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SPRING 2010
Courses
WORDS IN(TO) THE WORD, PART 2
In this worship
workshop we will use the process of writing poetry to
reflect on and cooperate with God’s design for us. Each
monthly meeting will consist of pre-writing exercises, a
reading of prayer poems by various authors, including the
instructor, individual in-class writing and sharing of that
writing. Exercises in the spirit of the liturgical year will
be suggested to use during the weeks between meetings.
Persons of all levels of poetic experience are welcome.
Workshop members must be committed to regular attendance and
to writing and sharing their writing during our meetings.
Participants should bring a Bible and pen and paper or the
electronic equivalent to each meeting. Questions may be
directed to srfran@lycos.com.
NOTE: New
participants will be accepted but they must meet for an
orientation session with Sr. Fran at 11:45 AM on January 16
in Classroom 4. The Class is limited to ten participants.
Fran McManus,
R.S.M., Instructor
3rd Saturday of the month: Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr.
17, and May 15
12:15 – 1:45 PM, Classroom 4
FEE: $20.00
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GRACING THE STAGE
We will discuss
the struggle to attain and maintain truth, faith, hope, and
love in the following plays: William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth
Night”, Robert Bolt’s “A Man for all Seasons”, Arthur
Miller’s “A View from the Bridge”, Tennessee Williams’ “The
Glass Menagerie” and Marsha Norman’s “Traveler in the Dark”,
available as a single volume from bn.com or as part of the
anthology: “Four Plays by Marsha Norman.”
Fran McManus,
R.S.M., Instructor
Mondays: February 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 12
12:00 – 1:00 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
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A MANY SPLENDORED THING:
An Introduction
of the History of Christian Spirituality, Part 2
Throughout
history, Christian spirituality has revealed many different
facets. The spiritual currents that have appeared reveal the
inexhaustible riches of the Christian spiritual treasury.
This course will examine some of the developments in the
history of Christian spirituality. The five sessions of Part
2 will treat topics such as the Golden Age of the 13th
Century, the Protestant Reformation, Missions of Africa,
Asia, and the New World, Age of Enlightenment, Modern
Period, and contemporary trends.
It is not
necessary to have taken Part 1 to register for Part 2.
Anthony
LoGalbo, O.F.M., Instructor
Thursdays: February 18 – March 18
12:00 – 1:00 PM, Classroom 3
FEE: $20.00
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QUEST: Courage
In
his encyclical letter (2009) Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict
XVI says: “God’s Love…give us the courage to continue
seeking and working for the benefit of all.” This course
linking Benedict’s letter with Paul Tillich’s book,
The Courage To Be
(1952, 1980, 2000) will explore with the help of videos the
work and lives of some people who courageously worked for
change in social structures that were a benefit to all,
namely: John Adams, Damien of Molokai, Desmond Tutu, Harvey
Milk, Dorothy Day, Cesar Chavez, Robert F. Kennedy, Eunice
Shriver Kennedy, Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin
Luther King, Jr., and Oscar Romero.
Placid
Stroik, O.F.M., Instructor
Thursdays: February 18-25 & March 4-25
6:00 – 7:00 PM, Classroom 4
FEE: $20.00
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LENTEN REFLECTIONS ON
HEALING STORIES FROM THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Each week in
this course, we will focus on one healing story found in the
Gospel of Luke. Beginning with prayer, we will spend
contemplative time in reading, reflecting and sharing in the
gospel story as we journey together during the season of
Lent.
Margaret Holden,
F.S.P., Instructor
Fridays: February 19 – 26; March 5 – 26
12:00 – 1:00 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
OR
Tuesdays:
February 23; March 2 – 23
6:00 – 7:30 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
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“WHO TOLD YOU THAT
YOU WERE NAKED?”
Genesis 3: 9
A look at shame
and guilt which persists beyond confession, sorrow and
atonement.
“Catholic Guilt” is a term we Catholics may laugh about with
others. But, in spite of laughter, many retain the
shame
and the
guilt
of past failings for years, if not a lifetime. Some of this
shame and guilt may have arisen from a faulty teaching or
presentation of sin in thought or deed. Or, it may have
arisen from one’s own misunderstanding of what was taught or
through the example and words of parents.
This course will
review the common causes of our shame and guilt and offer a
spiritual plan to cure them. There will be much discussion
and sharing.
This course is
limited to 12 participants only. An interview with the
instructor is a pre-requisite for acceptance into the
course. Please arrange for interview by calling Sr. Mary at
212- 736-8500, Ext. 378.
Mary Petrosky,
F.M.M., Instructor
Saturdays: Feb. 20, Mar. 06, Mar. 20, Mar. 27
10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
Franciscan Center for Spirituality and Spiritual Direction,
3rd Floor St.
Francis Parish House, 135 West 31st Street
FEE: $20.00
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CATHOLICISM CONFRONTS THE
MODERN WORLD
Catholics today
differ profoundly on the most appropriate response to the
challenges posed by an increasingly secular society: should
we fortify traditional Catholic culture, enter into dialogue
with the positive features of modernity, or somehow
accomplish both? In this course, Fr. Dominic will follow up
on his previous course offerings on the Early Church,
Medieval Christianity, and the Reformation to examine the
history of the Church from the 1600s to today. We will begin
by looking at the ways Roman Catholicism was reshaped in
response to the Protestant challenge, and then examine the
impact of nationalism, the Enlightenment, and revolutionary
movements on the Catholic world, the growing centralization
within the Church in the 19th century, and the 20th century
currents which led to the Second Vatican Council – all
issues that still impact Catholics today.
Dominic Monti,
O.F.M., Instructor
Tuesdays: February 23; March 2, 9, 30; April 6, 20, 27; May
4, 11
12:00 – 1:00 PM, Classroom 4
FEE: $20.00
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SPIRITUALITY AND
EMOTIONS
This course will
deal with three more challenges to the human spirit and our
spiritual life. It is a continuation of the course offered
in the Fall, but stands by itself. We will examine three
more emotional challenges: Depression, Guilt and Shame, and
Forgiveness. We will trace the sources, interconnectedness
and effects of all these feelings and seemingly, paradoxical
responses. The class will combine lecture with shared views
and discussion.
Robert Gavin,
O.F.M., Instructor
Wednesdays: February 24 – March 31, 2010
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Classroom 3
FEE: $20.00
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CATHOLICISM 101:
Introduction to the Old Testament II – The Prophets
In
this course we will study the prophetic tradition of the Old
Testament including Israelite understanding of prophecy, its
development over time and its impact on ancient Israel’s
understanding of God. We will be reading the prophets which
appear in the historical books (Joshua through II Kings) as
well as the major and minor prophets (Isaiah through
Malachi). In particular, we will follow the development of
Israel’s self understanding, the covenant and issues of
social justice that emerge through the prophets. This course
is designed for beginning students of the Bible as well as a
review for those who have had some introduction to biblical
studies in the past. It will be an excellent course for
catechists, lectors, spiritual seekers and historians.
Text
Book:
Reading the Old
Testament
by Lawrence Boadt, (Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ: 1984). The
book is available from online sellers such as Amazon.com and
Barnesandnoble.com or may be ordered from your preferred
retailers.
Joseph Nuzzi,
Instructor
Wednesdays: February 24 – April 28
12:00 – 1:00 PM, San Damiano Hall
OR
Wednesdays:
February 24 – April 28
6:30 – 7:30 PM, San Damiano Hall
FEE: $20.00
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PRAYING THE PSALMS –
HONORING OUR EMOTIONS
“When
I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight
place, you gave me room; Now I’m in trouble again: Grace Me!
Hear me!” – Psalm 4:1 (The Message)
We were taught
not to express our deepest emotions lest we lose control.
Yet we were born as Divinized Beings with a myriad of
feelings and emotions. Most of us have not been taught how
to properly express our emotions, especially the ones deemed
negative.
Feelings such as
anger, sorrow and disappointment are the ones we would
rather hide, suppress or ignore though they are a part of
us. When those not so nice feelings start to rise up within
us, we pretend that they do not exist. The proverbial answer
to the question of “How are you?” becomes, “FINE” – Feelings
Inside Not Expressed.
The Psalmists
knew exactly how we feel because they have felt all the same
emotions and made a point of saying so. They cried out to
God in all of their distress knowing that God would hear
their pleas.
Praying the
Psalms means honoring all of your feelings especially the
feelings that are not so nice. The Psalms invite the full
range of human emotions into the presence of God – from
celebration to grief to envy to anger and rage.
Through
meditation, music, and psalm prayers, we will explore ways
to honor our wide range of emotions, especially anger, rage
and sorrow.
“Listen, God!
Please, pay attention: Can you make sense of these
ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help.
Every morning you’ll hear me at it again.” Psalm 5:1-2 (The
Message)
Carolyn D.
Townes, SFO, Instructor
Mondays: March 1 – 29
6:00 – 7:00 Pm, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
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SELF
ESTEEM
Self-Esteem
refers to our self image – the positive and negative
thoughts and feelings we have about ourselves. During our
time of reflection, we will embark upon an inward journey of
self discovery – a journey which invites us to look within
ourselves and remember the experiences and relationships
which influenced and continue to influence us – a journey on
which we will meet our “inner child of the past” as we
travel through the various transitional passages of our life
– a journey which will help us to explore and answer the
questions, Who am I? and Who do I want to be?
Monica M.
Magner, RN, Instructor
Tuesdays: March 2 – 23
12:00 – 1:30 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
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THE LIFE OF PADRE PIO
In this course
we will study the life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a very
simple pious Capuchin priest from Italy. We will look at the
miracles he performed and the devout life he lived,
suffering from the wounds of Jesus Christ on his body.
Celeste Parks,
Instructor
Tuesdays: March 2 – 16
12:00 – 1:30 PM, Classroom 3
FEE: $20.00
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CARE OF CREATION: A Franciscan
Spirituality of the Earth
This
program is a reading group offered in conjunction with the
Center for Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Direction.
The term
“greening of religion” describes the emergence of
environmental concerns among mainstream religious groups and
for some traditions is a new phenomenon. However, the
Catholic Church in the U.S. has a 15-year history of
promoting responsible, environmental stewardship, according
to friar and environmental educator Keith Warner, O.F.M.,
Ph.D.
In this six-week series participants will read
Care of Creation: A
Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth,
by Sr. Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Br. Keith Warner, O.F.M., and
Pamela Wood. The book is divided into four parts (each
approximately 50 pages in length). Each meeting will begin
with a brief review of the reading following by a discussion
of how the reading and its guided meditations affected the
reader.
This is not a
lecture course. Active participation and preparation are
essential to the success of this group effort. Each
participant is required to read 50 pages for each meeting.
Participants
are required to obtain a copy of the book which is available
from online sellers such as Amazon.com and
Barnesandnoble.com, or may be ordered from your preferred
retailer. Its suggested retail price is $18.95.
Stephen D.
Mimnaugh, O.F.M., Instructor
Wednesdays: Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 7 & 14
6:00 – 7:00 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $10.00
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LENT DAY OF PRAYER
Saturday, March 6, 2010
“What
is Evangelization?”
Led by Kevin
Tortorelli, O.F.M.
What is its
dream and its journey?
Why is it so
important today?
Am I an
Evangelist?
Schedule
9:30 AM
Registration in San Damiano Hall
Gathering and Coffee will follow
10:15 AM
Morning Prayer
10:45 AM
Guided Reflection
12:00 PM
Lunch will be provided
FEE: $10.00
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IMAGES OF CLARE OF ASSISI
“Place your mind in the mirror of eternity!” from the
Third Letter of Clare to Agnes of Prague
Within the life
of Clare of Assisi there are significant images that give
profound meaning to her life as a follower of Christ. This
course will focus on the life and times of Clare, using
images of her that are found in art to tell her story.
Through
reflecting on images associated with her, we hope to gain an
understanding of Clare’s spirituality. Images that are found
in Clare’s life have relevance for a modern audience in that
upon reflection they can be a source of inspiration in
deepening our spiritual lives.
Margaret Holden,
F.S.P., Instructor
Tuesdays: April 13-27; May 4-18
6:00 – 7:30 PM, Classroom 2
FEE: $20.00
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Being the 100th Sheep:
Lost, in
darkness –
Pursued by the Shepherd –
Found, with great rejoicing
How many times
have you and I wandered away and become the “lost sheep” –
alone, frightened and confused? How do we lose our way and
end up in darkness? Can we learn to treat ourselves not with
condemnation, but with compassion?
We will
meditate on what it means to be pursued by the Shepherd,
who, in His love and grace, finds us. Over and over. You and
me. No matter how lost we have become. And in our
less-than-perfect condition.
We will reflect
on how once the Shepherd redeems us – buys us back for
Himself – and how, cradled in His love, we can begin a
process of learning and relearning – because Jesus’ rescue
of us is the beginning of a transformation when He prepares
us to become all He’s planned – the best that’s yet to be,
which God has promised us.
Mary
Castrovilla, Instructor
Saturday, April 17, 2010
3:00 – 4:30 PM, Classroom 4
FEE: $10.00
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REGISTRATION POLICY
1. Please try to pre-register at
least one week in advance by mail or at the church office.
2. No acknowledgement of
pre-registration will be made by mail. You will be notified
only if a course is closed.
3. Include the fee with the
registration form attached.
4. Confidential Scholarships aid
is available in consultation with the Director.
For information contact:
Fr. Kevin Tortorelli, O.F.M.
Director, Adult Education Center
212-736-8500, Ext. 311
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CLASSROOM LOCATIONS
Most
classes are held in the St. Francis Adult Education Center,
139 West 31st Street, immediately to the
left
of St. Francis Church. The entrance is in the passageway
between the church and the Adult Education building.
Some
classes, where noted, are held in the Francis Room or Clare
Room in St. Francis House, 135 West 31st Street, immediately
to the
right
of St. Francis Church.
San Damiano Hall is located at
127 West 31st Street.
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