Meet Kevin O'Connor

In response to the church's need for new lay ministers grounded in theology, the Diocese of Lansing developed a program for the formation of church leaders in 1995 under the direction of Bishop Kenneth Povish. Siena Heights University was invited to provide the academic credits in undergraduate theology for the new Diocesan Ministry Formation Program. Siena Heights was chosen because of its history of successfully meeting the needs of the non-traditional/adult student, as well as its commitment to making programs accessible, affordable and attainable.

Since 1995 the Diocesan Ministry Formation Program and Siena Heights University have received firm and unwavering support of both Bishop Carl Mengeling and Bishop Earl Boyea. Contracts have been renewed in 2000, 2005 and again in 2010 for another five-year cycle.

The Program in Theological Studies is an academic program consisting of 36 credit hours. Siena Heights University provides the 12 theology courses in theological studies required by the Diocese. The University provides the qualified adjunct faculty. Currently the theology courses are offered in Ypsilanti, Flint, Jackson and Lansing. These theology courses can also be used as a major for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theological Studies.

By awarding academic credit for the theology courses, potential church ministers are assured of receiving a quality education that meets the standards of those institutions of higher education delivering academic credit-bearing courses. An important outcome of the theological studies is that persons in church leadership gain confidence, marketability and credibility in their ministerial and professional environment.

For more about the Diocese of Lansing, contact:

Mrs. Deb Amato
Phone: 517-342-2512
Email: damato@dioceseoflansing.org

 

Course Descriptions (Winter 2012)

TSP 302 — Introduction to the Bible 1
January 14-April 28
(No Class April 7-Holy Saturday)
Saturday 1-4 p.m.
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Mr. Kevin Perrotta, M.A.

Through exploration of the English text of the New Testament, students will discover the cultural context of early Christian communities and how the sacred writings emerging from them have been interpreted theologically. The course utilizes various methods of textual interpretation, including historical critical methods, and considers various theological models of revelation.

TSP 319 — Christ and Trinity
January 12-April 26
(No Class April 5-Holy Thursday)
Thursday 9 a.m. to Noon
St. Pius X Parish, Flint
Rev. Gregory A. Banazak, S.T.D.

This course explores the mystery of the Trinity and the person and salvific mission of Christ. It examines the biblical witness concerning Jesus, the early ecumenical councils as they contribute to Christology and the explication of the doctrine of the Trinity. It also attends to contemporary issues affecting Christology. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 185-747.

TSP 320 — Sacramental Theology
January 14-April 28
(No Class April 7-Holy Saturday)
Saturday 9 a.m. to Noon
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Deacon Thomas J. Fogle, D.Min.

The central focus of this course is the history and tradition of the seven sacraments with a special focus on the Eucharist. This includes an analysis of the theology, ritual content and form and matter of the sacraments as well as the pastoral and ecclesial aspects of their celebration. Read Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 1113-1134, 1210-1666.

TSP 335 — Theology of Ministry
January 14-April 28
(No Class April 7-Holy Saturday)
Saturday 9 a.m. to Noon
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Mr. Michael E. Andrews, M.Div.

This course examines the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ continued as mission and ministry of the Church, from which Christian ministry in all its forms flows. It will include scriptural and ecclesial sources as background for the development of contemporary post-conciliar forms of ministry, including offices in the Church, the role of the Bishop, collaboration of the clergy and laity, cultural pluralism, the missionary nature of the Church (Ad Gentes), and ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. Read Christifideles Laici and Instruction in Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests.

TSP 355 — Ministry, Management & Leadership
January 10-April 24
(No Class April 3-Holy Week)
Tuesday 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Holy Trinity Student Parish, Ypsilanti
Nancy Mason-Bordley, D.Min.

Theological models of leadership and management will be studied in order to develop specific ministerial skills. Personalized field work experiences will be included. Note: inquirers to the diaconate take Canon Law (RST 400) in lieu of this course.

TSP 355 — Ministry, Management & Leadership
January 12-April 26
(No Class April 5-Holy Thursday)
Thursday 9 a.m.-Noon
Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackson
Sr. Betty Flaherty, O.P.

Theological models of leadership and management will be studied in order to develop specific ministerial skills. Personalized field work experiences will be included. Note: inquirers to the diaconate take Canon Law (RST 400) in lieu of this course.

Course Descriptions (Summer 2012)

TSP 301 — Theological Inquiry
Blended Online Course
Meets in person May 12 and June 30
Saturday 9 a.m.-Noon
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Sr. Marcella Clancy, CSJ

This course provides a contemporary overview of the foundational concepts and methodology in Theology. It examines such topics as faith, reason, and the human person, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, Church, Creation, and Redemption as major doctrines of the Catholic Church.  Read parts of Dei Verbum, Veritatis Splendor, and the Pontifical Biblical Commission’s The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 26-184, and 976-1065.

 

TSP 313 — Ecclesiology
May 12, 19 and June 2, 9, 23 and 30
Saturday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Mr. John Schultz

Students will study the origin, nature, and mission of the Church.  The course includes a general historical survey, but the major focus is on select documents of the Second Vatican Council, especially Lumen Gentium, as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 748-975.  Some attention will be given to ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue and Unitatis Redintegratio as well as the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (1993).

TSP 319 — Christ and Trinity
May 12, 19 and June 2, 9, 23 and 30
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
St. Casimir Education Center, Lansing
Rev. Gregory A. Banazak, S.T.D.

This course explores the mystery of the Trinity and the person and salvific mission of Christ. It examines the biblical witness concerning Jesus, the early ecumenical councils as they contribute to Christology and the explication of the doctrine of the Trinity. It also attends to contemporary issues affecting Christology. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 185-747.