Marianist Studies: Three OfficesCourse Level: Basic

Course Summary

This course is based on a talk given by Father Joseph Stefanelli to the NACMS staff in September of 2009. We felt his talk answered many of the questions we have heard regarding the Three Offices throughout the years. So we took his talk and supported his words with other writings of Marianist religious and lay to offer a course that discusses the origins the Three Offices as well as supports using this system in contemporary times.

All required readings for this course are online or within the course itself.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.

General Course Objectives

  • Gain basic knowledge and understanding of the origins and functions of the Three Offices
  • Examine how each office influences the other and take a close look at the role of the Director
  • Understand how the Three Offices call us as community and as individuals to become Christ to the world

Course Materials

  • No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

  • Week 1: Session 1
    • Gain understanding of the origins of the Three Offices
    • Obtain a basic definition of the Three Offices
    • Comprehend the Three Offices as both an administrative and practical tool
  • Week 2: Session 2
    • Examine the role of each office
    • Determine how each office influences the other
    • Look at the role of the Director in conjunction with the Three Offices
  • Week 3: Session 3
    • Determine how the Three Offices are imbued with the Marianist Charism
    • Ascertain the role of the Three Offices in the Marianist mission and ministries of the Marianist Family
    • Create a plan to adapt or adopt the Three Offices in a Marianist Community or Institution