DESCRIPTION: This course provides an opportunity for further exploration, through readings, discussion, and practice, of Christian spiritual theology and practices to future leaders ministering within the Latino context. A diversity of spiritualities found within Catholic and Protestant Latino churches will be put into conversation with the various Christian traditions of spirituality throughout the ages. Students will explore and practice a variety of spiritual disciplines.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) an increased understanding of the nature of spirituality; (2) an acquaintance with the richness of traditions in Christian spirituality; (3) basic skills or spiritual disciplines for developing and deepening an intimate relationship with the triune God; and (4) the desire to be a leader who continually nurtures his or her own life in the Spirit in the midst of ministry demands.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Lay leaders and clergy alike long for intimacy with God, while at the same time there is much conversation about the nature of spirituality. These factors take on a specific flavor/accent in Latino communities. Those involved in ministry with and to this community must be able to participate effectively in this conversation, guide others as they seek to follow the spiritual way, as well as nurture their own spiritual health within their ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session, for a mixture of lecture, discussion, media, and practice of spiritual disciplines. Each student will also participate in a half-day retreat on Sat., Oct. 20 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) and a Taizé service on Fri., Nov. 2 (6:30-9:30 p.m.).

REQUIRED READING: The six texts below and one book from the recommended list are required.

Barbosa de Sousa, Ricardo. Cuida tu corazón. Kairós, 2005. (259 pp.)

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Vida en comunidad. La Aurora, 1966. (122 pp.)

Driver, Juan. Convivencia radical: Espiritualidad para el siglo 21. Kairós, 2007. (85pp.)

Foster, Richard. Alabanza a la disciplina. Editorial Betania, 1986. (220 pp.)

Roldan, Alberto. La espiritualidad que deseamos. Publicaciones Alianza, 2003. (154 pp.)

Smith, G. Seguir a Jesús: Dios nos invita a un discipulado transformador. World Vision, 2001. (96 pp.)

Arenal, E. & A. Powell, eds. The Answer/La Respuesta, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz. Feminist Press, 1994.

Chittister, Joan. Doce momentos en la vida de toda mujer. Sígueme, 2004.

__________. Doce pasos hacia la libertad interior. Sal Terrae, 2005.

__________. Escuchar con el corazón. Sal Terrae, 2005.

Foster, Richard & James Bryan Smith. Devocionales Clásicos. Mundo Hispano, 2004.

Galilea, Segundo. The Future of our Past. Ave Maria Press, 1985.

Gutiérrez, Gustavo. Beber en su propio pozo. Sígueme, 1985.

Masini, Mario. Lectio divina: Oración de hoy y de siempre. Ediciones Mensajero, 2001.

Molinos, Miguel de. Guía Espiritual. Alianza, 1989.

Larrañaga, Ignacio. Muéstrame tu rostro: Hacia la intimidad con Dios. Paulinas, 2000.

Nouwen, Henri. "Tu eres mi amado": La vida espiritual en un mundo secular. PPC, 2000.

Segura, H. Más allá de la utopía: Liderazgo de servicio y espiritualidad cristiana. Kairós, 2005.