THEO 4051: Spiritual Theology and Prayer

Newman University Degree Program

Part of the Diaconate Formation Program

Time: Formation Weekends (2nd Weekend of Each Month) January-May
Location: Catholic Pastoral Center
English Section Instructor: Alexander Schmitt, M.A.
Spanish Section Instructor: Lilly Bermúdez-Wilkins, M.A.


Spiritual Theology and Prayer

The Altum Institute
The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Course Description

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.

Instructors

Alexander Schmitt, English Instructor
  Alexander (Xander) Schmitt currently serves the Archdiocese of Oklahoma as Director of the Altum Institute. He studied mathematics and electrical engineering in pursuit of a B.S. as a Polymath at the University of Oklahoma. He worked as an engineer in the Oil Industry before responding to the call of the Lord to go to Seminary. At Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in conjunction with St. Louis University, he studied Philosophy and Theology at a graduate level. His Master’s thesis is a call to view atonement theory through the Ancient Israelite understanding of redemption and the patrimonial symbol of the “House of the Father”.
Lilly Bermúdez-Wilkins, Spanish Instructor
  Lilly Bermúdez-Wilkins has served the Archdiocese for many years as an instructor for Newman University classes as well as catechizing through the Ladder of Ascent Program. She also has devoted time as a primary instructor of the Franciscan at Home Workshops. She holds a M.A. in Theology from Ave Maria University.

Questions?

Contact Us!

The Altum Institute

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Altum@archokc.org

405-709-2718

7501 Northwest Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73132