Classes
Understanding our Catholic Faith Series
The Language of our Catholic Faith
St. Anselm famously stated that “Theology is faith seeking understanding.” Using the sources of our Catholic faith, discover how Holy Scripture, Tradition, and Church teaching shape our understanding of God’s deep and abiding love for us revealed in the events of history, in the words and teachings of the prophets and in fullness through the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. Participants learn key aspects of Catholic theology bringing to light the Church’s teaching on revelation and faith; the meaning of sin and salvation; the doctrine of God; Scripture and Tradition; an understanding of church and the spiritual dimensions of Christian life.
The Old Testament is “Good News” too!
Did you ever wish you understood the Old Testament a little bit better? The Old Testament can be a challenge when traveling without a flashlight, compass and nicely marked trails. Let me be your tour guide as I point out some of the primary landmarks and landscapes which reveal God’s saving love for His people and the moral compass giving direction to our life of faith.
The Good News of Jesus Christ
Jesus told his disciples, “I have come so that you may have life in abundance.” Deepen your understanding of the liberating, reconciling, healing and loving presence of God made known to us in Jesus Christ. The Gospels are both an invitation and a challenge for us to deepen our faith, discipleship and loving encounter with Jesus who restores us to abundant life!
The Church and Vatican II
Pope Paul VI described the Church as a mystery imbued with the hidden presence of God. It is in and through the Church that the sacramental and real presence of Christ and his mission continue to be a sign of God’s saving message for all people. Learn how the Second Vatican Council reawakened the Church to the call of Holiness, Communion and Witness for the ongoing conversion of Christians and to the reconciliation of all peoples!
Christian Thought through the Ages
From small house churches to powerful popes! A Journey through the historical development of our Catholic Church by exploring institutional structures, intellectual and spiritual movements, powerful personalities as well as political and social challenges that have shaped the Church and Western Civilization. In this class participants study the development of its organization, ministerial functions, doctrinal teaching, worship, devotion and sacramental life from its beginnings until the present day.
The Church and Sacramental Life
Deepen your understanding of Sacramental life rooted in divine revelation, Christian life, and the on-going presence of the Holy Spirit transforming the community of Jesus Christ. Discover the in-breaking of God’s saving activity in the historical experience of the people of Israel and the extension of this saving knowledge made known in the person, ministry and death of Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on the Church and its sacramental practice as the on-going work of salvation and redemption made known in Jesus and the significance of the universal meaning of his life for the broader liberation of all peoples.
The Council of Trent, Vatican I and Vatican II
The DNA of these councils continues to have a lasting impact on our understanding of Church today. Explore the development and transformation of Catholic theology and practice from the Council of Trent through the Second Vatican Council. You will be both amazed and enlivened by the colorful personalities, powerful teachings, spiritual insights and reforming impulses of the Church as it responds faithfully to the questions, challenges and trials of the modern world.
Should we care about Ecumenism?
Pope John Paul II stated that, “The entire life of Christians is marked by a concern for ecumenism; and they are called to let themselves be shaped, as it were, by that concern”. Caring about Ecumenism is an important dimension in our call to the New Evangelization. Drawing upon the Second Vatican Council and post-conciliar developments, you will become acquainted with the historical and theological foundations of the Ecumenical Movement in its pastoral, liturgical and spiritual applications. You will become aware of the current status of the Catholic Church’s relationship to other Christian communities and the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit revealed in dialogues of charity, trust, and love.
Our Catholic Moral Teaching
An understanding of the scriptural, theological, and philosophical foundations and principles of Catholic moral teaching, conscience formation, and decision making. Will explore contemporary moral issues and demonstrate how the Church arrives at its understanding of moral behavior and the defense of the human person.
A World of Peace, Justice and Human Dignity
How can Catholics contribute to a world of justice, peace and human dignity for all God’s people and creation? Here is an opportunity to explore Catholic social morality from its roots in Sacred Scripture to it contemporary expressions reflected in official Church teaching. You will become familiar with the themes and principles which guide Catholic social teaching, drawing awareness to a faithful response to the promotion of human dignity and rights and to see the issues of justice as “a constitutive part of the Gospel.”
Our Catholic Spiritual Tradition
Jesus is our guide into understanding prayer as the source of transformation into the life of God. Learning about prayer, devotion and spirituality in the Catholic tradition will enhance our own call to holiness, communion and discipleship. Participants will gain a fuller understanding of the role of prayer and spirituality in the life of faith and explore important spiritual writings and personalities which have had a lasting and profound impact of the Church’s spiritual heritage!