August 16, 2008
Diocese’s Scripture Institute begins second year with classes in September
By Herald staff
The
Diocese of Sacramento’s Department of Evangelization and Catechesis
begins the second year of its Scripture Institute with classes beginning
Sept. 16 and continuing through three cycles concluding in March 2009.
Students may register for any of the 18 individual classes, a complete cycle, or the entire program of three cycles. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from to 7 to 9 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, located at 2110 Broadway in Sacramento.
Bishops William K. Weigand and Jaime Soto note in a brochure for the classes that the Scripture Institute is an opportunity for Catholics of the diocese to grow in their knowledge of the word of God, reflect together on it and to discuss their faith under the guidance of excellent facilitators of Scripture.
Three, six-week cycles will be offered. The cycle focusing on the Pentateuch begins Sept. 16 and continues on six consecutive Tuesdays through Oct. 21. Classes will cover creation, covenant and promise, the 12 tribes of Israel, oppression and deliverance, and desert wanderings and purification. Classes will be taught by Carson Weber, diocesan director of evangelization, and Chuck Zanetti, religion instructor at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento.
The second cycle examines the prophets, reserving one night for an introductory session and then classes on Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Exekiel. The classes for this cycle begin Oct. 28 and continue through Dec. 2. The instructors are Jesuit Father Ed Fassett, principal of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, Legionaries of Christ Father Robert Presutti, president of the University of Sacramento and Deacon Ray Helgeson of the University of Sacramento.
The last cycle of classes, focusing on the Gospel of John, starts on Feb. 3, 2009, and concludes on March 17 (excluding Feb. 24). The classes will cover all of the chapters of John and will be taught by Holly Peterson, religion instructor at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, and Mercy Sister Katherine Doyle, director of adult religious education at Holy Spirit Parish in Sacramento.
Each class will include an hour of direct instruction on the text, including the historical narrartive, setting and an introduction to select passages that will be read and discussed in a small group setting. The classes are designed for all levels of understanding and offer a comfortable blending of theological presentation and prayer in a Catholic context.
The institute is open to all who hope to expand their knowledge of Scripture, including laity from parents and grandparents to young married people and single adults. The classes also will be beneficial to anyone in parish ministry such as youth ministers, teachers, administrators and parish council members.
Neophytes and participants in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are also encouraged to participate in the classes to add dimension to their faith journey, and current college and high school students can broaden their understanding of Scripture and complement their studies by enrolling.
The cost for the classes is $40 for each six-week cycle, $10 per individual class, or $120 for all three cycles of classes. A registration brochure is available for download on the diocesan Web site at www.diocese-sacramento.org. Individuals can also e-mail the department at DEC@diocese-sacramento.org, or call (916) 733-0123 for more information.
