Each level of Holy Orders conveys to the recipient a Blessing of Divine Energy. Each level of study is to be complete prior to ordination to that level. Any person who applies to the Beloved Disciple Seminary with the goal in mind of eventual ordination to Holy Orders must be comfortable with Christian practices and Sacraments.

There are two groups of Orders--- the minor and the major. Each order emphasizes a special attribute and is intended to produce a precise effect. With each succeeding order, the candidate makes a determined effort towards the unfoldment of the characteristics in each stage of development.

Each course, unless otherwise noted, is equivalent to 3 credit hours.

Course Titles and Numbering Syllabus

INT	...	Introductory Course
MT	...	Mysticism Courses
SP	...	Spiritual Studies
TH	...	Theology
LT	...	Liturgical Studies
BI	...	Bible and Scripture Studies
PR	...	Field Study/ Practicum Courses
MI	...	Ministry
HT	...	History of Religion
IS	...	Independent Study

Postulant

INT-100 Introduction to the Contemporary Catholic Church
This course serves as an orientation to the Contemporary Catholic Church as an Independent Catholic rite, including philosophy and discussion of its approach to spirituality.

INT-101 Introduction to Sacred Psychology
This course in offers you: an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself; the ability to take positive action based on self knowledge; a clearer connection to the transpersonal realms of soul and spirit; ways of grounding creative energies and offers you assistance in manifesting who you are and what you want to be in life. In it, you will explore your inner life and interpersonal relations, the “whole person” that is composed of the personality plus our connection to the divine, whether that is seen as some outside energy or ultimately within us. Through one's own personal self-exploration, religious and spiritual development are traced through the life span and are examined as a technique for personal, spiritual and pastoral growth. As T.S. Elliot wrote: We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Shall be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.

INT-110 Introduction to Grail Mythology
A survey course of the most important Grail literature and the exploration of the Holy Grail's spiritual meanings. The importance of symbol and metaphor is directly examined in this course.

MT-100 Introduction to Mysticism
This is a survey course in mysticism and how it is expressed in different cultures and religions. Course will include study of the mystics of the Middle Ages and their writings, with particular emphasis on women mystics.

Minor Orders

Tonsure/Cleric:
The cleric dedicates him or herself to God and to the service of Christ. In manner and speech, the cleric strives to show beauty and to remember that the physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Self-control with regard to the physical body is one of the attributes stressed in this order, and the candidates endeavors to live for the soul.

TH-100 Theology of the Divine Office
This course explores public and private prayer; systems of prayer in the New Testament and post-apostolic ages. The student will study various prayers, and will discover how & why to pray, how to meditate, and the differences between prayer, meditation, and contemplation,  


TH-110 Theology of the Sacramental Mysteries
A general introduction to the system of seven sacramental mysteries. The development of the technical terms "sacramentum" and "mysterion." The historical development of a system of seven sacraments, the theology of the sacramental mysteries: the centrality of the Paschal mystery; Christ as "the sacrament"; the centrality of the eucharist and its relationship to the other sacraments; the ritual of sacramental mystery.


Doorkeeper:
In former times, it was the duty of the doorkeeper to ring the church bells and to open the church doors at the appointed time. In our time, the ordination to doorkeeper relates to transforming the emotions and passions. When the emotions come under control, tranquility follows. The doorkeeper learns devotion to God and humanity, giving love and opening the doors to one's heart in service, summoning all to the service of God.


BI-100 Old Testament Scriptures
The aims of this course are both theoretical and practical. It provides an introduction to the theological issues which affect the study of the Bible (revelation, inspiration,canonicity), the problems of hermeneutics, and the various schools and methods of biblical interpretation (textual criticism, historical source, redaction, rhetorical, and allegorical approaches). It likewise introduces the standard tools for biblical study (texts, versions, concordances, commentaries, dictionaries) and as well as a method of exegesis. The various uses of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church will also be considered. 


TH-120 Sacramental Theology: The Sacramental Mysteries of Initiation
A description and explanation of the order for the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation and Eucharist . The scriptural origins of the rites of baptism, anointing and associated initiation rites. The historical development and theology of initiation, the catechumenate, and the rites of churching.

Reader:
The reader works to control the powers of the mind and to devote those to God's service. The transformation of the intellect is the purpose of this step in holy orders. In former times, the reader read for the priest, intoned the lessons, blessed bread and all first-fruits. Now the reader is asked to dedicate his or her mind to the glory of God, to train and develop the mind to influence others for good, and cultivate the power of concentration.

BI-110 The Synoptic Gospels
An introduction to the common sources, development and individual characteristics of the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke. In addition to exegesis of key passages and exploration of overriding themes, this course will demonstrate the principles and practices of New Testament source, tradition and redaction criticism.

BI-130 Apostolic Writings
This course treats the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of Peter, Jude and James, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Book of Revelation. It addresses questions of authorship, context and literary form and attempts to trace emergent themes in the life and theology of the apostolic churches. Special attention is given to re-readings of the Old Testament and to the eschatological vision of Revelation.

BI-140 The Gospel and the Letters of John
A cursive reading with exegesis of selected passages in the Gospel of John. The particular theology of the 4th Gospel will be examined and its relationship to the Synoptics will be explored. Special emphasis will be given to Johannine use of the Old Testament. Major Johannine themes will be traced in the Letters. Historical questions of authorship, audience, context and composition will be considered.


Healer/Exorcist:
In this order, the power of the will is more definitely developed. The healer heals through intention, and intention is an operation of the will. The healer focuses the will on producing wholeness of life in others, for to heal means to make whole. Transformation of the will involves culturing the heart in order to assist others in healing themselves of separateness. The gift of healing will be strengthened by the initiation to the order of healer.

SP-120 The Divine Feminine
The feminine aspect of spirituality and the divine, as well as the religious role of women is investigated in this course. Particular emphasis will be placed on women leaders, such as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, Julian of Norwich, and St. Theresa of Avila.

TH-130 Sacramental Theology: the Penitential Sacramental Mysteries
A description and explanation of the rites of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Monastic Profession and Funerals. The scriptural origins of the Sacramental Mysteries. The historical development of monasticism and the ascetical life. The theology and history of the sacramental mysteries of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. The hearing of confessions: pastoral and moral questions.

TH-140 The Sacramental Mysteries of Vocation
The theology of marriage in the Catholic Churches. Christian marriage sealed by the Eucharist. Early home rituals and paternal blessing. Ecclesiastical blessing in Church. Rites of betrothal. Second marriages. Matrimonial law and liturgical practices. Weddings in Western society. The theology of Orders in the Church. The variety of ministries in the early Church. A three-fold mystery of service in the New Testament and the development of the structure of bishop, presbyter, deacon. The functions of each order. The vestments of office and honorary titles. The monastic consecration and the place of monasticism in the Christian community.

TH-150 Exorcism & Traditional Healing Systems
This course introduces spiritual healing, both sacramental and charismatic, as well as the techniques of spiritual healing. The student will actively examine how exorcism and other forms of traditional healing fit into a modern ministry .

MI-100 Death and Dying
This course introduces the student to the pastoral duties needed in order to help the terminally ill, their care givers, and loved ones. Core curriculum will be based on Katherine Kubler Ross's stages of death and dying, within a pastoral understanding.

Acolyte
The acolyte's task is to quicken the intuition and open the self to spiritual influence. This opening requires the transformation of the ego. Through spiritual discipline, the boundaries of the ego are rolled back and the ego is purified of its egocentricity through obedience to a higher authority. The acolyte bears the spiritual light of Christ and strives to enkindle the sense of God's presence within the hearts of others. This degree of acolyte is intended to help the candidate quicken his or her spiritual faculties and understanding.

SP-160 Hagiography
A survey of various methodologies and skills employed by theologians in the development and expression of the Christian faith. The traditional "sources" of theology will be explored as a basis for the development of theological thought. Special attention will be paid to the "living witnesses" of the Church, the saints, martyrs and theologians as sources of theology. Familiarizes the student with basic doctrine regarding the Communion of Saints as well as an understanding of the Saints' lives, roles and teachings. The student will be readily able to identify the Saints' roles within the formation and evolution of the Church and understand the gifts, teachings and legacy of the Saints. The student will develop devotion to the Communion of Saints as a means of finding and securing additional Grace, thus further enhancing his/her spiritual development.

LIT-110 Introduction to Liturgy
A detailed description of the Divine Liturgy and an overview of the other liturgical rites of the Catholic Church. The history of the development of the Divine Liturgy and of the system of seven sacramental mysteries. In each area, an explanation of the liturgical vocabulary and technical terms. Students will also examine certain liturgical services and hymns as expressions of theology. The relationship between theology and worship will be emphasized.

TH-160 The Eucharist
This course traces the development of the liturgy of the Eucharistic rite from its inception to the present.

Major Orders

Sub Deacon:
The sudiaconate is a prepatory grade of the greater orders of deacon and priest. Ordination gives greater strength and steadfastness of purpose, and begins the transformation of the candidate into the major orders. Purified by previous initiations, the stage is set for more profound transformations. Formerly, the subdeacon was responsible for providing water for the service of the altar, to wash the altar linens, and to guard the gates of the sanctuary. This is the start of one taking his or her own place at the altar and assisting in the performance of the rites. The subdeacon learns control of speech, love of service, and diligence at the altar while tasting the joyful spirit of the major orders.


MI-110 Introduction to Pastoral Care Ministry
The course methodology is based upon the action/reflection model of learning. Seminarians will be given a specific ministry assignment on a patient care unit. Opportunities to visit patients, families and staff are provided weekly and on night duty. The seminarian will write and submit verbatim case study material based upon ministerial encounters. As a result of the learning process, seminarians identify individual strengths and directions for growth, develop pastoral care ministry skills, integrate personal identity, theology and faith experience, develop effective communication skills and progress in their ability to function.

SP-170 Ethics & Morality
This course examines basic ethical concepts and the issues with which ethics is concerned. Particular attention is focused on Social Justice.

BI-160 Homiletics
This introductory course will explore basic concepts including a theology of preaching, rhetoric, homily preparation and delivery, occasion and audience. Emphasis will be on preaching at the Sunday Divine Liturgy. This course investigates the fundamentals of biblical interpretation, exegesis, and hermeneutics, the principles of interpretation.Examples of homilies from patristic and contemporary sources will be examined. Each participant will prepare and deliver several homilies.


Deacon:
The deacon is an apprentice to the priest and is sufficiently empowered by this initiation to administer the sacrament of baptism and marriage, to handle the sacred vessels, and to help in the care of the sick and poor. The deacon ministers at the altar, reads the Gospel, and takes a speaking part in the performance of the rites. In the absence of the priest, the deacon dispenses the reserved sacrament and conducts final rites. The candidate is expected to spend at least six months serving as a deacon before being ordained to the priesthood.

TH-200 Issues in Modern Theology
This course examines issues in feminist theology, liberation theology, creation theology, and ecological Christology.

BI-200 Christian Symbology
The Christian experience is rich in symbology. The student will explore how symbols have been used to communicate the message of Jesus to the inner consciousness of His followers.

PR-200 Practicum Chaplaincy
Yearlong supervised programs in a variety of pastoral situations chosen under the direction of the Field Education Supervisor. Possibilities include: Radio/Television Ministry, Visitation of Shut Ins, Home Evangelization, Prison Ministry.

PR-210 Liturgical Practicum
The Liturgy practicum is a one-hour course over four semesters. An explanation of the structure of the services and the meaning of their actual celebration. General principles of liturgical celebration. Review of rubrics and demonstration of the services, The Divine Liturgy; Vespers, the Presanctified Liturgy and Matins; The Sacramental Mysteries; and Public Devotions, Hours, Blessings and Consecrations.

Priest:
Ordination to the priesthood effects a most profound transformation. The candidate is empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform sacred rites in Christ's name. The priest grows stronger spiritually as this initiation deepens his or her connection with higher spiritual energy. The invitation to service is forever. Priests are called to spend their lives as servants and lovers of God and God's people. Because this ministry is the essence of the perpetuation of the ministry of Jesus Christ, no effort is spared to help the recipient to take advantage of it.

MI-210 Building Small Faith Communities
Study of the main topics necessary to the starting of a small ministry. Covers such topics as location, public relations, equipment, advertising, administration and ethics.

MI-220 Pastoral Counseling
The principal purpose of this course is to help seminarians understand the basic theory and practice of counseling, its modalities and techniques. 

Electives

Students are encouraged to explore an advanced understanding of spirituality through the process of selecting courses of particular interest to them from the elective offerings. Enrollment may require prerequisite courses or the approval of the instructor. Students are also encouraged to consider approaching the President with regard to Independent Study topics.

Elective Courses

HT-100 Introduction to Independent Catholicism
This course constitutes a basic introduction to what Independent Catholicism is and how it came to be, exploring its roots and how it is similar to and different from other Christian sacramental and Catholic denominations. Beliefs, practices and the symbols underlying the Church are explored.

HT-120 History of Christianity
A survey of the history of the Church from the time of Christ until the present. Provides a sense of the early Church's background and development and the subsequent problems attendant upon its growth and survival. The student will gain a comfortable knowledge of the Christian Church understanding the meaning and historical rationale, and gain a new awareness of historical data shedding light on current debates

INT-140 Introduction to Christianity and the Media
This course examines the role of the media, how Christianity has been portrayed, and the role of television and radio evangelism. This course includes a practical exploration of sites on the world wide web, and how the Internet can be used to expand one's knowledge of Catholicism and issues facing modern clergy.

MT-110 Intro to Jewish Mysticism
This course introduces the student to Jewish Mysticism, a tradition that goes back to the time before Jesus of Nazareth. The student will gain an appreciation of this uniquely Jewish approach to spirituality, and how it directly influenced Christianity.

HT-110 Lectio Divina
A course where the writings of the Church Fathers are closely examined for spiritual growth and study.

MT-120 Intro to Christian Mysticism
This course introduces the student to Christian Mysticism which is intricately interwoven within the fabric of Christianity. Through this course the student will gain an increased ability to explore the depths of the Christian mysteries.

TH-220 Conversations with Christian Philosophers
The student will conduct research which will allow them to develop a "conversation" with Christian philosophers, as an exploration of how time-honored concepts and philosophies continue have meaning in our modern society.

LIT-210 Creative Liturgy
The student will explore and develop alternative approaches to liturgical experiences using multi-media expressions of the Divine experience.

BI-101 The Pentateuch
An introduction to the first five books of the Old Testament and their development from hypothetical oral, written and editorial stages to canonical status. Special attention will be given to the interpretation of key passages and themes.

BI-102 The Historical and Prophetic Books
The institution of prophecy and the persons, ministries and messages of the individual prophets will be examined against the background of their historical context. Special attention will be given to the moral message of the prophets, to the problems of Messianism and Messianic prophecy. 

BI-103 Wisdom Literature and the Psalms
An introduction to the concepts and contexts of "wisdom" in the Old Testament and an overview of the key forms and themes of the Psalter. Through a cursive reading of the biblical texts, the seminarian will gain familiarity with the individual books in their entirety. The course will concentrate on exegesis of key passages. The history of interpretation of the Psalms and the Wisdom books by Judaism, the early Fathers of liturgical tradition will be considered and influential texts will be followed into the New Testament and the history of dogma. Methodology will be demonstrated and a pastoral application of the Wisdom books and the Psalms will be kept in view.

BI-120 The Pauline Corpus
Through cursive reading and selected exegesis of important passages in the letters of St. Paul, this course will examine Pauline thought on Christology, Ecclesiology, Grace, Human Nature, the Cross, Apostolic Ministry, Judaism, Salvation and Eschatology. Historical questions of authorship will also be treated, as will the particular context and audience of each letter.

BI-201 Romance in the Bible
Students of the Bible are often surprised to discover the myriad of relationships that are portrayed in the sacred text. This course provides the student with an alternative approach to Bible Study---that being through the passionate relationships of men and women.

BI-210 The Bible as Literature
The Bible has influenced writers throughout history. This course examines the literary value and significance of the Bible on literature from the Elizabethan period to the present.

BI-220 Biblical Allegory versus History
Current archeological evidence often is at odds with the historical records in the Bible. This course examines the allegorical understanding of biblical symbolism in light of this research.

BI-240 The Song of Solomon
Few passages of the Bible have been as hotly debated as the erotic poetry known as the Song of Solomon. The student will explore the various interpretations of this book.

SP-101 Sacred Art
This course examines the role of art throughout various cultures and historical periods in expressing our search for understanding of deity.

SP-110 Mystic Poetry & Prose
Because poetry speaks to the soul, bypassing the intellect, a review of mystical poetry is essential. Particular attention will be paid to how poetry and religious prose can be used to enhance the personal experience with the Divine.

SP-130 Jungian Spirituality
This course introduces the basics of Jungian psychology as they relate to spirituality.

SP-140 The Women Around Jesus
Throughout ages, the have been varied interpretations of the women who surrounded Jesus --- Mary, his mother, Mary Magdalene, St. Martha, and others. This course examines their roles in light of current understanding of the period and women's ministry.

SP-141 The British Saints
This survey course examines numerous saints from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Particular emphasis is placed on study of the Saints associated with places such as Glastonbury, Canterbury, Iona and Lindesfarne,

SP-150 King Solomon's Temple
Solomon'sTemple was built in answer to a need of a sacred place of worship. This course is designed to bring a better understanding of the Temple, and of its spiritual meaning.

SP-180 Intro to Symbology
This is an introductory course which explores the basic concept of symbols and how they've been used throughout history. The student will examine symbols which have found universal meaning as well as the diversity of interpretation.

SP-190 The Black Madonnas
Few icons have captured the imagination of the public in the way that Black Madonnas have. This course examines the history and meaning behind these illusive images.

SP-200 Erotica Judaica
This course examines the effect of Jewish erotic mores (both conventional and unconventional, individual and collective) in the light of historical events, and also to observe those non-Judaic forces which influenced the behavior of Zion.

SP-210 Ritual and Drama in the Mediaeval Theatre
This course introduces the student to the relationship between the ritualistic and dramatic instincts in mankind, as seen through the mediaeval plays. Students will learn how mediaeval drama developed from the liturgy, the growth of the dramatic idea, styles of presentation of the mystery cycles, and the evolution of the morality play.

SP-240 Jewish Symbols of the Greco-Roman Period
This course introduces the student to the symbols and the meanings of symbols discovered in throughout the Jewish world of antiquity.

MI-230 Advanced Pastoral Counseling
The course allows the student to explore a variety of psycho-spiritual modalities, and methods that are designed to help develop a dynamic Christic Counseling practice. The student will study the work of noted psychologists such as Hillman, Assagioli, and Sardello, Frankl, and theories such as psychosynthesis, logotheraphy and art therapy.

MI-240 The Art of Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Mentoring on both the Individual and Group basis. A practical course designed to prepare the individual as a spiritual director.