are unwarranted, unreasonable and fallacious.

Textbook: The Defense of the Catholic Church. Doyle

Dogmatic Theology II 

This course studies God, His Knowability, Essence and Attributes The Holy Trinity in unity or the threefold personality of God, the study of Creation as a Divine act, Dogmatic Cosmology and Anthropology and Christian Angelology. The Constitutive elements of Christ, The Hypostatic Union and its effects. The work of Redemption and the three offices of the Redeemer. The Divine Maternity, Mary’s special prerogatives and the invocation of the saints.

Textbooks: 1) God His Knowability, Essence, and Attributes 2) The Divine Trinity 3) God the Author of Nature and the Supernatural 4) Christology: A Dogmatic Treatise on the Incarnation 5) Soteriology: A Dogmatic Treatise on the Redemption 6) Mariology: A Dogmatic Treatise on the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Joseph Pohle

Dogmatic Theology III 

This course covers actual grace, sanctifying grace, the sacraments in general, Baptism, Confirmation, The Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, showing history, proofs and speculations. Also Eschatology – the study of the last things.

Textbooks: 1 )Grace: Actual and Habitual 2) The Sacraments Vol. I 3) The Sacraments Vol. II 4) The Sacraments Vol. III 5) The Sacraments Vol. IV 6) Eschatology: The Catholic Doctrine of the Last Things. Joseph Pohle

Dogmatic Theology (Ecclesiology) IV

This course studies the scientific analysis of religion considered abstractly, the truth of the Christian-Catholic Religion, the Church viewed from the outside (Apologetics), the Church viewed from the inside (dogma), the sources of Revelation, the objects and acts of Divine Faith. It will cover the foundation, structure, properties and function of the Church as found in the Scriptures, Tradition, and the Magisterium.

Textbook: The Church of Christ. Van Noort

Advanced Dogmatic Theology I

This course is a comprehensive yet concise outline of the entire system of Catholic doctrine, laying out its sources in Scripture and Tradition as taught by the Magisterium of the Church. The level of authority behind each doctrinal point is indicated and there are frequent references to the teachings of Fathers, Doctors and numerous Saints of the Church.

Textbook: The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. Ludwig Ott

Advanced Dogmatic Theology II

This course studies a collection of all articles and creeds of the Catholic Faith beginning with that of the twelve apostles, all dogmatic definitions stamped with the Petrine authority of the Apostolic See (ex cathedra), decrees of the solemn Magisterium, papal bulls, encyclicals and letters, as well as some of the more weighty decisions of the Holy Office prior to 1957.

Textbook: Sources of Catholic Dogma. Denzinger

Canon Law I 

This course covers the law in general and in particular. The student will examine the sources of Canon law and will become acquainted with its history, the councils, the Greek and Ancient Latin collections, Commentaries on the Code for Ecclesiastical Laws, on customs, reckoning of time, rescripts, privileges and dispensations.

Textbook: Canon Law. Cicognani

Canon Law II 

This course is a concise presentation of the current disciplinary norms of the Church. It presents an overview of the science of canon law and its history in the Church. The focus is the Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1917 and which is the internal legal system of the Catholic Church. It is divided into three parts: the Introduction to the Study of Canon Law, A History of the Sources of Canon Law, and a Commentary on Book I of the Code which deals with the general norms of Canon Law.

Textbook: Canon Law A Text and Commentary. Bouscaren

Canon Law III

This course studies the practical cases affecting Canon Law and its application in concrete cases and circumstances. A compilation of official documents relating to Canon Law in the Catholic Church.

Textbook: Canon Law Digest Volume I & II. Bouscaren/O’Connor

Canon Law IV

This course studies the practical cases affecting Canon Law and its application in concrete cases and circumstances. A compilation of official documents relating to Canon Law in the Catholic Church.

Textbook: Canon Law Digest Volume III & IV. Bouscaren/O’Connor

Patrology I

This course studies the rules and principles which help determine the authority of the Fathers and their authenticity, right, use and application of their works in theology. The great Apostolic Fathers, the Greek Fathers- Apologists, Controversialists and commentators as well as the Latin Fathers and Writers. It looks at the full growth and then the decline of Patristic Literature.

Textbook: A Manual of Patrology. Bernard Schmidt

Intro to Sacred Liturgy

This course is an in-depth exploration of Catholic liturgics studying the history, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Church. The student will study the chief sources of our knowledge of Liturgical Laws, the decrees of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, the technical expressions, the customs and writings of the rubricists.

Textbook: Catholic Liturgics. Baier

Sacred Liturgy I

This course is a study of the rubrics pertaining to the administration of the Sacraments, Divine Worship, and the Divine Office. It will study in detail everything needed to know about the immemorial Roman Rite, including the meaning and execution of the traditional Mass; reciting the Divine Office; the administration of the sacraments; and more. First part: Sacred Places, Second Part: Sacred Things, Third Part: Sacred Rites: The Mass, Fourth Part: The Divine Office, Fifth Part: The Sacraments, Sixth Part: Sacred Rites: Miscellaneous Functions, Seventh Part: Proper of the Season, Eight Part: Proper of the Saints, Ninth Part: Indulgences

Textbook: Matters Liturgical- The Collectio Rerum Liturgicarum. Joseph Wuest, CSSR

The Rubrics of the Roman Ritual. O’Kane

Sacred Liturgy II

This course studies the General Rubrics of the Roman missal, the rite of Celebration of a Low Mass, the special forms of Low Mass, the serving of it and special cases. The rite of High Mass and sung Mass, some special forms and special cases at a High Mass. There is a detailed analysis of the rubrics, which are the instructions for the celebration of the Mass, and their historical development. The student will cover all aspects of the Mass, including insights into the theological and spiritual significance of the Mass, as well as practical advice for celebrating the Mass in accordance with the rubrics.

Textbook: Celebration of the Mass. J. O’Connell

The Book of Ceremonies- Msgr. Lawerence O Connell & Rev. Walter Schmitz, STD

Sacred Liturgy III

This course studies the Holy Week Ceremonies in greater detail with all the necessary information to understand, practice and prepare the traditional ceremonies for the Holy Week promulgated in 1955 by Pope Pius XII. The student will study the official decrees and approved authors and will become acquainted with the spiritual significance behind the various ceremonies and the exact rubrical performance of these ceremonies.

Textbook: Holy Week Manual for Priests– Walter Schmitz

Simplification of the Rubrics- O’ Connell

Sacramental Theology I

This course covers the proximate moral principles and canonical norms directing and guiding the sacramental ministry. A very practical help for the administration of the sacraments. This course is a biblically grounded, historically conscious, and systematically disciplined exploration of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and a traditioned introduction to her theology about the sacraments.

Textbook: The Administration of the Sacraments. Halligan, OP

Sacramental Theology  II

This course studies the Sacrament of Penance and the application of the principles learned in Moral Theology to the confessional and the direction of souls.

Textbook: The Theory & Practice of the Confessional.  Schieler

The Good Confessor. O’Connell

Sacramental Theology III

This course studies the Sacrament of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Extreme Unction, and the application of the principles learned in Moral Theology to the administration of its rites and ceremonies.

Textbook: The Roman Ritual: The Sacraments and Processions Vol. 1. Weller

Pastoral Theology

This course deals with a special branch of theological science, Pastoral Theology, in which the practical rules which a priest ought to observe in the faithful discharge of the sacred ministry and the guidance of souls are covered. The subject matter is divided into three parts, treating, respectively, of the Sacraments, of Preaching, and of the government of parishes in particular and the pastoral administration of temporal matters, spiritual direction, and pastoral care of souls.

Textbook: A Manual of Pastoral Theology. Schulze

Homiletics

This course is a study of the basic principles and techniques of sermon preparation and sermon delivery, complimented by practical exercises. The student will study the manner of preparing and delivering sermons and will look into the acknowledged masterpieces of pulpit oratory of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Textbook: Manual of Homiletics and Catechetics- Ignaz Shuech, OSB

Our Preaching: Characteristics of the Sermon Types and the Church Law on and Ceremonial Preaching- John Sharp, STB

Fundamental Course in Sacred Eloquence. John Selner

Pastoral Psychology 

This course studies the practice of pastoral psychology and a deeper understanding of the human soul in order to transmit to it the Grace of God and to educate the human being unto a perfect man. Studies the questions concerning the differences and diversities of the psychic conditions and needs of people according to the three stages of the human way to God. The student will analyze the particular requirements necessary for those engaged in the pastoral care of persons afflicted with psychopathic and neurotic diseases.

Textbook: Pastoral Psychology in Practice. Demal