PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY

ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE, MAYNOOTH

JANUARY EXAMINATIONS 2021

HIGHER DIPOLMA IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Systematic Theology

ST403: The Church and its Sacraments

Rev. Dr Tomás Surlis, Rev. Dr. Eugene Duffy

To be submitted via turnitin on Moodle on or

before 9.00 am on 23 January 2021

Instructions to Candidates:

 Please answer two questions: one from section A and one from section B

 This is an “open book” exam, you may consult any source you wish. However, if you quote
or paraphrase something you must acknowledge it in a footnote (there is no need for a
bibliography).

 The final length of the exam is 1,500 words +/- 10% (non-inclusive of footnotes). This word
count is for the sum of both questions together.

 You will have from 9 AM on Thursday 21st January until 9 AM on Saturday 23rd January to
complete the exam. Your answers must be uploaded to Turnitin on the course Moodle page
by 9 AM on 23rd January. Please include your name on the document you upload.
 ST403: The Church and its Sacraments

SECTION (A)

Q.1. Explore why it is that theology can offer something positive when it highlights a distinction
between the Church and the Kingdom of God.

Q.2. With reference to Dulles’ Models of the Church, briefly explain his understanding of the
Church as (i) Institution; (ii) Communion; (iii) Sacrament; (iv) Herald; (v) Servant and
critically examine how his concept of the Church as Community of Disciples serves as an
integrative model in the light of the Second Vatican Council.

Q.3. As successors to the Apostles the bishops have the task of authentically interpreting the Faith.
Describe the contribution of the Magisterium of the Church to the search for truth in today’s
world.

Q.4. In his Apostolic Letter for the Great Jubilee 2000, Pope John Paul II called the Church the
“home and school of communion” (Novo millennio ineunte, 45). Christ’s presence in the midst
of the community gathered in his name has implications for our understanding of the Church
as the Community of Disciples. Discuss.

SECTION (B)

Q.1. In the introduction to Sacramental Basics, Tad Guzie writes about two different schools of
thought concerning the meaning and celebration of the sacraments in the Church post-Vatican
II: and ‘old’ and a ‘new’ school. Critically explore the insights both schools have to offer with
particular reference to the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.

Q.2. The Catholic theological vision is one that discovers God in and through the things of this
world. Explore the Catholic understanding of sacramentality in the light of the understanding
of God’s presence as it is revealed in Scripture and Church Tradition, and in a literary or
artistic work of your choosing.

Q.3. Critically examine why it is that the principle of lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi is not
merely a theological term but how, if understood correctly, it has much to offer the celebration
of the Sacraments today.

Q.4. Sacraments are not celebrations confined to a moment of time but are better celebrated if seen
to emerge from the fabric of our lives. Explore how a theological awareness of this would
benefit our sacramental celebrations today.