Michael Brooks
There are many courses available for those interested in learning about the Catholic faith. The Catholic Thing Courses, for example, offers a course based on Fr. Gerald E. Murray's book-length interview with Diane Montagna, Calming the Storm: Navigating the Crises Facing the Catholic Church and Society. Augustine Institute Short Courses offer a nine-course curriculum that focuses on Scripture, doctrine, and the Christian life, providing a systematic overview of Catholic theology. Catholic Theological Union offers a range of courses, including an introduction to moral theology and social analysis for pastoral praxis. My Catholic Faith Delivered provides online courses, certifications, and formation programs for individuals and parish communities. These courses cover a variety of topics, including catechesis, pastoral leadership, and sacramental preparation. Additionally, Catholic Online School offers adult courses suited for those learning about the faith or seeking a refresher. These courses cover topics such as the Bible, confession, confirmation, and the saints.
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What You'll Learn
The Bible and its teachings
The Bible is a collection of sacred texts or scriptures that form the basis of the Catholic faith, alongside other traditions and doctrines. The Bible is made up of the Old Testament and the New Testament, each comprising a variety of books. These books include histories, laws, prophecies, psalms, parables, letters, and revelations, which together tell the story of God's relationship with humanity and God's laws for people to follow.
The Old Testament tells the story of God's creation of the world and the specific covenant or promise made with the Jewish people. It includes the Pentateuch, or the Five Books of Moses, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books tell the story of God's creation of the world in seven days, the fall of humanity, and God's promise to the Israelites, who are led out of slavery in Egypt and given the Ten Commandments. The rest of the Old Testament deals with the history of the Israelites, their kings, prophets, and their relationship with God, including their exile and return to Israel.
The New Testament tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian faith, and the early years of the Catholic Church. It includes the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which tell the story of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, as well as his teachings and those of his disciples. The rest of the New Testament includes letters from Jesus' disciples, such as St. Paul, to the early Christian communities, and the Book of Revelation, which deals with prophetic visions of the end times.
The Bible is a fundamental text for Catholics, providing a moral and spiritual framework for living a good life and following Jesus' teachings. It is studied and interpreted in Catholic education and theology, often alongside other texts and traditions, to deepen Catholics' understanding of their faith and how to live it out in their daily lives.
The Bible is also a source of inspiration and guidance for Catholics in their personal and spiritual lives. It is used in prayer and reflection, and Catholics may turn to it for comfort, wisdom, and direction in their lives, seeking to follow Jesus' example and live according to God's will. The Bible is a living text in the Catholic tradition, providing ongoing revelation and guidance for believers as they seek to understand and live out their faith in their own contexts.
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The Holy Trinity
The Trinity is a complex and profound idea, and various analogies and theories have been developed to explain it. One such analogy is the psychological theory of the Trinity, founded by St. Thomas Aquinas, which compares the two processions within the Godhead to the internal acts of thought and will in the human mind. This theory has been widely accepted by Catholic theologians.
The relational distinction between the three persons of the Trinity is also important. The Son proceeds from the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. These two processions are foundational to the four relations that constitute the Trinity. The first two relations are between the Father and the Son: the Father actively and eternally generates the Son, while the Son is passively generated by the Father. The third relation is the procession of the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son not in a generative sense but in a "spiration". The Latin word "spiration" means "spirit" or "breath", reflecting the idea of God's love being poured out or breathed into creation. This spirative procession is an infinite act of love between the Father and the Son, resulting in the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit is also revealed in Scripture to possess the same infinite and divine nature as the Father and the Son, as indicated in passages like I Cor. 2:10, which states that "no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God". Thus, the Holy Spirit is omniscient and is fully God, just as the Father and the Son are.
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Catholic Sacraments
The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments, which are seen as mystical channels of divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ. The sacraments are often classified into three categories: initiation, healing, and service.
The sacraments of initiation are the first three: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Baptism is the foundational sacrament, marking admission to the faith and bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. It is usually conferred by sprinkling or pouring water on the recipient's head while reciting: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In Catholicism, the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults wishing to join the faith must also receive this sacrament. Confirmation is the second sacrament, which confirms" a baptized person in their faith. In the Roman rite, it is performed years after baptism, while in the Eastern rites, it immediately follows baptism. The third sacrament, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the central rite of Catholic worship. It involves consecrated bread and wine, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ, and shared with the congregation.
The sacraments of healing consist of the Sacrament of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. Penance is also known as the "sacraments of the dead," as it is believed that sinners, regarded as dead before God, can obtain life through this sacrament.
The sacraments of service are Holy Orders and Matrimony. Marriage is seen as one of the seven holy sacraments, a mystical channel of divine grace.
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Catholic Saints
Saints play a significant role in Catholic faith and tradition. They are individuals who are recognized by the Catholic Church as having lived a life of exemplary virtue and holiness. Saints are often venerated and serve as role models for Catholics, inspiring them to lead more virtuous and faithful lives.
There are numerous saints recognized by the Catholic Church, including St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. St. Kateri was born in 1656 in a Mohawk village and is celebrated as a saint for her virtuous life and dedication to her faith. Another notable saint is St. Catherine of Alexandria, who is recognized as a martyr and a Great Martyr and Saint by Christian tradition. She was martyred in around 305 in Alexandria, Egypt, and holds a significant place in the Catholic Church's history.
Other saints include St. Michael the Archangel, associated with courage, protection, and divine intervention. St. Michael is often invoked for personal protection and is believed to intervene in the lives of those who pray to him. St. Bonaventure, celebrated as the Saint of the Day on July 15, 2025, is another important figure in the Catholic Church. St. Augustine of Hippo, author of "The City of God," is considered the most influential thinker in the Church's history, offering insights into spiritual and political life.
The lives and stories of these saints can be explored through various methods. One approach is to follow the General Roman Calendar, reading about the saint or feast associated with each day of the year. Alternatively, one can read about the saints in alphabetical order or chronological order, allowing for an understanding of the historical context and development of the Catholic Church. These saints' stories provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the Catholic faith for believers around the world.
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Catholic Theology
One key aspect of Catholic Theology courses is the exploration of Scripture. This involves studying the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments, to gain a deeper understanding of its teachings and their relevance in today's world. Students may delve into the stories of famous martyrs and monastics from the early Church, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Polycarp, and St. Augustine of Hippo, whose works provide valuable insights into spiritual and political life. Additionally, courses may examine the Deuterocanonical books, including Tobit, Judith, Esther, and Wisdom, to understand their influence on Catholic theology and their relationship to similar works in the Hebrew Bible.
Another important area of study within Catholic Theology is doctrine. This covers the fundamental teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church, including its worship practices and sacraments. For instance, students may learn about the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and their central role in worship. Courses may also explore the Church's teachings about Christ, such as why God became man in the person of Jesus and how his death and resurrection save humanity. By understanding these doctrines, students can strengthen their own faith and effectively guide others in their spiritual journeys.
Furthermore, Catholic Theology courses often emphasize the importance of saints and their contributions to the faith. Students may learn about prominent saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Bonaventure, and St. Edith Stein, whose writings and lives provide valuable insights into the Catholic faith. Additionally, courses may explore the principles that govern moral decision-making, encouraging students to reflect on their own lives and how they can live virtuously according to Catholic teachings. Overall, Catholic Theology courses aim to provide a well-rounded education that nurtures both the intellectual and spiritual aspects of the faith.
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