Module 06 — Sacramental Theology and Diaconal Boundaries

Workload: Approximately 40 hours  |  Section: Sacraments and Liturgy

This module forms you in the theology of the seven sacraments and, just as importantly, in a precise understanding of what a deacon may and may not do. It is deliberately not a priestly formation module — a core purpose of this module is to distinguish diaconal ministry clearly from priestly and episcopal ministry, so that you serve confidently within your own order.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain sacrament as visible sign of grace and ecclesial act of the Church.
• Identify the seven sacraments and their basic theology.
• Explain matter, form, intent, validity, licitness, and faculties in plain language.
• Distinguish diaconal, priestly, and episcopal roles.
• State clearly what deacons may and may not do.

Required and supporting resources

• Institute teaching on sacramental theology in Units 6.1–6.3.
• The rite specimens and reading resources linked within this module. Use local rites only within the permissions and authorisation of your own jurisdiction.
• Required CPDV readings and source guidance in the Unit Books.
• Institute course notes on deacons and faculties in Unit 6.4.
• Sacramental Theology: Theory and Practice from Multiple Perspectives (Bruce T. Morrill, ed.) — supplementary advanced reading, not assessed. The collected volume is CC BY-NC-ND; individual articles have their own CC BY notices. Access it through the publisher’s link. Its comparative perspectives do not determine your faculties or replace the Institute’s teaching.

Scripture and StepBible work

• Study biblical language around washing, table, laying on of hands, anointing, covenant, forgiveness, and service.
• Use StepBible to support a short explanation of one sacrament without proof-texting.

Assessment and evidence

All timed quizzes in the LDM, including this module’s, draw 20 questions from a bank of 60, run on a 25-minute timer, and allow one retake (a maximum of two attempts).

• Sacramental terminology quiz.
• Diaconal boundaries case-study quiz.
• Short written task: explain to a layperson what a deacon may and may not do.
• No priestly Eucharistic presidency video is included in the Licentiate in Diaconal Ministry — this module keeps diaconal and priestly formation clearly separate.

Monthly cohort discussion

“Why do limits protect both the minister and the faithful?”

To complete this module, you will need to:

• Terminology quiz passed with at least 80%.
• Boundaries scenario quiz passed with at least 80%.
• Lay explanation submitted.
• Discussion participation recorded.