Vatican II
Level 2 – Course 5: Six Sessions
Learn about the key teachings and developments which are still shaping the Church and her followers, over 50 years later. By studying the documents of this major council, we can live out our faith even more fully through careful observance of her teaching and how it guides our daily lives and interactions with others.
Student Learning Objectives:
Students will analyze the background, structure, and teachings of the Second Vatican Council in order to better understand the current life of the Catholic Church. Students will develop a spiritual and intellectual appreciation and understanding of the Council documents in order to enable them to recognize and express the issues facing the Church in the twenty-first century.
SUPPLEMENTAL READING LIST
All 16 documents of the Second Vatican Council can be downloaded at http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/index.htm
Suggested Course Outline
I. Introduction to Vatican II
a. History
b. Terms
c. Controversy
d. Themes
e. Documents
II. The Four Constitutions
a. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
b. Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation
c. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church
d. Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
III. The Church as the People of God
a. Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church
b. Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests
c. Decree on the Training of Priests
d. Decree on the Up-to-Date Renewal of Religious Life
e. Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People
f. Decree on Ecumenism
g. Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches
IV. The Church in the World
a. Decree on the Mass Media
b. Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity
c. Declaration on Christian Education
d. Declaration on Religious Liberty
e. Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions