Monday, January 02, 2006

Free Catholic Correspondence Courses

Catholic Home Study Service sponsored by the Vincentian Community and the Missouri Knights of Columbus, offers free correspondence courses on the Catholic Faith. See http://www.amm.org/chss/chss.htm .

Among these is a course on the Bible:

A CATHOLIC GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

Explains Catholic principles of interpreting the Bible. Takes the student through the Bible, offering pertinent information about the historical background, author, and literary style of each book. Selects readable passages from each book of the Bible so that the student can become familiar with the whole Bible and understand it as the Word of God.

The material for the course is written by Father Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. who is the Director of Catholic Home Study Service. Father Lukefahr is an excellent teacher who uses concrete illustrations in his explanations. I have read the book that is part of this correspondence course and have found it well written, easy and enjoyable to read, and faithful to Church teachings. Registering for the course (totally free unless you wish to make a donation) also provides you with the possibility of asking questions via email and getting feedback on homework assignments provided with the course material.

There are also 6 other free correspondence courses offered by Catholic Home Study. I have not looked at them yet, but the material is also written by Father Lukefahr and I assume it is just as good. I list them below for those who might be interested:

WE WORSHIP—A GUIDE TO THE CATHOLIC MASS

This course tells why Jesus wants us to attend Mass, gives the fascinating history of the Mass, explains Mass ceremonies step by step, shows how to pray the Mass, answers frequently asked questions, and describes how to live the Mass after we leave to "love and serve the Lord." Foreword by Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of
Milwaukee.

WE BELIEVE... A SURVEY OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH

An explanation of Catholic teaching, cross-referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and following the same structure as the Catechism: Creed, worship, Christian life, and prayer. The course studies belief in God, the Bible, the life and teaching of Jesus, the Church, Mary, the saints, life after death, the Sacraments, moral living, and Catholic prayer. Foreword by Cardinal Justin Rigali,Archbishop of Philadelphia.

THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS

Everybody wants to be happy, and God wants us to be happy. This course explains the four levels of happiness (body, mind and will, heart, soul) and uses Scripture, stories, and common-sense to help us achieve emotional health, spiritual growth, and real happiness.

THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING CATHOLIC

Explains the most distinctive beliefs of Catholics and points out how they are based on the goodness of God's creation, our Redemption by Jesus, and the love of the Holy Spirit. Shows what it means to be a Catholic, and why we believe as we do, explaining the reasons for doctrines like the Real Presence, confession, sacramentals, and
devotion to the saints.

THE CATECHISM HANDBOOK

A summary and study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Condenses the Catechism into a brief and readable format, and offers explanations of difficult passages. A good way to become familiar with the whole Catechism in a short time.

CHRIST'S MOTHER AND OURS

This course explains what the Bible says about Mary, what the Church teaches, Mary's apparitions, how Mary relates to us in our daily lives, prayer and liturgy relating to Mary, the meaning of the Rosary, Marian sacramentals, and more. It will help you understand Catholic devotion to Mary and explain it to others.

No comments: