Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog [Archived Catalog]

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TH 610 - Theology of Orders: Bishop, Priest, Deacon


This course reviews the contemporary teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the sacrament of Holy Orders in the degrees/orders of deacon, priest, and bishop. The course examines theological foundations of the sacrament in the New Testament, its development throughout the history of the Church, the teaching of Vatican II on the relationship of the priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood, the restored diaconate, and the Church’s teaching on the Catholic priesthood and women.

Prerequisites & Notes
TH 580 Theology of the Sacraments

This prerequisite may be waved in special circumstances with the permission of the Program Director.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the relationship of the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Orders to the Priesthood of Christ
  • Identify the connection between the development of the doctrine of the degrees/orders of ministerial priesthood and their roots in the New Testament
  • Explain the essential difference between the priesthood of the faithful and the sacrament of order of Holy Orders
  • Distinguish the three orders/degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders:  deacon, priest, and bishop
  • Understand and articulate the teachings of the Magisterium on the male priesthood and diaconate


Credits: 3

Offered: December



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