Partnership Programs - Certificates - SALESIAN ONLINE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

For the schedule of course offerings and instructions on how to enroll, click here.

Several courses have already been offered (those listed in capital letters).  New courses continue to be developed.  Listed below are descriptions of the courses, as well as a tentative schedule of when they will be offered.

Historical Studies

• The Salesian Heritage (in development) -- Studies the legacy of St. Francis de Sales by comparing him with other saints and doctors of the Church, by considering his inspiration in the founding or patronage of various religious orders, and by examining the influence of his thought at the Second Vatican Council.

• THE SALESIAN SPIRIT -- Studies the life and times of both St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, as these are situated in the French school of spirituality in the Church of the Counter-Reformation period, and introduces basic themes in Salesian Spirituality. 

• SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP -- Examines aspects of spiritual friendship through a study of the inspired relationship between St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, with a focus on the life of St. Jane.

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Bro. Daniel P. Wisniewski, OSFS, M.A. - Instructor of Mathematics at DeSales University.

Theological Studies

• EUCHARIST: "the sun of all spiritual exercises" -- celebrating the "year of the Eucharist" (2004-2005) proclaimed by Pope John Paul II, this course examines St. Francis de Sales' preaching and teaching about the most holy sacrament and the celebration of the Mass

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS, S.T.D. - Professor of Theology and Director of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University. 

• SALESIAN CHRISTIAN HUMANISM -- Examines the doctrinal aspects of Salesian thought, particularly Christology and anthropology, as these provide the foundation for, and are practiced in, the love of friendship. 

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS, Ph.D. -  Senior Salesian Scholar at DeSales University.

• A SALESIAN CIVILIZATION OF LOVE -- considers principles of Salesian spirituality, with emphasis on the virtues, as these are conducive to faith formation for teaching and living the "social gospel"

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, Ph.D. - Senior Salesian Scholar at DeSales University.

• SALESIAN SCRIPTURES -- Examines the manner by which St. Francis de Sales appropriated the teachings of Sacred Scripture and incorporated them in his own preaching and writing, with examples from his sermons and his "Mystical Exposition on the Canticle of Canticles"

The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS, S.T.D. - Professor of Theology and Director of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University. 

Literary Studies

• INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE -- Offers a close reading of the devotional classic, along with an examination of its various teachings on the life of holiness lived in the contemporary world.  

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Donald Heet, OSFS, D.Min. - Clinical Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of America.

• TREATISE ON THE LOVE OF GOD -- three distinct courses that offer a close reading of selected portions of this mystical classic (books 1-4, 5-8, 9-12), along with an examination of its various teachings on union with God.

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Donald Heet, OSFS, D.Min. - Clinical Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of America.

• Mediations on the Faith (in development) -- Offers a close reading of The Catholic Controversies, along with an examination of continuing questions relative to the defense of the faith (apologetics).  

  The faculty facilitator for this course will be Mr. Charles Lewis, M.A. - adjunct faculty at DeSales University.

• The Spiritual Conferences (in development) -- offers a close reading of the saint's talks to the Sisters of the visitation, along with an examination of their continuing relevance for the various forms of consecrated life in today's Church

Pastoral Studies

• EVERYDAY HOLINESS through the Spiritual Directory -- examines the "custom book" written originally by St. Francis de Sales for the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary and adapted subsequently by various groups, discloses the secret to achieving holiness in the Salesian tradition, and offers useful advice for how to put this spirituality into practice in the ordinary events of one's life.

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS, S.T.D. - Professor of Theology and Director of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University.

  "I have often heard 'LIVE JESUS' ... but I understand it much better after taking this course.  ... This class has improved my spiritual focus and given me ways to improve my relationship with God."   (Sonia Faletti, Virginia)

• Leadership the Salesian Way (in development) -- examines principles of interpersonal relations and organizational dynamics, in comparison with contemporary management training programs, so as to develop skills for personal and professional growth

The faculty facilitator for this course will be Rev. Peter Leonard, OSFS, Ph.D.. - Dean of Graduate Studies and facilitator for the Salesian Leadership Institute at DeSales University.

• SALESIAN APPROACH TO PERSONAL IDENTITY -- considers various insights from Western psychological theory (primarily Erik Erikson) concerning personal development and growth across the life-span, and integrates these with the wisdom of a Salesian understanding of the human person as graced, gifted, and God-like, toward the goal of helping students interpret their current life situation. 

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. James Greenfield, OSFS, Ed.D. - coordinator of Salesian programs for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

• SALESIAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION -- Examines the Christian call to a life of perfection and the exercise of discernment, particularly as these are reflected in the saints' letters of spiritual direction to both religious and laity. 

  The faculty facilitator for this course is Rev. Joseph A. DiMauro, OSFS, Ed.D. - Principal of Nativity Prep (Wilmington, DE).

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