Assembly Theology and Sacramentality in Jesuit Schools

Abstract

This thesis proposes a connection between the theology of the assembly and the education offered by the Society of Jesus in its schools. For young people, the school should be a place where they learn that life in community is the fullest form of life. Sacramentality is a constitutive dimension of the Church and the Christian faith, and inspires us to live our faith in all situations and circumstances. As a result, liturgy has a significant impact on the formation and transformation of the Christian community. It is essential that the liturgy is adequate to allow members to express their faith in God and experience God's life through the love they receive for the world. Although not all students in Jesuit schools are Catholic, the Jesuit school is an assembly where all members must develop a sacramental look at reality. Liturgy can be a link between all these elements, for when it is "sacramenally adequate," it is a source of nourishment and continual conversation for the faith life of a Christian community. In summary, this thesis argues that assembly theology and Jesuit education must go together to form a sacramentally adequate Christian community where the liturgy is a source of ongoing transformation and conversion.