Year of Faith Small Group Study Materials
During the Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI has called the faithful to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith, encounter Jesus Christ in a new and deeper way, and “rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith," and thus naturally fulfilling our individual call in the New Evangelization. We offer the following resources as a means to fulfilling this particular call to joy.
New Small Group Study Resource on Pope Benedict XVI's Porta Fidei (The Door of Faith) available for free download
“The ‘door of faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church." One practical way the Holy See has invited the faithful to observe the Year of Faith is to "read closely and meditate upon Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter, Porta fidei.” In order to facilitate this suggestion individuals from the diocesan evangelization offices in the state of Wisconsin collaborated to develop a 3-Part series to cover key points from the text of the document which are then followed by discussion questions, allowing groups in the parish to focus on the context and the purpose of this important year. This resource is intended to be used by parish staffs, pastoral councils, finance councils, education commissions, school faculties or simply interested adults. Each of the 3 sessions is designed to be completed within 30 to 40 minutes with an additional 15 minutes being suggested to complete a simple “Tour of the Catechism” exercise. Please download it for free here and use it in your parish to pray together and further consider observance of this special year. Seat of Wisdom credit hours are available for the use of this resource. For more information, contact the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis oec@straphael.org or 608-821-3160. Special thanks to Ann Lankford, Director, Office of Catechesis and Evangelization of Diocese of La Crosse for her authorship of this study; and to Gary Pokorny, Director of Catechesis and Youth Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Patrick Delaney, Director of our Office of Evangelization & Catechesis here in the Diocese of Madison for their editing contributions.
The Year of Faith: A Bible Study For Catholics by Fr. Mitch Pacwa.
Perfect for individual or group study, this book is a wonderful guide to experiencing a conversion, growing in faith, and following Jesus Christ more closely. It shows us how to integrate every component of our life – relationships, morality, work, recreation, and all – into a meaningful whole. Make the most of Pope Benedict's Year of Faith, walking hand in hand with Fr. Pacwa as he guides you through the beauty and insights of Scripture in relationship to your everyday life. $9.95, books available from Our Sunday Visitor, www.osv.com, https://www.osvparish.com/Shop/Product.aspx?ProductCode=T1320 , 800-348-2440 x2173.
Unlocking the Beauty of the Catechism
In this 8 session small group study on the Creed you will explore the beauty of the Catechism in bite-sized portions, decode "Church language" with vocabulary aids, and connect with daily life through engaging discussion questions. Booklets available from Novo Millenio Press , $11.95 with discounts for more than 10 books, www.novomill.com, 608-304-1768 or novomill@ymail.com.
Pillars: A Journey Through the Catechism
This Creed is a 12-part study that guides participants through the first of the four Pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pillar I: The Creed provides the foundation needed to begin the four-part journey through the complete Pillars series. The Creed opens up the structure of the Catechism and shows how it is far more than a list of “faith facts,” but instead a sure map for their journey of faith. Study guides available from Ascension Press, www.ascensionpress.com, 800-376-0520. DVDs available to check out from the diocesan AV Library.
Studies on Vatican II Documents
Harvesting the Fruit of Vatican II
Five different studies, five lessons each, $19.50, or for the Year of Faith a new edition which combines the other studies into one study of 19 lessons for $34.50. Study guides available from http://www.harvestingthefruit.com/store/the-constitutions-of-the-second-vatican-council/ or http://www.harvestingthefruit.com/store/faith-formation-series/, info@harvestingthefruit.com.
This Sacred Council: Exploring The Documents of the Second Vatican Council
Four different studies, 5 lessons each, $14.95, booklets available from Catholic Scripture Study International http://www.cssprogram.net/?page=catalog&study_id=12 , 877-228-7830.