The Spirit of
St. Louis @
December 2017 / January 2018
BASIC TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH Weekly Theology Classes By Tom Carani I used to be a great reader. In high school, I’d devour book after book—assigned in class or not—simply because I loved to lose myself in a story. The drama of the novel drew me in and transported me to a different place. Of Mice and Men.The Jungle. 1984.The Harry Potter series. Native Son. To Kill A Mockingbird. I couldn’t get enough.
always evident. It guides us through doctrine, bringing us to the heart of our faith. We may think that it’s unnecessary since we already believe, but theology is the way we continue to learn who God is and what God wants for our lives. From January to May, St. Louis will begin hosting a weekly theology class called Basic Teachings of the Catholic Faith. The class will cover essential articles of the Catholic faith such as Scripture and Revelation, Liturgy and Sacraments, and morality and prayer. This curriculum comes from the Diocese of Austin’s catechist certification program. The course isn’t only for our catechists, but also for any person interested in deepening his or her knowledge of the faith. Fr. Doug and I will lead the English sessions beginning January 11 and Fr. Alberto and Betty Franceschi will lead the Spanish sessions beginning January 9. The cost for the class and materials is $35. Theology is difficult. It causes our finite minds and souls to work to know our infinite God. But it’s a satisfying pursuit, and it’s here for you at St. Louis in January.
"Theology is difficult. It causes our finite minds and souls to work to know our infinite God." When I began studying theology, reading took on a new purpose. Books were longer. Topics were denser. My mind struggled to keep up with the great minds of the Church. Reading became a way for me to approach God in prayer and in my intellect. Not only was I reading for pleasure, but I was being nourished with the Mind of God by way of Aquinas, Augustine, philosophers, and the Scriptures. Even though it wasn’t easy to study, theology helped to deepen my relationship with God. Theology is the study of the science of God. It helps us answer questions about God and our faith that aren’t