August 8, 2009
Diocese’s Scripture Institute begins third year in September
By Herald staff
Stephen
Matuszak, diocesan director of catechesis, will give an introductory session
about the Scripture Institute on Sept. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Diocesan
Pastoral Center, located at 2110 Broadway in Sacramento. Cathy Joyce/Herald
file photo
The Diocese of Sacramento’s Department of Evangelization and Catechesis begins the third year of its Scripture Institute with classes beginning Sept. 22 and continuing through three cycles concluding in March 2010.
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.
Bishop Jaime Soto notes 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 first cycle focusing on the Acts of the Apostles begins Sept. 22 and continues on six consecutive Tuesdays through Oct. 27.
Classes will cover Pentecost and the growth of the church, mission and witness, inauguration of the Gentile mission, the missionary journeys of St. Paul, and the arrest and imprisonment of St. Paul. Classes will be taught by Jesuit Father Art Wehr, parochial vicar of St. Ignatius Parish in Sacramento.
The second cycle examines Wisdom literature, with classes on the book of Job, Proverbs and the books of Sirach and Wisdom. The classes for this cycle begin Nov. 3 and continue through Dec. 8.
The instructors are Legionaries of Christ Father Robert Presutti, president of the University of Sacramento, Father Dan Looney, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Vacaville, and Chuck Zanetti, religion teacher at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento.
The last cycle of classes, focusing on the Gospel of Luke, starts on Feb. 2, 2010, and concludes on March 23 (excluding Feb. 23). The classes will cover all of the chapters of Luke and will be taught by 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 narrative, 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.
A special introductory session about the Scripture Institute will be given on Sept. 15 at Diocesan Pastoral Center from 7 to 9 p.m. by Stephen Matuszak, diocesan director of catechesis. The session is titled “Catholic Biblical Interpretation: How to Read and Understand the Word of God Written in the Words of Men.”
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 of the first two six-week cycles, $10 per individual class, $50 for the third cycle 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.
