This is the Adult Faith Formation Class Schedule through April 2009.
September
16 & 23 Growing in the Spiritual Life - This session is an invitation to all adults who would like to explore more deeply ways to deepen our living a lay spirituality through our ordinary daily lives. We will explore different styles of prayer, tools and resources for spiritual growth, the value of adult retreats, how labyrinths have been used as walking meditation, and many resources for our ongoing spiritual growth. Taught by Cathy Olds
30 Let's Read the Bible in Living Color: A Pictorial Journey to the Holy Land Join Bible teacher Kevin Saunders as he leads us on a two hour journey to the Holy Land. Many know Kevin as a Bible teacher in the Phoenix area. Kevin's unique perspective on the Bible has been forged from his time spent living and working as a tour guide in the Holy Land. Join Kevin as he makes a presentation on the importance of understanding the geography of the Middle East as it relates to our understanding of the Bible. This presentation will feature many pictures of the Holy Land and its flora and fauna. It is the next best thing to visiting there yourself. ~Kevin Saunders holds a Masters Degree in New Testament from the University of Notre Dame. He is the married father of five wonderful children. Kevin teaches his popular Bible class called "The Bible Plain and Simple" at six different venues around the valley.
October
7 Paul -The Zealous Pharisee and a Roman Citizen We will discuss the role of Religion and Politics in the Life of the "founder" of Christianity. - Taught by Vernon Meyer
14 Paul - Conversion and Faith and the Cross of Jesus Understanding the role of conversion in the life of Paul and how he came to the Cross of Jesus. -Taught by Fr. Vernon Meyer
21 Paul - Sexuality, Women and the Mind of Christ We will spend this session focusing on understanding 1st century morality and the role of women in the life of Paul and the Church. - Taught by Vernon Meyer
November
4 Annulments An aura of mystery and misunderstanding surrounds the annulment process. This course is designed to resolve some of those problems. We will look at the different kinds of annulments, the grounds for an annulment and the process. There will be ample time for questions and discussions. Taught by Sr. Bridget Chapman, M.M.
11 & 18 The History of Christian Denominations Part 1 and 2 This course looks at the history of schisms and heresies throughout the history of the Church. We will examine the issues that divided the Church. We will also explore, in the light of Vatican II, what the Catholic Church and other major Protestant denominations are doing to heal these divisions. Taught by Sr. Bridget Chapman, M.M.
December
2 The Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation This class will examine the initiation sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation and their connection to the sacrament of Baptism. We will also discuss ways these sacraments can deepen our relationship with our God in community. This is a required class for Adult Confirmation. Taught by Cathy Olds
January 2009
13 St. Paul's Writings-Understanding the Body of Christ ~ We will explore St. Paul's understanding of community. Taught by Fr. Vernon Meyer
20 St. Paul's Writings- Understanding the Lord's Supper and Eucharist ~ This session will discuss the ways community and Eucharist interrelate in Paul's theology. Taught by Fr. Vernon Meyer
27 St. Paul's Writings-Understanding Ministry in the Letters of Paul ~In this session we will look at the ways Paul taught viewed women and men in ministry as apostles and leaders. Taught by Fr. Vernon Meyer
February
10 Gospel Social Teachings - Catholic Social Teachings have bee referred to as "our best kept secret". They offer us guiding principles and a way to understand and act on the pressing social issues of our time. This class will review the major social teachings of the Catholic Church and how they can impact our lives and American culture today.
17 Living Catholic Values - Catholic values have a clear impact on world politics and often challenge the predominant cultural values of our time. This class will examine how we as Catholics understand the Church's moral teachings and how we might apply them to our daily living.
Lent 2009 Why Catholic Program
April
21 Understanding Islam - In its Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, the Second Vatican Council state: The Church has also a high regard for the Muslims. They worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty,... The Council also acknowledged that over the centuries many quarrels and dissensions have arisen between Christians and Muslim. Not since the Crusades has the relationship between Christianity and Islam been so divisive. The need for understanding, tolerance and respect has never been greater. We will examine the major tenets of Islam; examine how Islamic scholars interpret the Koran in an attempt to overcome our misconceptions. Taught by Sr. Bridget Chapman, M.M.
For more information, please contact Cathy Olds