ST 637 Theology of the Eucharist

Course Description: This course will present a basic theology of mystery of the Eucharist in light of Sacred Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Topics that will be studied include: the Biblical concept of sacrifice, the Christological origins of the Eucharist, Patristic theologies of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, Tridentine and Modern developments concerning the Sacrifice of the Mass, and communion ecclesiology. Theological consideration will also be given to the relation of the Eucharist to various forms of liturgical rites, and to the canonical laws of the Church. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand from a Catholic perspective the fundamental theology of the Holy Eucharist as sacrament and as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

2. Identify the biblical and patristic teachings about the Eucharist

3. Articulate historical challenges to the Catholic teaching on and practice of the Eucharist, as well as the response of the Magisterium to these challenges

4. Reflect systematically on the mystery of the Eucharist from a Thomistic perspective

5. Identify ways that the rites of the Mass and the theology of the Eucharist are mutually informative