Catholic Core Theology

The session on Catholic Core Theology was taught by Cynthia Fischer, who serves as DRE at St. Patrick Parish in Lodi and St. Michael Parish in Dane. Cindy is also Coordinator of Curriculum and Catechist Development for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the diocese.

Preparatory Homework
The pre-class assignment for the January 13 class on Catholic Core Theology is designed to help participants:

• Surface some of the questions that are often posed to us as Catholics by others regarding our teachings and beliefs.
• Become familiar with some of the many resources available to assist us in “defending” the Catholic faith.
• Craft a reasonable response to particular questions regarding our Catholic faith.

Required of All Particpants:

• Prayerfully read and reflect on the Nicene Creed. Surface two to five (25) questions related to the doctrinal beliefs and teachings we profess in the Nicene Creed. These may be your own personal questions or perhaps questions that have been posed to you by another person. Choose one of these questions and prepare a response. Use Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and 1 or 2 other resources in developing your response (see the recommended reading and reference list).
• Prepare a response to the question assigned to your table at the December session, again using Scripture, the CCC and at least two other references. The assigned questions are found below. (If you weren't present in December, simply choose a question from the list.)
• Choosing either the question from activity number 1 OR number 2 above, attempt to engage another person in a conversation about that question. THEN, critique your experience of the conversation:
  a. Was the conversation charitable, amicable and respectful?
  b. Were you confident in giving your response to the question?
  c. What was the “fruit” of the conversation (did the person respond positively to you, did your response make sense to that person)?
  d. What “more” do you need to know or do to better engage in a future conversation about this same topic or with this same person?

Assigned Questions (choose one based on December table number)

• Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross; what does that gesture mean?
• How can the Church teach that Jesus Christ is God?
• Do Catholics really believe that bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ?
• Is the papacy in the Bible?
• When we say the Pope is infallible, do we mean that he never sins?
• Why don’t Catholics believe in the Bible only?
• Why do Catholic Bibles have 73 books?
• Why are there four Gospels? Were other “Gospels” banned from the Bible?
• Why should Mary be called the “Mother of God”?
• Why do Catholics think that Jesus was Mary’s only child?
• How can Mary be without sin?
• Why do Catholics pray to saints and angels?
• Aren’t statues of religious subjects forbidden; isn’t using them a form of idolatry?
• Why do Catholics pray for the dead?
• Is Purgatory in the Bible?
• Are you saved; if you died tonight, would you go to heaven?

Bring your notes on the above assignment to the Jan. 13 session. Also bring the following:

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church
• A Catholic Bible
• ONE other resource or reference you find helpful in answering questions about the Catholic faith. We’ll take time to identify various resources of note.

Cindy has supplied this recommended reading list for
students who want to dig a little deeper.

Practicum in Spiritual Formation
The class spiritual formation time made use of the Liturgy of the Hourse, also known as "the divine office." This public prayer of the Church, described here in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, helps us to extend the Eucharistic celebration throughout our entire day. The lay faithul are encouraged to participate in this prayer, as well as all clergy. The class used this aid in their morning prayer.

Class Notes
Cindy used this PowerPoint file for her presentation: Catholic Core Theology

Audio Recordings
Due to the generosity of David Stiennon and the Madison Serra Club, audio recordings of this day's activities are available here. If you would like to purchase a copy of this four-CD audio set for $20, please call the OEC at 608-821-3160.

Welcome, Apologetics (16:04) (slides 1-9)
Apologists, Catholic Attitudes (8:15) (slides 10-14)
Principle Truths of Faith, Creeds (20:15) (slides 15-24)
Jesus: True God and True Man (31:05) (slides 25-37)

Trinity, Real Presence (35:00) (slides 38-48)
Apostolic Authority (16:20) (slides 49-51)
Catholics and the Bible (13:20) (slides 52-57)

Mary, Communion of Saints (43:33) (slides 58-72)
Heaven, Hell and Purgatory (13:50) (slides 73-78)

Favorite Apologetic Resources (35:50)


Spiritual Formation Homework
As you pray this month, make a conscious effort to unite your prayer with the universal Church - in heaven, in purgatory and on earth. Pray with the Church and for the Church.