Pastoral Studies I: A Theory of Pastoral Practice (DP2001C)

Content

This unit presents and integrates three theoretical frameworks within which to consider pastoral practice in its day-to-day experience: psychological, anthropological, and theological. The psychological framework focuses upon human development, motivation, and the influence of the unconscious. The anthropological (philosophical) frame of reference assists students to understand ways of knowing and responding, with particular reference to symbolism, freedom, and growth. The theological framework reflects on the principles of ecclesiology, grace, context, and faith. The aim of the unit is for students to explore notions of the self (including its personal and communal dimensions), to articulate the assumptions upon which they engage in pastoral practice, and to take responsibility for their stance.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

BS1001C, BS1002C, CT1000C and CT1001C or equivalent are recommended prerequisites. While not a prerequisite, some pastoral experience would be advantageous to the student.

Pedagogy

This unit provides an interdisciplinary exploration of the conscious, unconscious, communal, and contextual dialectics of the human person engaged in pastoral ministry. It offers a combination of input from anthropological, psycho-social, and theological sources. It invites, through seminar and class discussion, critical reflection on useful frameworks for engaging in pastoral practice that is attentive, reflective, intelligent and responsible.

Indicative Bibliography

• Conn, Walter E. The Desiring Self: Rooting Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction in Self-Transcendence. Paulist Press, 1998.
• Cooper-White, Pamela. Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counselling. Fortress Press, 2006.
• Fleming, Daniel J., James F. Keenan SJ, and Hans Zollner SJ, eds. Doing Theology and Theological Ethics in the Face of the Abuse Crisis. Wipf and Stock, 2025.
• Graham, Elaine. Transforming Practice: Pastoral Theology in an Age of Uncertainty. Wipf and Stock, 1996.
• McWilliams, Nancy. Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process. Guilford Press, 2011.
• Naughton, Margaret. Clinical Pastoral Education: Coming Home to Self. Peter Lang, 2025.
• Ormerod, Neil, and Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer. Foundational Theology: A New Approach to Catholic Fundamental Theology. Fortress, 2015.
• Rulla, Luigi M., Joyce Ridick, and Franco Imoda. Existential Confirmation. Vol. 2, Anthropology of the Christian Vocation. Gregorian University Press, 1989.
• Sweeney, James, Gemma Simmonds, and David Lonsdale. Keeping Faith in Practice: Aspects of Catholic Pastoral Theology. SCM Press, 2010.

Assessment