Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy
The one-year programme in liturgy, conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy, offers candidates the opportunity to study liturgy under its theological, historical, spiritual and pastoral aspects. It is planned to meet the needs of people for their future or continued work in liturgy at parish, community or diocesan level.
Admission Requirements
= A primary degree in theology, or with a major theology component is required.
= Students with other degrees or with a professional diploma or equivalent qualification may be admitted if they have experience in parish or liturgical ministry.
= Extra courses in theology may be required, as well as an oral examination.
Aims of the Liturgy Course
=Provides a comprehensive training in liturgy and a leadership role in pastoral work
=Prepares for parish and diocesan ministry
Programme of Study
The course is a taught programme through lectures, workshops and practical sessions.
Tutorial assistance is available to students and this can enable them to concentrate on particular aspects of liturgy.
The main areas of study include:
Theology and practice of liturgy
Eucharist
Sacraments
Liturgy and Time
Prayer and Liturgy
Spirituality
Human Communication in Liturgy
Music
Complementary courses include:
The Bible in Worship
Early Christian Worship
Eastern Rites
Church Art and Architecture
Ministry
Liturgy and Culture
Liturgy and Pastoral Care
Students for the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy are required to take guided reading courses in the main courses of study.
They are required to take two seminars on pastoral liturgy and liturgical theology.
Assessment
=Written work in the form of term essays
=An oral examination on completion of the programme
=Major written work of 15,000 words
Benefits of Studying Liturgy
=Helps deepen and appreciate the fullness of life that Christ offers through the liturgical celebrations
=More effective in the ministry of reading, music, baptismal teams, liturgy groups, RCIA, bereavement groups,
care of the sick, prayer groups.
TImetable
=Classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10.00 -12.00 and 2.00 - 4.00 p.m.