National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...

Basic Standards for Readiness173APPRECIATION/KNOWLEDGE OFPastoral Dimension15. Pastoral Theology• How to connect the academicdisciplines of theology withpastoral care• The role/function of religion inpeople’s lives• Use of theological sources toground, interpret, and guide thepastoral life of the Church• Complex theological issuesstemming from life experiences• The role of theological reflectionin pastoral ministry• The theory and practice of socialanalysis in theological reflectionDEMONSTRATED ABILITY/SKILL• To use theology as a help toanalyze pastoral situations foran understanding of God’s presenceand will as articulated inScripture, Tradition, and themagisterial teaching of theChurch• To demonstrate empathy inministry, applying religious psychologyand sociology• To locate, select, and use appropriatesources for specific pastoralsituations• To reflect in an interdisciplinaryway, using psychology, sociology,and cultural and theologicaldisciplines in understandingissues confronting societies• To facilitate a critical reflectionon complex human and churchpastoral issues doing theologicalreflection from within concreteexperiences• To use available resources toconduct social analysis, includingthe integration of the variouslevels of diocesan/parish diversity