Free Diocesan Courses for Adult Formation

The Mysterium Christi Diocesan Institute is a new diocesan program of adult faith formation and training for those working in religious education.  It was established by Bishop Blair on July 1, 2009, and is administered by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.  

There are five courses in this series that can be attended by anyone.  These are referred to as the “Catholic Basics” course series:

1. Introduction to Scripture & the Gospel Message
2. The Creed
3. Liturgy & Sacraments
4. Catholic Moral Teaching
5. Prayer & the Spiritual Life

We have class sites in Rossford, Milan, Fostoria, Lexington, Kalida and Bryan. 

To register for these courses, contact Suzie Pinkham at the Office of Catechesis:  
spinkham@toledodiocese.org          or  419-244-6711 x367.

For the current course schedule for 2011-12 click here


(Please note:  There are two additional courses that are offered each year that are only for Catholic school teachers and principals:  John 3:16 - The Gospel & Catholic Schools, and John 14:6 – Putting the Catholic in Catholic Schools.)

Catholic Basics Course Descriptions:

Introduction to Scripture and the Gospel Message

This course will provide a brief introduction to a Catholic approach to the nature and interpretation of the Bible, and then proceed to an overview of some key figures, events and themes.  The focus of the course is biblical theology.  Particular emphasis is given to how Old Testament figures, events and themes of salvation history prepare for, prefigure and culminate in the coming of Christ and his New Covenant people, the Church (typology).  Likewise, emphasis is given to the portraits of Jesus as presented in the Gospels --- and how these portraits complement each other and together provide a rich composite picture of Christ.  The substance of the early apostolic message of salvation in Christ will also be studied.  Finally, the relationship of Scripture to the liturgical life of the Church, as well as the practical use of Scripture for devotion and ministry, will be addressed.  This course draws from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2^nd edition, numbers 50- 141; 1093-1103 and 1333-1334; and the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Vatican II 1965).

The Creed

Students will be introduced to the foundational Truths of the Catholic Faith as they are summarized in the Creed (Apostles/Nicene) and proclaimed by the Church.  Topics to include: Divine Revelation; Trinity, Creation, Angels; the Fall and its effects; Jesus’ Incarnation, Redemption, Second Coming; Holy Spirit, new life through divine grace; Church; Blessed Virgin Mary; Communion of Saints; the Last Things.  This course corresponds to the first section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2^nd edition, “The Profession of Faith,” numbers 26-1065. 

Liturgy and Sacraments

In this course students will study the foundational principles of Catholic liturgy, sacramental theology, and overview the seven sacraments in the Roman tradition.  This seminar corresponds to the second section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2^nd edition, “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery,” numbers 1066-1690.   

Catholic Moral Teaching

This course provides an introduction to Catholic moral teaching.  Topics include: natural moral law, divine revelation, magisterium, human person, formation of conscience, Ten Commandments, virtue, nature of sin, morally good acts, morally evil acts, conversion; necessity of divine grace for living out Catholic moral teaching (hence prayer and the sacraments).  A key emphasis:  far from being an obstacle to freedom and fulfillment, Christian morality marks out the path to true life, freedom and happiness.  This course corresponds to the third section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2^nd Edition, “Life in Christ,” numbers 1691-2557. 

Prayer and the Spiritual Life

In this course students will study the foundational principles and practices of prayer and Catholic spirituality.  An overview of various devotions recommended by the Church will also be included (such as lectio divina and the rosary).  This course corresponds to the fourth section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2^nd edition, “Christian Prayer,” numbers 2558-2865.

Bible Study Resources

The following websites have excellent Catholic Bible study resources:

Great Adventure Bible study programs: http://www.greatadventureonline.com/
The Bible Timeline study is very popular, as well as many others.

Catholic Scripture Study International: www.cssprogram.net
This organization is devoted to group and parish Bible study. There are groups throughout the US, Canada and the UK using their materials.

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: www.salvationhistory.com
This organization is dedicated to educating both the clergy and the laity in Catholic biblical studies and biblical theology.  They have some excellent FREE ONLINE Bible studies.