MADISON — The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis announces a host of new Seat of Wisdom “Advanced” courses in Catholic doctrine available to all adults in the Diocese of Madison.
In addition to the Basic (Core) curriculum being offered at the Bishop O’Connor Center every second Saturday of the month, and regionally around the diocese, the Seat of Wisdom Diocesan Institute is now also offering an “Advanced,” course track (generally) every third Saturday of the month beginning October 16 and concluding May 21. These courses are open to any and all interested adults. Those pursuing catechetical certification, can apply them to their “advanced” requirements.
“We are very excited to offer such excellent opportunities for the faithful to hear presentations of Catholic doctrine with a depth usually reserved for graduate level theology students and seminarians in the process of priestly formation,” said Patrick Delaney, director of the program. “It is these truths which the greatest minds and saints in the history of the Church have pondered for centuries, and for which many were happy and honored to give their lives.”
Beginning this Saturday, Oct. 16, Sr. M. Marcia Vinje, a professed Sister of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, will give an entire course on the Blessed Virgin Mary from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a lunch break). Sister Marcia’s academic background, with graduate theological concentrations in Mariology, match the mission of her order’s charism which “seeks to be Mary in the world today.”
The institute is also privileged and honored to welcome Bishop Robert C. Morlino, who will be bringing his graduate-level teaching experience, with his charism of apostolic teaching, to provide a portion of a course he has offered to seminarians titled “Cardinal Ratzinger on the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.” The course will explore the writings of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger on this topic prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI.
On November 20, the institute hosts renowned and dynamic speaker and catechist Michael Brummond to teach on the subject of “Ecclesiology: What is the Church?” In addition, Paul Matenaer, current student of canon law for the Diocese of Madison, will offer his outstanding and popular course on Christian Apologetics beginning in December.
Next spring, Fr. Randy Timmerman will break open the Wisdom Literature of Sacred Scripture, Msgrs. Kevin Holmes and James Bartylla will each explore different aspects of the Church’s social teaching, while Christopher Carstens, director of the Office of Sacred Worship of the Diocese of La Crosse, will provide in-depth reflections on Encountering Jesus Christ in the words of the Mass.
Each course is open to the public for the nominal fee of $10 (for those who can pay). For complete information on these courses and others being offered throughout the diocese and to register, go to www.madisondiocese.org/ seatofwisdom or call 608-821-3160.
In the registration system, “Basic (Core)” courses are numbered in the 100s, and “Advanced (Elective)” courses are numbered in the 200s. Register early; space is limited.