Whither adult education in the Catholic Church?
We have CCD classes and groups for young people, we have classes for those new to the Church, we have Bible study for stay-at-home moms and retreats for Catholic parents, but we are sorely lacking in simple adult education for those of us who fall into no demographic category other than being adult Catholics. In many ways we seem to be the overlooked group in the Church (even the exceptional Fundamentals of Catholicism program by Fr. Robert Altier is geared mostly toward those with limited knowledge of the Faith, rather than those who want to learn at a higher level). You'd think that with all the complaints about how poorly educated most Catholics are, there would be more opportunities for adult education out there.
The shining example of adult ed in the Twin Cities has been the program offered at the Church of St. Helena. Under the direction of John Sondag, the parish has for years been offering nationally-known speakers, Bible study programs, and other forms of adult education. The highlight of the year is the annual Lenten series of talks that follows the Stations of the Cross each Friday night.
This year's series, "Enriching Our Lives Spiritually During Lent," has been outstanding, featuring discussions on the new papal encyclical, the merits of fasting, and suffering as a way of sanctification . However, the talks from the last two weeks have been exceptional even by past standards. Two weeks ago, the speaker was Dr. John F. Boyle of the University of St. Thomas, on the topic "St. Thomas More - A Model of Holiness for the Modern World." And last Friday, it was Fr. Michael Keating, speaking on "John the Baptist as a Pattern for Lent." (Read my post over at Our Word for highlights of Fr. Keating's talk.)
There's one chance left to partake in this year's series: this Friday, April 7, the rector of the St. Paul Seminary, Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan, will be speaking on "Mother Teresa's Approach to Prayer and Charity." If Msgr. Callaghan's presentation is anything like those that have preceeded it, it will be a stimulating, informative and inspiring evening. The cost is nominal ($4 per talk), the benefits priceless. The Stations at St. Helena are spiritually enriching as well - why not make an evening of it this Friday? If you do, I promise you'll be back next year for the entire series.
2 comments:
St Helena's is only a few blocks from me and I have attended many of their sessions. I have made only one of this Lenten series because of conflicts.
But Father James Reidy occasionally offers a six session class on the Catechism, using Bishop Donald Wuerl's (and others), "The Gift of Faith, A Question and Answer Version of the Teaching of Christ." Great for a refresher if it has been a long time since you have cracked a catechism.
Some of the great sessions at St. Helena's were lead by Father John Paul Echert, formerly at the Seminary, who now has his first duties as a pastor at St. Augustine's in South Saint Paul.
"Major" Father Echert, often dressed in his Air Force fatigues because he is a chaplain in the Reserves and the airbase is nearby, taught quite a few classes on books of the Bible. Very popular and quite interesting.
And if a question on interpretation comes up, you can depend upon Father Echert to give you a "straight arrow" interpretation of what the Magisterium has to say about the situation. He never softens an answer.
I have heard that he has instituted an adult education program over at St. Augustine's but I have yet to see a schedule. I may have to run over there and pick up a bulletin occasionally.
It is the site of the only Tridentine Indult Mass in the Archdiocese. So I can make it a two-fer. Having been raised on the Tridentine Mass, I don't crave it, but I do enjoy it now and then. 11:30 on Sundays
Epiphany has an adult education program. Sunday mornings at 8:45 am, and Wednesday evenings at 6:45 pm. There are also other talks, seminars, speakers, etc., throughout the year. Recently Fr. Hennen gave a talk on prayer, including meditation and contemplation and at the end provided a reading list to include St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avila (Interior Castle), Fr. Dubay's "A prayer Primer" and "The Fire Within".
Good stuff!
- Adoro
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