3-Week Course

Overview

The popular contemporary identification of “spiritual but not religious” reflects a deep and unmet need in the life of many people in the early 21st Century for an approach to faith that balances interior experience with exterior norms and morals. This course “draws from the storeroom both the old and the new” (Mt. 13:52) a range of concrete spiritual practices from the Catholic Christian tradition. Explore how the examen, praying with images, hospitality, retreats, and more can be sources of inspiration and meaning, not only for an incidental activity, but for an entire way of life.

This course provides guided discussion on the Spring 2009 issue of C21 Resources, "Catholic Spirituality in Practice" edited by Dr. Colleen Griffith.

“Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer-
There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire.”
-St. Teresa of Avila

Everything you need for this course is provided on the course web site.

Topics

• Introductory Week
• Week 1: Spirituality in Practice, Part 1:
• The Ignatian Examen
• Intercessory Prayer
• Praying with Images
• Living the Sacramental Principle
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Practicing Hospitality
• Week 2: Spirituality in Practice, Part 2:
• Liturgy of the Hours
• Rosary
• Family Life as Spiritual Practice
• Practicing Forgiveness
• Centering Prayer
• Retreats

Special Features

This course includes:

• Reading 12 brief one- or two-page articles by various authors;
• Weekly questions for reflection and discussion;
• A weekly introduction and study guide; and
• A regularly updated Resources page to use for further study.

All STM Online: Crossroads courses include these features

• Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected web site.
• Each participant belongs to a small Community for Conversation and faith sharing guided by a facilitator.
• The course site is usually available to participants at least three months after the course has ended.
• An orientation in how to navigate the web site is always available.
• Technical assistance is easy to contact and prompt in returning a message.
• A Certificate of Active Participation is awarded to those who post at least three messages of substance for each week of content.

Additional Materials Needed

Everything you need for this course is provided on the course web site. View this issue of C21 Resources, "Catholic Spirituality in Practice." If you prefer to have a hard copy of this issue of C21 Resources, email The Church in the 21st Century Center at church21@bc.edu.

Time Commitment

A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.

Content Scholars

• The articles were written by various scholars, under the editorship of Dr. Colleen M. Griffith, associate professor of the practice of theology and faculty director of spirituality studies, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.

Certificate Requirement Categories

Spirituality and Prayer
Themes from Our Christian Tradition