STEPS uses a holistic approach combining theological coursework,
retreats and spiritual lectures and conferences to provide its students with a
comprehensive education. All three components of STEPS are offered
off-campus at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
1. Theological Education
Each semester, two 3‑credit courses in each STEPS site in such areas as Pastoral
Theology, Christian Ethics, Systematic Theology, Spirituality, Church History and Scripture.
CORE THEOLOGY/ SCRIPTURE COURSES
FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL (Tentative)
- THE OLD TESTAMENT
BIBL 6529 Spirituality of the Old Testament
The Old Testament insight into the progressive revelation of Divine Presence
and Fidelity. A study of the creation stories; the Exodus event; the sagas;
Divine forgiveness and faithfulness; the call to holiness, and its
particular and universal aspects.
- SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
BIBL 6501 Synoptic Gospels
An historical and critical approach to the study of the gospels, its limits
and benefits, and its acceptability to the Church. The ‘synoptic problem’
and the consequences of its resolution for study of the Gospels. Diverse
forms within the Gospels and the characteristics of each Gospel.
- CHURCH HISTORY
HSTD 6809 History of Christianity
An overview of Christianity from its origins to the present: the evolution
of Christianity from a movement within Judaism to a world religion. Issues
such as Church-State relations, the Reformation and the influence of the
Enlightenment on the Church are major themes.
- DOCUMENTS OF VATICAN II
STHO 6246 Theology of Vatican II
A study of the background against which Pope John XXIII called Vatican
Council II, the Council's preparation and its deliberations, as well as some
consideration of its implementation.
ADVANCED LEVEL
- JOHN AND PAUL
BIBL 6505 Introduction to Pauline and Johannine Literature
An introduction into the various historical, literary and theological
aspects of the Fourth Gospel and of Paul's Letters, especially those
to the Galatians and Romans.
- SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY
STHO 6503 Sacraments of Initiation
A Biblical, historical, theological and liturgical treatment of the
sacraments of Christian initiation.
- SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
STHO 6202 Revelation and Faith
A historical and systematic examination of the Catholic understanding of
God's Self-Communication and humanity's correlative response in faith.
- MORAL THEOLOGY
CETH 6130 Major Themes in Christian Ethics
A survey of Christian ethics including fundamental moral theology and
Catholic teaching in sexual morality, health care and social justice.
2. Praxis
In collaboration with the other programs of the Institute for Christian
Spirituality and the faculty of the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of
Theology, STEPS offers several spiritual conferences and lectures each year both
at Immaculate Conception Seminary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.
These praxis events are not limited to just the STEPS graduate students, but are open to any interested participants.
Topics include: Introduction to Theological Reflection, Catechesis, Scripture
Studies, Sacraments, Evangelization, Leadership, Communication.
3. Spiritual Formation
The spiritual formation of our students is critical to their training for church
ministry. This component will be provided by the following:
- Theological Reflection
Students participate in Theological Reflection groups during their
graduate classes to insure the incorporation of their class knowledge into
their faith and personal lives.
- Retreats
STEPS offers several yearly retreats, both at the
Seminary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. These retreats will not
be limited to STEPS graduate students, but will be open to any interested
participants.
- Foundational Spiritual Experience
Offered eight times a year at the Seminary, this program provides reflection on lay
spirituality in the richness of the Christian prayer tradition, the practice
of individual and communal prayer, the meaning of lay participation in the
sacramental life of the parish, and spiritual exercises for parish leaders.
