Labels: Diocese of Wollongong, Beginning Theology
Why study theology at home?
As we grow in our faith many questions arise - questions that come from our own experience, questions put to us by our children and those around us, questions that arise as a result of our living with others. Our life is a mystery to be lived, a search for answers to all the questions and challenges that come from our individual relationship with God. If you desire to enter into the search, delve more deeply into the questions and challenges of life, then Beginning Theology may be just the course you have been looking for.
Overview - who will benefit from this course?
This introduction to theology is designed for anyone who:
- has no formal theological background;
- wishes to benefit from an introduction to theology in the Catholic tradition
The style of the course is open learning. That means you do not attend lectures. You study at home, but also meet regularly with a small group of other students to share your learnings. Beginning Theology was written and developed by staff of the Institute of Faith Education; there are students enrolled from many Catholic dioceses throughout Australia as well as Asia and the Pacific.
Printable version of course brochure: 
Beginning Theology (191.57 Kb)
It is suitable for: Beginning Theology (191.57 Kb)
- parents;
- over 18’s;
- sacramental preparation teams;
- RCIA participants and those newly received into the Church;
- special religious education teachers (Catechists) in state schools and parishes;
- teachers in Catholic and ecumenical schools;
- those involved in parish ministries.
What support will I have?
The following support is available:
- A local support person (mentor) will be assigned to each cluster group. This person will attend group meetings and will be available to support participants throughout the course.
- The course coordinators are in regular contact with mentors, and are readily available to participants. They organise the orientation workshops.
- Assessment is the shared responsibility of participants and assessors.
- The Diocesan Coordinator handles enquiries, enrolment procedures and associated tasks.
- Each of the above is contactable by phone or email.
How does the course operate?
The course is designed to enable you to study at home but to meet regularly with a support group of local people.
There are four modules accompanied by set readings. Each theme is broken into bite-size units. The four modules deal with the following themes:
- 1. God
Assists the student to focus on images and nature of the God we believe in, our relationship with God and the problem of evil and suffering. It also focuses on reasons for believing God exists and on experiencing the God who is beyond us, among us and within us. - 2. Word of God
An introduction to the Bible as the inspired Word of God. After reviewing the major sections and themes of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, the student considers Jesus’ own question to his followers: "Who do you say I am?" This leads to a consideration of Jesus’ identity and the titles given him. - 3. People of God
Focuses on the Church as the community of God’s people and followers of Jesus Christ. The aim of this module is to examine the origins of the Church, different images of Church and the mission of the Church today. As well, it is an opportunity to revisit the place of Mary and the Saints among the People of God, to understand the notion of sacramentality and reasons for the Catholic Church’s celebration of seven Sacraments. - 4. Following Jesus Christ
Commences by considering what it means to follow Jesus Christ in the world today. It then moves on to examine issues such as the moral law, virtue-based ethics and the place of personal conscience, before focusing on interpersonal and social issues. The Module concludes with a consideration of eschatological issues – death, judgment, heaven, hell and hope for the future.
Students who enrol are provided with a handbook/study guide, modules and set readings.
As part of the learning process students are required to:
- attend orientation workshops at the commencement of Modules 1, 2 & 3
- engage with a variety of set readings for personal reflection and group discussion
- attend a local cluster group meeting every month for approximately two hours to complete specific tasks which form part of your assessment
- complete a variety of assessment tasks at the completion of each Module
Course information
There are two ways of doing the Beginning Theology course:
- Simply follow the course materials and participate in your local discussion group. or
- Choose to follow assessment tasks at the end of each module and receive a nationally recognised Certificate in Theology.
Length of course
12-13 months (excluding school holidays)
Cost
$45.00 non-refundable deposit and $95.00 at the start of each module. Full cost: $425.00 (Negotiable: please contact us regarding special circumstances)
Cost includes all course materials and readings.
Fee Assistance
Centrelink support is available for those who are already eligible for education assistance.
Enrolment procedures
• Complete the enclosed enrolment form and return it.
• Full or partial payment should accompany the enrolment form.
A letter acknowledging your enrolment will indicate the time and place of the initial workshop.
Further information
Beginning Theology has been developed by the Institute of Faith Education, Archdiocese of Brisbane.
The Diocese of Wollongong Coordinator is:
Richard McMahon
T (02) 4253 0900
F (02) 4253 0998
E
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