Here is a convenient and affordable way to increase your knowledge, enrich your faith, and discover new ways to enliven your classes. By reading the seven articles in the series that runs in the pages of CATECHIST magazine September through April/May, you can earn a continuing education unit (CEU) or graduate credit issued through The University of Dayton. Articles are written by scholars in the field with catechists and religion teachers in mind.

To register or for further information contact the course administrator, Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, MHSH, D. Min at angela.zukowski@notes.udayton.edu or call 937-229-3126.

CATECHIST FORMATION SERIES 2009-2010

The Word of God: A Living Force

The Word of God has shown itself

to be a living force throughout the course of salvation history.

—from the Preface to “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,”

Synod of Bishops XII Ordinary General Assembly, Lineamenta

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Pope Benedict XVI is calling the Church to a greater understanding of the Word of God. In responding to his call, we can enjoy a fuller appreciation for how, through the Scriptures, “the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them.” The Word of God serves the Church “as her support and vigor, and the children of the church as strength for their faith, food for the soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life” (from “Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,” n. 21). In today’s world, the pope’s call reflects a growing thirst for an understanding of the Scriptures.

Because those in the ministry of catechesis share the Word of God in teaching, preaching, dialogue, and prayer, the University of Dayton 2009-2010 Catechist Formation Series, in association with CATECHIST magazine, offers “The Word of God: A Living Force.”

This series examines the relevance, power, and gift of the Word of God; delves into the force of the Word of God when it comes into contact with culture; explores the intrinsic connection between Eucharist and the Word of God; highlights the challenges of studying and interpreting the Word of God; profiles Mary as a model of our relationship with the Word of God; and explores pastoral applications for the Word of God in catechetical ministry. This series will intensify your longing to encounter the Lord in a personal way through the Word, and bring you to a more intimate appreciation for this “speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.  81; “Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,” n. 9).

SEPTEMBER 2009: The Word of God: Relevant and Powerful

The Word of God is central to every experience that every catechist has with every student. This article will establish the connection between Scripture and Tradition. It will explore how the Scriptures, along with Sacred Tradition, are relevant and powerful in today’s Church and in today’s world. It will name the ways in which the Word of God brings light to humanity, directs our passion for justice, and defines the reason for our hope. From this article, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the many meanings of the term “the Word of God” (the printed Bible; the living Scriptures; the Word Incarnate, the Eternal Word; Jesus; Logos; Revelation; etc.)

OCTOBER 2009: The Word of God as Gift

The Word of God is our source of life and a means of encountering the Lord in a personal way. This article will explore the gift of the Word of God and its life-giving force in the experience of conversion, in understanding the reality of good and evil in the world today, and in the challenges and joys of living our Catholic faith. It will define “public Revelation” (the Christian Creed) and “private revelation” and help readers understand how both are important for the formation of genuine faith and a “new spiritual spring” for the entire Church.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009: The Word of God: Ecumenical, Inter-religious, and Cultural Dialogue

The world is a global community of widely diverse cultures and mindsets—many of which leave individuals and entire nations in tension with one another. This article will explore how contact between the Word of God and culture can help peoples of the world come to know the truth and values concerning God, all of humanity, and all of creation. It will identify common and global concerns and name how contact between the Word of God and culture can help all peoples address these concerns with justice and mercy.

JANUARY 2010: The Word of God and the Eucharist

There exists an intrinsic connection between the Eucharist and the Word of God. This article will explain that connection and define the ways in which the faithful encounter and experience the Word of God in the Eucharist—the “source and summit of the Christian life” (“Dogmatic Constitution on the Church,” n. 11). It will explore how God speaks through liturgical prayer and how the Eucharist is intrinsically “one table of both God’s Word and Christ’s Body” (“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,” n. 21). It will emphasize the place of the Liturgy of the Word in the celebration of the Eucharist and all the sacraments.

FEBRAURY 2010: The Word of God: Studying It, Interpreting It

“The study of the Sacred Writings is, as it were, the soul of Sacred Theology” (“Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,” n. 24). This article will help readers understand and respect the challenge to exegetes and theologians in their study of the Scriptures according to the mind of the Church and in association with the Church’s living Tradition. It will show how the interpretation and teaching of the Word of the Bible relies on the guidance of the Church’s magisterial teachings in clarifying doctrine for the reflection of all the Church.

MARCH 2010: The Word of God and Mary of Nazareth

The Virgin Mary “received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave Life to the world” (“Dogmatic Constitution on the Church,” n. 53). This article will focus on the Mother of Jesus as a model for our relationship with the Word of God. In profiling the simple and humble faith of Mary, the article will help readers appreciate how they, like Mary, can allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit in bearing the Word to the world in their own daily lives.

April/May 2010: The Word of God: Pastoral Applications

Those involved in catechesis will rejoice in Pope Benedict’s emphasis on Scripture. This article will suggest creative and authentic ways catechists can bring their students to an awareness of and appreciation for the Word of God in their daily lives. It will offer practical insights for how catechesis can be “permeated with biblical and evangelical thought, spirit, and attitudes through constant use of reference to the Word of God” (National Directory for Catechesis, n. 24C).