Old Testament Narrative
Fee: $60 | Five Weeks
Often we only hear Scripture a few verses at a time. Would you like a better grasp on how all those pieces of the Old Testament fit together? In this course we explore a narrative arc through the Old Testament, illustrating a history of God’s relating with humankind.
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Beginning with God transforming chaos into life-sustaining order through creation, we’ll survey the development of covenant as God’s means for engaging us in relationship, review the ongoing calling of prophets to communicate God’s will, and investigate the appointment of kings as agents of God’s justice and deliverance for the people.
Topics
- Week 1: Introduction to the course
- Week 2: Creation
- Week 3: Covenant
- Week 4: Prophecy
- Week 5: Kingship
Digital text available in the course: Andrew R. Davis. Exploring the Old Testament, Twenty-Third Publications, 2018.
Content Scholars:
Andrew R. Davis (text), associate professor of Old Testament; Richard J. Clifford, S.J., (video), professor emeritus of Old Testament; Michael Simone, S.J., (video), assistant professor of Old Testament; and Thomas D. Stegman, S.J., (video), professor of Old Testament; Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
The Engaged Parish
Fee: $60 | Five Weeks
Working for a more vibrant faith community? Adult faith formation plays a vital role in animating the local church. Yet, it often suffers relative neglect. This course is for anyone on a parish council or other ministry with adults.
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Explore the ways in which faith formation can happen anywhere members work together in the life of the church through evangelization, catechesis, and conversation about things that really matter. This course considers the cultural issues of diversity in the parish and post-modernity in the greater society as the context for deepening adults' engagement in the faith community. It also reflects on the communities of practice that make up the parish, and how to leverage them in helping individuals grow in their faith.
This course was previously titled "Adult Faith Formation for a Vibrant Church."
This course has a required text: Jane E. Regan. Forming A Community of Faith: A Guide to Success in Adult Faith Formation Today. Twenty-Third Publications, 2014
Topics
- Introductory Week: The Contemporary Context for Adult Faith Formation
- Week 1: Connecting Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation
- Week 2: Key Themes in the Catechetical Vision
- Week 3: The Skill of Engaging Adults in Conversation
- Week 4: Community of Practice: A New Perspective of Parish Life
Additional Materials Needed:
Jane E. Regan. Forming A Community of Faith: A Guide to Success in Adult faith Formation Today. Twenty-Third Publications, 2014
Content Scholars: CSTM Professors Thomas Groome, Theresa O'Keefe, Hosffman Ospino, and Jane E. Regan
Spirituality Matters
Fee: $60 | Five Weeks
Spirituality is a common concern, one that has significance throughout the details of a person’s life. But what is spirituality, really? Why is it important? And how does one live a spiritual life?
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Join us in discussing these important questions, as we seek to understand how it’s less about having spiritual experiences and more about experiencing life as a whole person (intellect, will, and emotion) in a spiritual way. Examine how practices of prayer and community, as well as the experience of suffering, can help to liberate our imaginations, and show us reality in a new way.
This course has a required text: Dolores R. Leckey, 7 Essentials for the Spiritual Journey (Crossroad Publishing, 1999) (Crossroad Publishing) (Amazon)
Topics:
Week 1: Introduction to the Course
Week 2: What is Spirituality?
Week 3: What is Prayer?
Week 4: What Can Suffering Teach Us?
Week 5: Do I Need Community?
Content Scholar:
Rev. Michael J. Himes, priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, and professor of theology, Boston College Theology Department.
The readings and the faith journeys of the other participants helped to reinforce my own personal faith. The entire online course has honestly motivated me to spend more time in centering prayer. I have also begun to read other resources to help me remain mindful and centered on God throughout the day. Thank you for offering this practical course. ~ Participant, Spring 2012
Thank you for providing your on-line classes. I live in a rural area and seldom have an opportunity to take a class that supports my faith. This is a wonderful ministry. You have touched many people -- not only the participants, but also the people whose lives they touch! ~ Participant, Fall 2011