Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy

Course details

Conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy, offers candidates the opportunity to study the worship of the Church, its tradition and its place in the Church today. It aims to provide training in liturgy to enable the student to take a leadership role in pastoral work, specialising in liturgy, at diocesan and parish level.

Admission Requirements

Students are required to have a primary degree where theology is at least a major component. Students with other degrees, or with a professional diploma or equivalent qualification, may be admitted if they have experience in parish or liturgical ministry. They may be required to take extra courses in theology, and to take an oral examination while studying for the higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy.

Programme of Study

Students must take the basic course work for the Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy. In addition, they take guided reading courses in the main courses: theology and practice of liturgy, Eucharist, sacraments, liturgy and time, prayer and liturgical spirituality, human communication in liturgy, music. They are required to take part in two seminars on pastoral liturgy and liturgical theology.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through written work on the various courses in 7 – 8 semester essays, and through an oral examination on completion of the programme. In addition, a major written work of c. 15,000 words, must be submitted.