The spring 2004 schedule for the Felician College off-campus religious studies certificate program has been announced and, for the first time, includes a course offering in Warren County. Phillipsburg was selected as the location for one of the classes due to the increasing population in the western part of the diocese.

The following courses will begin the week of Jan. 19:

· Introduction to the Second Testament (RS-103 OC), Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m., St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge – An introduction to the study of the Christian Scriptures, this course familiarizes the student with the general content of the Second Testament. It traces the origin of these writings in the early Christian community and discovers the relevance of the Good News for our own times.

· Christology (RS-201 OC), Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m., Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison – This course is an up-to-date scriptural investigation of the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. It examines the Jewish socio-religious background of the Jesus tradition and the development of different understandings of Christ as expressed in Catholic tradition.

· Contemporary Moral Issues (RS-105 OC), Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m., St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater – This course deals with the fundamental principles of Christian moral teaching as developed from Scripture, the tradition of the Church and human experience. It explores selected moral issues such as formation of conscience, personal freedom and law and modern bioethical dilemmas.

· Christian Sacraments and Worship (RS-204 OC), Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m., St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg – This course investigates in what context Jesus began, and his followers continue, to celebrate rituals called Sacraments. Study includes the origin, historical developments and underlying theologies of each of the seven Sacraments.

Students who complete the 24-credit religious studies program will be certified as master catechists. They will be prepared for volunteer positions in all ministerial programs, including religious education, youth ministry, peer support, sacramental preparation and R.C.I.A. In addition, they will be qualified for professional ministerial positions in religious education and pastoral ministry in a variety of settings.

Felician College offers a discount to those students eligible for the off-campus certificate program. A three-credit course will be reduced to $727. The diocese provides a limited number of grants of $390 toward the semester tuition of $727. Parishes or schools are asked to provide grants of $180 toward the tuition, with the student then paying $157 plus a $25 registration fee per semester.

For more information, contact the diocesan Office of Religious Education at (732) 562-1990, ext. 1310.