An expanded selection of STEP eCourses will be offered in 2001-02 by the Institute for Church Life (ICL) at the University of 91吃瓜, beginning Oct. 22 (Monday) with 鈥淭he American Catholic Experience,鈥� taught by Jay Dolan, professor of history, and 鈥淚ntroduction to Sacraments,鈥� taught by Rev. Joseph Weiss, S.J., acting director of the University鈥檚 Center for Pastoral Liturgy
STEP (Satellite Theological Education Program) is a distance-learning initiative that provides quality instruction to pastoral ministers and other adult Catholics across the United States. The six-week courses are available through the ICL鈥檚 Web site and feature 91吃瓜 faculty who provide instruction, reading materials, syllabi, and course study requirements. Participants receive a certificate of completion upon the conclusion of each course.
鈥淭his is an exciting initiative that furthers the mission of 91吃瓜,鈥� said STEP director Thomas Cummings. 鈥淏y placing the theological, pedagogical, and technological resources of 91吃瓜 at service to the broader Church, we are able to assist in the faith formation of adults from dioceses and parishes across the country.鈥漰. After a successful pilot year in which three eCourses were offered during 2000-01, STEP has expanded to six courses this year. In addition to the two starting in October, two courses will begin in January ? 鈥淎n Introduction to the Letters of St. Paul,鈥� taught by Rev. Jerome Neyrey, S.J., professor of theology, and 鈥淓ucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life,鈥� to be taught Father Weiss ? and two more will begin in March ? 鈥淭he Christian Conscience and Ethical Dilemmas: Guidance from the Catholic Tradition,鈥� to be taught by Maura Ryan, associate professor of theology, and 鈥淔rom Proclamation to Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms in the Gospels,鈥� taught by Rev. Michael Driscoll, C.S.C., associate professor of theology.
In the future, STEP organizers plan to offer multiple course components in different theological subjects that students may use as continuing education for their ministry or as adult education for their edification and faith development.
More information is available on the ICL Web site.
TopicID: 2166