Unit offerings
Preaching: Preparation and Practice - 01 January 2012 - 31 March 2012
UNIT DESCRIPTION (15 December 2011)
Sacramental Theology - 01 September to 30 November 2011
UNIT DESCRIPTION (20 January 2012)
Online Registration closed
Overview
The Diocesan Formation Programme is designed to provide units of study in Anglican Formation for those pursuing ordination 1) to the (vocational) diaconate, and 2) to the priesthood studying by way of distance education programmes. The programme, in conjunction with institutionally delivered components, will create an opportunity for guided study in the local (diocesan) context and provide opportunities for community sharing and the building of mutual accountability among its participants. Ordained individuals in the first years of ministry requiring post-ordination training credits may be encouraged to participate in specific units to further those requirements.
The Programme
Those preparing for ordination to the (vocational) diaconate require a minimum of 6 units
Those preparing for ordination to priesthood via distance education programs require a minimum of 10 units
Units will be offered as instructors and resources are available during three identified annual “semesters” of study:
- September - November
- January - March
- April - June
Month 1 - Reading of required texts as set by the instructor(s)
Month 2 - One or two day-long learning days with a proposed schedule:
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Lecture/instruction
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Group discussion/interaction/integration
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lecture/instruction
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Group discussion/interaction/integration
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Community time
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
(One session mid October/mid February/mid May OR two sessions one early and one late in October/February/May)
Month 3 - Participant preparation of a written submission of not less than 1000 words
(Due without exception on the final day of the semester)
Required of Participants
1. Registration application for each programme unit prior to its beginning (September/January/April). Registration deadlines and unit descriptions will be made available.
2. Completion of required reading prior to the day-long session(s).
3. Attendance at the day-long unit session(s) as scheduled by the instructor.
4. Completion of the written submission due without exception on the final day of the semester.
Required of Instructors
1. a) Set required reading assignment. These should be provided (digitally if possible) for participants by the 1st day of the semester or information on obtaining them given at least one month in advance. Supplementary reading can/should also be recommended. b) Provide at least two options describing the topic for the written submission to be included in the unit description (a third option of a topic proposed by the participant and approved by the instructor).
2. a) Determine if there will be one or two day-long sessions required
b) Set the dates, locations and arrangements for space, lunch etc ....
3. The location will need to make a celebration of Eucharist possible at the end of the day. Make necessary arrangements for that event including programme participants in the planning and execution as much as possible.
4. Finalize details of the Unit (reading assignment, submission topics, location) to be shared with participants via the “Unit Description” before its beginning (1st day of Month One). Adjustments to the Unit Description should be discussed and negotiated with the Diocesan Archdeacon.
5. Provide instruction/lectures followed by direction for sessions of group discussion/integration of the material under consideration. Opportunities for discussion and integration are very important and should not be overlooked in favour of extended instruction/lecture time.
6. Require participants to identify the choice of submission topic or approve topics by the end of the (last) day-long learning event. Remind participants of the deadline for submissions.
7. Expectations regarding the required submission should be shared during the day-long session. The format may be a customary “paper” or other such submission acceptable to the instructor. Receive written submissions by the final day of the semester. Review the submissions and grant an ‘acceptable’ or ‘unacceptable’ designation providing evaluative comments to the author. Copies of the submission may be required for those seeking institutional credit. When evaluation is complete, forward comments on all unit submissions to the Bishop for recording of programme credit.
Programme Unit List
Unit topics outlined for the Programme may change from time to time in accordance with need and the availability of instructors. An expanded “Unit Description” will be provided prior to each offering with detail of the unit being offered.
BRIEF UNIT OVERVIEWS
Sacramental Theology
Exploration of the nature of Sacraments as taught by the Catechism with specific focus on the Gospel Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. The written submission will strive to encourage familiarity with current Bishop’s Directives and their practical application.
Church Law
An overview of the place of church related law in the Anglican tradition with specific reference to the Anglican Church Act, 2003, and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Fredericton.
The Diaconate
The holy order of deacon is not new to the Church but its use in recent centuries has been limited. This unit will provide an overview of this ministry and its place in the Diocese of Fredericton with reference to a biblical understanding and historical developments.
Local Church History
With focus on the life and times of Bishop John Medley, first Bishop of the Diocese of Fredericton, this unit will explore the theological and practical issues of the early days of the Diocese and attempt to relate their significance to current realities of church life in the Diocese and beyond.
Leadership in Ministry
A practical exploration of issues of leadership as specifically applied to congregational life and development. Leadership strategy, sharing ministry, time management and other issues of importance will be considered seen as necessary to prepare our leaders for a different future.
Anglican Church Polity
The unique nature of the Anglican Church will be explored with reference to Anglican Church structure, theology and practice.
Christian Education and Ministry with Youth
With specific emphasis on ministry with youth, this unit will explore the importance of an intergenerational vision of ministry as it is lived out in day to day parish life with reference to worship, education and spirituality as it relates to the younger individuals in congregations.
Spirituality and Prayer
An overview of Christian spirituality will be explored. Practical application of the resources of the Anglican tradition will be a particular focus.
Current Issues and Trends
This unit will focus on issues and trends influencing the life of the Church and specifically in the context of the Diocese of Fredericton.
Liturgical Studies
An overview of the history of liturgy in the Anglican church with an emphasis on the growth and development of the Anglican Eucharist. Consideration will be given to the principles and potential of current and continuing developments in the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Church Year
An exploration of the cycles and seasons of the church calendar and its associated lectionary resources. The pattern of lections for both Sunday and daily prayer will form a basis of consideration of some major themes and content of scripture read in a liturgical context.
Unit Descriptions
Sacramental Theology - 01 September - 30 November 2011
UNIT DESCRIPTION (15 December 2011)
Liturgical Studies - 01 April - 30 June 2011
UNIT DESCRIPTION (19 March 2011)
Local Church History - 01 January - 31 March 2011
UNIT DESCRIPTION (03 January 2011)
Church Law - 01 September - 30 November 2010
UNIT DESCRIPTION (23 August 2010)
Financial Support
There is no "registration fee" for units of the Programme at this time. Participants are encouraged to seek financial support for incurred expenses (travel and materials) from their parishes.
All are asked to:
- Encourage their parishes and others to consider making contributions to the Mary Jacobs Education Fund in support of training for diaconal ministry
- Explore financial resources available through the Diocese of Fredericton and elsewhere
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Information for Participants
Information for Instructors
The Syllabus (programme unit list)