This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2025-2026
Teacher(s)
Language
French
Main themes
These objectives will be achieved after
a study of a question in one of the main fields of the pastoral or catechetical studies ;
an introduction to the critical use of specific studies and tools of the fields ;
an initiation into different methods in pastoral theology and catechetic.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | - achieve a study of a specific pastoral or catechetical question in a working party ; |
| 2 | - carry out and expound personal research on a specific pastoral or catechetical question ; |
| 3 | - analyse critically sources and other students' works |
Content
In 2026, the practical theology research seminar will address the issue of “religious innovation” in the Catholic Church.
Context, challenges, and general issues
The Catholic Church, often perceived as an institution rooted in tradition and resistant to change, has nevertheless undergone profound changes in its pastoral, liturgical, and community practices over the past several decades. Pope Francis' pontificate, with its call for a “Church that goes forth,” crystallizes this creative tension between fidelity to Tradition and the need to adapt to contemporary realities.
These innovations manifest themselves in a variety of ways: the emergence of new spiritual movements, the transformation of liturgical spaces, the development of new pastoral practices, the experimentation with alternative forms of community, and the integration of digital technologies into ecclesial life. These developments raise fundamental theological questions about the very nature of the Church, its mission, and its relationship to the world.
In addressing this vast field, the practical theology research seminar will reflect on the following research questions. How can we think theologically about contemporary religious innovations in the Catholic Church? To what extent do these innovations fit into the continuity of the living Tradition or constitute significant breaks with it? How can we articulate pastoral creativity and doctrinal fidelity? What criteria of theological discernment can be used to evaluate the legitimacy and fruitfulness of these innovations? To this end, we will identify innovations in different areas of ecclesial life, which will be the subject of student research to be presented and discussed in sessions.
Context, challenges, and general issues
The Catholic Church, often perceived as an institution rooted in tradition and resistant to change, has nevertheless undergone profound changes in its pastoral, liturgical, and community practices over the past several decades. Pope Francis' pontificate, with its call for a “Church that goes forth,” crystallizes this creative tension between fidelity to Tradition and the need to adapt to contemporary realities.
These innovations manifest themselves in a variety of ways: the emergence of new spiritual movements, the transformation of liturgical spaces, the development of new pastoral practices, the experimentation with alternative forms of community, and the integration of digital technologies into ecclesial life. These developments raise fundamental theological questions about the very nature of the Church, its mission, and its relationship to the world.
In addressing this vast field, the practical theology research seminar will reflect on the following research questions. How can we think theologically about contemporary religious innovations in the Catholic Church? To what extent do these innovations fit into the continuity of the living Tradition or constitute significant breaks with it? How can we articulate pastoral creativity and doctrinal fidelity? What criteria of theological discernment can be used to evaluate the legitimacy and fruitfulness of these innovations? To this end, we will identify innovations in different areas of ecclesial life, which will be the subject of student research to be presented and discussed in sessions.
Other information
This two-yearly course is taught in 2015-2016, 2017-2018,... Special offer: During the alternative academic year (2016-2018, 2018-2019, ...), a student in master with a finality in practical theology is authorised to follow the other research seminar (doctorates' degree) after the agreement of the person in charge.
Bibliography
Acquisition obligatoire du numéro 2023, 4, de la revue Lumen Vitae, sur ce thème.
Distribution d'une bibliographie commentée en début de séminaire.
Distribution d'une bibliographie commentée en début de séminaire.
Faculty or entity
