Santo Nino, Fall 2021 (August - November)
 
Faith Seeking Understanding: Intercultural Competencies for Pastoral Ministry
 
Instructor: Dr. John Chitakure (jchitakure@macssa.org)
 
Course Description: 
 
This course will involve more group dynamics than lectures. 

This course explores cultural identities, and differences in values, attitudes, perceptions of power, communication dynamics.  Participants will identify and evaluate the conscious and unconscious values and attitudes that affect their ability to relate to and work with people of various cultures.  It will also help participants develop a better understanding of racism and how it is built by systems of power that give privilege to certain cultural groups at the expense of others.  Finally, it encourages participants to acquire intercultural competencies, which can be used in pastoral ministries and society.

Required Texts
1. Law, Eric H.F. The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb, St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1993.
2. USCCB, Open Wide Our Hearts:  The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts-spanish.pdf
3. More reading material will be provided to participants.
 
 
SCHEDULED CLASS TIMES:
 
Faith Seeking Understanding classes with Dr. John Chitakure will start on Saturday, August 14 and every other weekend through Nov. 20, from 9:15 AM to 12 noon.  Next classes are:

September 11 - Methodological issues in the study of culture; Qualitative and Quantitative research methods; Ethnography and Participant Observation

September 25 - Culture and Communication Styles; Culture and Power Perceptions; The Cycle of Gospel Living

October 9 - Bennett's Stages of Intercultural Competencies Development; John's Stages of Intercultural Competencies Development

October 23 - Open Wide Our Hearts (Racism), (USCCB Pastoral Letter)

November 6 - Method of Theological/Pastoral Reflection

November 20 - Principal of Ecclesial Integration

All are welcome!