IMTH 770: Pastoral Care of the Sick
2 credits
If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, all the members suffer with them (1 Cor 12:26). For this reason, the Church has always cared for the sick, the dying, and the grieving through works of charity and mutual support in addition to her sacramental ministry. All the baptized share in the ministry of mutual charity to support those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. In this course, students will learn the theological foundation, the pastoral skills, and practical guidance to accompany the sick, dying, and grieving in the parish community. The course will begin with an overview of the Catholic theology of suffering and then explore a mystagogical theology of the Sacraments of Anointing, Communion to the sick and homebound, and Reconciliation revealed in The Pastoral Care of the Sick Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. Catholic moral teaching on end of life will be embedded throughout the lectures. Students will learn the best practices in parish ministries of accompaniment and develop the necessary pastoral skills to enable them to engage effectively in this work of mercy.