COURSE OF STUDY

for Lay Readers, Deacons and Priests

• Required Subjects
  

1. Holy Scripture

2. Church History

3. Dogmatic, Systematic and Patristic Theology

4. Christian Apologetics

5. Moral Theology and Christian Ethics

6. Ascetical and Mystical Theology

7. Liturgical Theology

8. Canon Law and Ecclesiastical Polity

9. Pastoral Theology-Parochial and Clinical

10. Church Music (1/2 year)

11. Evangelism and Church Growth (1/2 year)

12. Homiletics

• Areas of Study

1. Lay Reader Training/Study Course: Includes various training courses provided by the Diocese of New Orleans and training with the Priest or Deacon where you are serving and attendance at one retreat weekend in the fall and in the spring.

2. Aspirant for Holy Orders: Holy Scripture, Church History, Church Music, Evangelisms and Church Growth

3. Postulate for Holy Orders: Canon Law and Ecclesiastical Polity, Moral Theology and Christian Ethics, Pastoral Theology, Homiletics

4. Candidate for Holy Orders: Dogmatic, Systematic and Patristic Theology, Christian Apologetics, Ascetical and Mystical Theology, Liturgical Theology

5. Deacon: Completion of the courses and any additional examinations required by the Commission on Ministry

6. Priest: Upon two years as Priest, an exam on the Sacrament of Penance will be required for those priest who wish to hear private confessions

• CHRONOLOGY OF STUDY
  

1. First Year: Holy Scripture, Church History, Church Music/Evangelism, Moral Theology and Christian Ethics

2. Second Year: Liturgical Theology, Canon Law and Ecclesiastical Polity, Pastoral Theology-Parochial and Clinical, Homiletics

3. Third Year: Dogmatic, Systematic and Patristic Theology, Ascetical and Mystical Theology, Christian Apologetics