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BTI Consortium | Last Updated November 17, 2025 - 3:00PM
Saint John's Seminary
School
Saint John's Seminary
BL671
The Parables of Jesus
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP26
This course will survey the interpretive history of the parables of Jesus, explore their complexity, and focus on why some see the parable as a bridge that may lead back to the original voice of Jesus. The class will also discuss the meaning of the parables based primarily upon an exegetical and narrative analysis of the text with attention to current discussions in the scholarly literature. This course aims to develop the student’s ability to appreciate how parables support the evangelists’ overall theological perspective which enables one to integrate it meaningfully into preaching, teaching, and theological reflection. Completion of the course should give the student the ability to: apply various interpretive methodologies to parabolic material; explore issues that pertain to the historical Jesus; understand the parables in their historical context; draw interpretive conclusions from the context of the overall narrative; utilize the parables for preaching, teaching, and pastoral applications; survey the treatment of parables from the secondary literature.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Grover, OMV
T
2:45-4:45pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
NT502
The Letters of Saint Paul
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP26
The class will pursue a close exegetical analysis of the letters, with particular attention to the historical setting, style, author and audience, political and social issues. The course will also develop the student’s ability to integrate Paul’s perspective meaningfully into preaching, teaching, and theological reflection.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Achu
MRF
11:00-11:50 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
CH502
Church History II
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP26
This survey course aims to introduce students to the history of the Catholic Church from the beginning of the sixteenth century to the present day. Through an examination of the historical narrative, including its key periods, movements, and figures, students will come to a deeper understanding of the history of the Catholic Church in the modern period.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. Coughlin
TR
Tues 10:30-11:45 AM; R 9:00-10:15 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
TH503
Ecclesiology
BTI Category
Semester
Church Polity/Canon Law
SP26
This course is a systematic study of the foundation, nature, structure and mission of the Church. The course follows the treatment of themes found in the Vatican II Constitution Lumen Gentium, and gives particular emphasis to the revealed doctrine of the necessity of the Church, the holiness of the Church, and the relation of the Church to other faiths and to the temporal order.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Macdonald
R
9:00-10:15 AM; 1:15-2:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
TH506
Sacramental Theology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP26
This course includes a general theory of the sacraments based on the principles of Catholic sacramental realism and examines the major moments in the history of sacramental theology with the aim of achieving a measure of systematic understanding concerning what a sacrament is and what it does. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and other documents of faith, such as liturgical and conciliar texts, supply the principles for this theological inquiry, which also includes particular treatment of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Zwosta
R
10:30-11:45 AM; 1:15-2:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
TH551
Ecclesiology
BTI Category
Semester
Church Polity/Canon Law
SP26
This is a systematic study of the nature and mission of the Church, emphasizing particularly the vocation and mission of the baptized. All classes will meet in person in St. John’s Hall.`
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. O’Connor
S
8:30AM - 12:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Alternating Saturdays
School
Saint John's Seminary
THMT620
Controversies in the Theology of Grace
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP26
This course will examine the history of theological arguments on the nature and purpose of Divine Grace. Through a chronological survey of primary sources and commentaries, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the necessity of a correct understanding of Divine Grace. Specific topics will include: Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism, Reformation-era works, Jansenism, the De Auxiliis Controversy, and modern debates on pure nature.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Sanders
R
2:45-4:45 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
ST500
Liturgy and Sacraments
BTI Category
Semester
Preaching, Liturgy, & Ritual
SP26
The goal of this course is to give the students a fuller appreciation of the liturgical life of the Church. This will be accomplished by first addressing a general understanding of what is meant by liturgy. The course will then look at each of the sacraments of the Church developing both an historical perspective of the sacraments’ liturgical expression and appreciation of the theology that underlies each of the sacraments. As part of the coursework the current ritual expression of each sacrament will be addressed to see how it continues the traditions of the Church and how it expresses the theology of the sacrament. This course is a hybrid course of alternating in-person classes at Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton, MA, and online meetings using the Canvas learning platform.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Mahoney
T
6:00-8:00 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
OT502
Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom
BTI Category
Semester
Scripture & Biblical Studies
SP26
This course prepares students to read the biblical text in a scholarly manner with an ecclesial spirit. Account is taken of modern scholarship, while reading the inspired text from the heart of the Church. Relevant Church documents are referenced. The nature of Hebrew poetry is investigated, with its eminent suitability as a theological medium. The literary, historical, and theological dimensions of the Old Testament are discussed through exegetical study of selected texts. In no way bypassing the literal and historical senses of the text, that the New Testament is “hidden in the Old” — that Christ is the “measure” of Scripture — is not overlooked. Emphasis is placed upon the theological, spiritual, and pastoral message of these life-giving texts. Since Scripture is the “soul of theology,” a solid understanding of these texts will benefit preaching and catechesis.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Briody
MWF
9:00-9:50 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
CH603
Survey of American Church History
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP26
This survey course aims to introduce students to the history of the Catholic Church in the United States. It will provide a context for better understanding the mission and ministry of the particular church in the United States and the unique circumstances in which it has grown since its beginning. From the founding of Maryland in 1634 through the present day, Catholics have played a pivotal role in American life. Through an examination of the historical narrative, including its key periods, movements, and figures, students will come to a deeper understanding of the history of the Catholic Church in the United States and, through it, a deeper understanding of their roles as future priests and ministers in the nation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. Coughlin
R
2:45-4:45pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
HT501
Patristics
BTI Category
Semester
Church History/History of Religions
SP26
This course surveys the development of the early Church from the first century through the sixth century. Readings, lectures, and class discussion introduce the student to the theologies, teaching, and personalities of the early Christian period.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Staley-Joyce
TR
9:00-10:15 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
LT402
Elementary Latin II
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
SP26
It is assumed that the student has had no formal instruction in Latin or has had only one or two years of high school Latin. The course will introduce students to Latin grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. (1.5 credits are earned per semester at the graduate level.)
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. O'Hanlon
TR
1:15-2:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
1.5
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
TH505
God: One and Three
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP26
The mystery of the Trinitarian God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is at the heart of all reality. Its expressions in biblical witness, creedal faith, theological doctrine, and concrete practice provide the essential shape and content of the Christian life. This course explores the historical development and systematic formulation of the Catholic Christian teaching on the Trinity. First, it begins with a survey of the biblical foundations. Next, it investigates the patristic contributions, notably the controversies leading up to the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople as well as Augustine’s De trinitate. Then, it examines the medieval contributions of Thomas Aquinas’s Summa theologiae I, questions 2–43. Finally, it interrogates the modern contributions of Karl Rahner’s The Trinity among others. This class provides students essential resources to construct a solid foundation for a theological understanding of the Trinity and equips them with helpful tools to witness, preach, and minister to the family of humanity created and saved by the Trinitarian God.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Reisenauer, O.P.
W
10:30-11:45 AM; 1:15-2:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
TH514
Theological Anthropology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP26
This course covers a range of topics concerning the theology of the human person. It treats creation, the Fall, justification, merit, grace, and eschatology (the Last Things). Special topics include man as a union of body and soul; human freedom; human sociality; sexual difference; and work. All classes will meet in person at Saint John’s Hall.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Shah, O.P.
S
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Alternating Saturdays
School
Saint John's Seminary
THMT616
Spiritual Theology
BTI Category
Semester
Systematic Theology & Philosophy (Western)
SP26
This course explores the primary ways in which divine grace acts upon human nature as a person experiences deepening union with God. Traversing the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways, the student will better understand the changing dynamics of prayer, asceticism, virtue, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the Christian life. Particular attention will be given to the works of Thomas Aquinas, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Stamm
MF
9:00-10:15 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
MT501
Moral Theology
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
SP26
This course will introduce students to the major themes of Catholic Moral Theology. Grounded in the teaching of the 1993 encyclical Veritatis splendor, instruction will address man’s vocation to beatitude, the specification of moral objects, the dynamics of human freedom, the morality of the passions, as well as a survey of the theological and moral virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Students will examine the role of the Magisterium in moral matters as well as Catholic belief regarding sin, grace, and the moral law.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Nakkeeran
MF
10:40-11:45 AM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Saint John's Seminary
ST502
Marriage and Family
BTI Category
Semester
Ethics (all traditions)
SP26
A study of the 1983 Code of Canon Law marriage canons in their historical and doctrinal context with special consideration given to consent, covenant, and sacrament, as well as mixed and interfaith marriages and pastoral preparation and care for persons marrying.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Fr. Ferme
T
10:30-11:45 AM; 1:15-2:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Online?
N
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
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