eCatechist

Ignatius of Loyola: Finding God in All Things

From Jesuits in Britain

STEP from Notre Dame

Join thousands of Catholics who have deepened their understanding of the faith by completing online courses created by Notre Dame theology professors and other theologians. STEP online courses are well-suited for catechists, school teachers, lay ministers, deacons and other adult Catholics who seek distance learning that is intellectually-rigorous and faithful to the Catholic tradition.

Register for individual classes or sign up to earn a Certificate of Catholic Theology in five areas of study. Trained and knowledgeable facilitators lead the courses.

Online courses range between four and eight weeks long, with most being six weeks in length. Students read texts and watch video lessons before posting weekly assignments, sharing reflections in discussion forums and participating in real-time online discussions with classmates.

See the complete list of courses in English here- https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/step/courses/ and the complete list of courses in Spanish here- https://mcgrath.nd.edu/online-courses/camino/course-catalog/

Theology 101: Vatican II by Dr. Massimo Faggioli

 

The Second Vatican Council or Vatican II (1962-1965) was the most important event in the history of the Catholic Church since the Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent (1545-1563). But is it still relevant? It is a fact that Vatican II took place in a now distant past: during the optimistic world of the 1960s, from the perspective of a very Euro-Western theological culture, and by an all male, celibate council. But Vatican II is still very relevant for at least three reasons.

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From Daily Theology

"I Encourage You to Read the Bible..." by St. John Chrysostom

“I encourage you to continue constantly in the practice of reading the divine Scriptures. And don’t let anyone make excuses like, ‘I’m too busy with politics.’ ‘I’m a businessman.’ ‘I’m a skilled worker. I must get on with my job.’ ‘I’ve got a wife.’ ‘I’m raising kids.’ ‘I’m responsible for a household.’ In other words, ‘I’m a lay person; it’s not my business to read the Bible. I’ll leave that to professional Christians like monks, nuns, priests and theology students.’ What are you saying? It’s not your business to pay attention to the Bible because you are distracted by thousands of concerns? But that’s the very reason why you need to read the Bible! The more worries you have, the more you need the Bible to keep you going!”

—St. John Chrysostom 
Homily

Please visit www.faithAlivebooks.com and learn more about the The Catechist's Guide to Reading the Bible Series.

www.faithAlivebooks.com

The Gospels as Catechetical Documents

The Gospels were not written to convert outsiders but as catechetical documents to deepen the faith of those who have already committed themselves to Jesus and his community by adopting his vision the world, his values for living in it and the vocation to continue his mission of bringing the Good News to others.

p. 2 So What's the Good News?

Online Lessons for "Work of Mercy" from Diocese of St. Cloud

The Diocese of Saint Cloud, in it’s effort to encourage reflection on the Year of Mercy, is providing a monthly online "Work of Mercy" catechetical lesson. It’s purpose is to offer an online learning resource for small faith-sharing groups, parishes, schools, and families. It serves as one model of how catechesis can be done simply online simply.

Work of Mercy

It follows the Msgr. Francis Kelly’s familiar Ecclesial Method:

1. Preparation - Each lesson starts with a prayer and a general Works of Mercy video, with a reflection question(s)
2. Proclamation - Each lesson will repeat the Works of Mercy each month, each linking to it’s lesson as it is released
3. Explanation - This step addresses a specific Work of Mercy with links to other resources as well as text and embedded video
4. Application and appropriation - Reflection questions and suggested activities for families, groups, parishes and schools
5. Celebration - Closing prayer

 

Five Myths About Christmas

By James Martin, SJ in the Washington Post.

How To Read the Gospel of Luke - Thinking Faith

The Feast of St Luke occurs on 18 October – why do we read the gospel that bears his name? Perhaps it is to make more sense of the readings we hear at Mass; to deepen our knowledge of our Christian faith; or to experience a masterpiece of world literature and to savour its narrative. Peter Edmonds SJ suggests a way for us to approach our encounter with Jesus and his story in Luke’s Gospel.

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Guided by the Spirit

 

‘The feast of Pentecost is a celebration of the mysterious movement of God in our lives through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.’ Sr Teresa White came across a useful analogy that can help us to contemplate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which she reflects on ahead of Pentecost Sunday.

 

Continue Reading from Thinking Faith

Tips for Reading the Bible

Mary Elizabeth Sperry, Associate Director for Utilization of the New American Bible for the USCCB offers ten tips for reading the Bible.

Bible Is for Catholics

1) Bible reading is for Catholics.

2) Prayer is the beginning and the end.

3) Get the whole story! When selecting a Bible, look for a Catholic edition.

4) The Bible isn't a book. It's a library.

5) Know what the Bible is - and what it isn't.

6) The sum is greater than the parts.

7) The Old relates to the New.

8) You do not read alone.

9) What is God saying to me?

10) Reading isn't enough.

The Joy of the Gospel: Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis

 

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
EVANGELII GAUDIUM
OF THE HOLY FATHER
FRANCIS
TO THE BISHOPS, CLERGY,
CONSECRATED PERSONS
AND THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
IN TODAY’S WORLD

Link

Why We Can't Stop Loving Saints

Video and Podcast

People of God: Pope Francis's Continuing Catechesis on the Creed

 

Today I would like to briefly highlight another term with which the Second Vatican Council has defined the Church, as "the People of God " (cf. Dogm. Const. Lumen Gentium, 9; Catechism of the Catholic Church, 782). And I do so with some questions, on which everyone can reflect.

1. What does it mean to be "People of God"? Firstly it means that God does not belong specifically to any people; because it is He who calls us, summons us, invites us to be part of his people, and this call is addressed to us all, without distinction, because God's mercy «wants salvation for everyone» (1Tm 2:4). Jesus does not say to the Apostles and to us to form an exclusive group, an elite. Jesus says: go and make disciples of all Nations (cf. Mt 28:19). Saint Paul states that in the people of God, in the Church, "there is no longer Jew nor Greek ... since you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28). I would also say to those who feel far away from God and the Church, the one who is fearful or indifferent, who thinks he can no longer change: the Lord calls you to join his people and does so with great respect and love!