Course Schedule
Early Fall
Finding a Moral Compass
September 22
This course lays out the social nature of the human person, explaining that Catholic Social Teaching is the Church's conviction about the human dignity of every person, as well as stating the demands that this places on each of us if we are to honor and protect our human dignity.
These issues will be addressed in light of the practice of discernment which seeks to understand what God is like, what you are like as your most authentic self, and how to find confidence that your desires are in sync with God's deepest desires for you.
"The source of the moral call is the foundational experience we have of the worth and value of persons. This is the basic data upon which ethical reflection begins." -Fr. Himes O.F.M.
( 4 Weeks | $30 )
Sept 22 - Oct 19, 2021
Liturgy Essentials
September 22
Prepare for effective liturgy planning in your faith community. Focused on the basics of Catholic liturgy, this course examines how the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy provides the vision for the liturgical life of the Church. Topics include the importance of ritual and symbol, liturgical ministry, the importance of proper liturgical space, and the way in which music and popular devotion enhance and expand the experience of meaningful worship.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Sept 22 - Oct 26, 2021
Spirituality Matters
September 22
Our spirituality affects our total outlook on life and every aspect of daily living. What is spirituality? What is at the heart of prayer? Do we need community? What can suffering teach us? Join other adults in discussing these important questions and share best spiritual practices.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Sept 22 - Oct 26, 2021
Autumn Blessings
October 06
This course examines the spiritual tasks in the second half of adulthood in contrast to the first half of life. In the course, participants have an opportunity to reflect on hope, forgiveness, mercy, self-love, and the meaning of discipleship at this stage of life. There is discussion of living in the present, shaping one's legacy, articulating one's core values, and looking at one's personal power.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Oct 6 - Nov 9, 2021
Mapping Your Inner Landscape
October 06
This course compares growth in our spiritual life to an interior journey. Guided by a book from Dolores Leckey, we investigate how we might stay on the inner road while embracing life in the 21st Century. Join us as we discuss aspects of inner exploration: change as a dynamic of our lives; the quest for balance and solitude in a noisy demanding world; and the power of gratitude in motivating our spiritual growth. In select video segments presented by Colleen Griffith, we examine compassion, solitude, and silence in the life of Thomas Merton; handling multiple commitments as interpreted through the life of St. Elizabeth Seton; and the Spirit working in our lives through the example of St. Jane de Chantal. David O. Jenkins provides a reflection on friendship as experienced through life in L'Arche communities.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Oct 6 - Nov 9, 2021
Old Testament Narrative
October 06
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? Biblical scholar Andrew Davis maps out the main arc of the Old Testament narrative through an exploration of Creation, Covenant, Prophecy, and Kingship. Each week a Boston College faculty member enriches our discussion with a video response to Davis s chapter.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Oct 6 - Nov 9, 2021
Late Fall
Effective Preaching: Preaching at Weddings
October 20
This course, developed by Rev. Msgr. James Mongelluzzo, includes videos on the theology of marriage and on preparing a wedding homily, a survey of the Lectionary passages pertaining to the marriage ceremony, as well as recommendations for meeting with the couple. Participants discuss the videos and readings as a community for conversation, guided by a facilitator.
This course is appropriate for anyone who preaches in their ministry, lay or ordained. It is accessible for beginners and can provide experienced preachers a chance to reflect on and deepen their practice.
(3 Weeks | $30 )
Oct 20 - Nov 9, 2021
History of the Church I: The Beginnings through the Medieval Period
October 20
Church history tells the stories that are woven into the fiber of the church as people of God and as institution. The church’s beliefs, practices, and relationships have been formed by believers of every generation as they endeavored to live lives of faith in their own time and place. In this course we explore the people and events that shaped culture and society as well as the church across the centuries. We look at both the epoch forming events as well as the people behind them.
( 5 Weeks | $60 )
Oct 20 - Nov 16, 2021
The Gospel of Luke
October 20
Luke sends us on a journey with Jesus, a revolutionary mission to bring down the powerful and lift up the lowly, to release the captives and heal the broken. It’s a revolution of tearing down the boundaries of hate, and ushering in a peace where all are neighbors. As he meets his destiny in Jerusalem to fulfill God’s promises, will we recognize the Lord?
Join us to learn more about this Gospel, its literary style, unique stories, and message of prayer. This course explores the Gospel's setting, the Evangelist who wrote it, and the community for which it was written. It will also introduce practices for using the Gospel in prayer and reflection about your life. No previous experience in Scripture study is necessary.
(3 Weeks | $30 )
Oct 20 - Nov 9, 2021
Xaverian Spirituality
October 20
This course provides a basic overview of the mission and spirituality of the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier (C.F.X.) and Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS). Beginning with the life of Theodore James Ryken, the Founder of the Xaverian Brothers, this course explores the pillars of Xaverian spirituality including the charism, values, and calls, which continue to animate the mission of the Xaverian Brothers and their partners in mission today.
(4 Weeks | $30 )
Oct 20 - Nov 16, 2021
Advent
A People of Hope
November 24
The Christian story the metanarrative of salvation history is shaped by biblical figures that continue to inspire us, guide our faith, and ground our hope and our lives as believers. Inspired by the Jesse Tree, this course unpacks the Advent theme of hope as lived out by our forebears in faith. Using Scripture, videos with Fr. Michael Himes, and essays by the late Fr. Raymond Brown and Dr. Colleen Griffith, we look at some of the people in Matthew's genealogy and others people of hope who readied the way for Jesus and for us. With these stories in view, participants are invited to reflect on what it means to embrace and live out Christian hope today.
(3 Weeks | $30 )
Nov 24 - Dec 14, 2021
Jesus Foretold and Fulfilled
November 24
Explore the Scriptures of Advent and Christmas for a richer celebration of these seasons. In this course you will have the opportunity to break open the Church's weekday readings for Advent, with emphasis on the dynamic of promise and fulfillment between the Old and New Testament readings as they are organized in the Lectionary. Then, take a closer look at the infancy narratives, and the distinctive approaches taken by the Evangelists. In addition, there will be recommendations for personal prayer practices in preparation for Christmas. No prior experience in Scripture study is necessary.
(3 Weeks | $30 )
Nov 24 - Dec 14, 2021