6-Week Course
Overview
featuring text and videos by James Martin, S.J., Colleen M. Griffith, André Brouillette, S.J., Barbara Quinn, RSCJ, Jaime L. Waters, and Hosffman and Guadalupe Ospino
“Deep down in every human heart there is knowledge of God. And deep down in every human heart is the desire to communicate with God.” -St. Teresa of Calcutta
Whether you are looking to deepen your current prayer life or just beginning your prayer journey, this course provides an opportunity to reflect on the ways that we communicate with God and how God communicates with us. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, this course explores the foundations of prayer and reflects on different ways to engage in prayer, communally and individually.
This course has a required text: James Martin, S.J. Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone. HarperOne: New York, NY, 2021.
Topics
- Week 1: Introduction
- Week 2: Prayer Foundations
- Week 3: Examen and Movements of Prayer
- Week 4: Discernment and Imagination
- Week 5: Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, and Nature Prayer
- Week 6: Experiences of Prayer
Special Features
This course includes:
- Video clips;
- Text transcripts of each featured video;
- 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 website.
- 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
James Martin, S.J. Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone. HarperOne: New York, NY, 2021.
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
- Rev. James Martin, S.J. (text and video) is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, founder of Outreach, and author of numerous books.
- Colleen M. Griffith (video) is Professor of the Practice of Theology and Faculty Director of Spirituality Studies at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
- André Brouillette, S.J. (video) is Associate Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
- Barbara Quinn, R.S.C.J. (video) is a spiritual director, retreat guide, and educator
- Jaime L. Waters (video) is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
- Guadalupe Ospino (video) is the Director of the Hispanic Apostolate of Saint Patrick Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Hosffman Ospino (video) is Professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education and Chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
Certificate Requirement Categories:
- Spirituality and Prayer
