This course will start will the question “What is prayer?” As we unpack our relationship with the Divine Godhead and in the communication within, we will navigate through various types of prayer, their historical roots and characteristics as well as their essential attributes. In this course the students will embark on a journey of exploration through the various spiritualities in the Tradition of the Catholic Church. Finally, we will draw our newfound tools to discuss the various aspects of Liturgical prayer, with particular attention to those proper to a Deacon.

The academic content of this course aims at meeting the criteria for deaconate formation as articulated by the National Directory.  All material is presented in a systematic, comprehensive, and integrated manner that is faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.  The pedagogical terms used in this section are to be understood as moving from a more cursory to a deeper, more penetrating understanding of the subject matter:

Familiarity with the various prayer Traditions and spiritualities within the Catholic Church

Facility with prayer such that one is able to pray both privately and publicly with ease with and without prayer rubrics.

Knowledge of the spiritual realities at play in various types of prayer

Develop a broad understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the various traditions of prayer.

Attain the habitual practice of prayer in private and communal life.