Bishop Helmsing Institute

Apologetics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The apologetics course will draw from Apostolic Tradition, Scripture, the writings of the early Church Fathers, history, and logic to provide students with the knowledge to explain and defend their Catholic faith.  Apologetics seeks to demonstrate the reasonableness of the Faith in the face of objections and questions.  The course will also help students to grow in faith by recognizing the solid foundations of our Catholic Tradition, and to desire the holiness of life that is the best defense of the Faith.  The course will examine the topics of papal authority, apostolic succession, justification, the communion of Saints, Mary and the Sacrifice of the Mass, among others.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1) To respond to our Lord=s injunction to spread the faith.

Vatican II stated: A. . . . this sacred Synod earnest exhorts laymen, each according to his natural gifts and learning, to be more diligent in doing their part to explain and defend Christian principles, and to apply them rightly to the problems of our era, according to the mind of the Church.@  Pope John Paul II told a group of U.S. bishops that the growth and vitality of the Catholic Church depends upon Aguarding doctrine and teaching the faithful to spread it@ and that Aeven well-educated adult Catholics lack the ability to formulate their faith in relation to the many questions raised by the diversity of outlooks present in society.” 

2) To grow in personal holiness.

In order for us to be Aleaven for the world@ we must seek holiness through faithfulness to the Eucharist celebration (i.e., daily Mass if possible), the sacrament of reconciliation, prayer (especially Eucharistic adoration) and regular Bible study. 

3) To win souls.

The objective of apologetics is not to win arguments, but rather to win souls.  While we can Aplant seeds@ of faith with our witness, it is up to the Holy Spirit to water them.  Although we cannot convert anyone, God’s grace enables us to be instruments of conversion of hearts.

Required Texts:

The Holy Bible [Revised Standard Version, Catholic Ed.; Douay-Rheims; or The New American Bible (preferably the 1970's version)].

The Catechism of the Catholic Church 

Beginning Apologetics .1.0: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith by Fr. Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

Beginning Apologetics 3: How to Explain and Defend the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist by Fr. Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

Beginning Apologetics 6: How to Explain and Defend Mary by Fr. Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

 Recommended Texts:

1) Douay Rheims Bible (uses old English but very accurate translation)

2) Navarre Bible Commentary series

3) Jesus, Peter and the Keys: A Scriptural Handbook on the Papacy; Butler, Dahlgren & Hess

4) The Hidden Manna; Fr. O'Connor

5) The Faith of the Early Fathers; Jurgens (3 vols.)

6) Beginning Apologetics 7.0: How to Read the Bible; Fr. Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

7) The Lamb's Supper; Scott Hahn

8) My Body, My Blood: A Biblical Perspective on the Real Presence; Carlisle Adams

9) Catholic For a Reason I –III; Scott Hahn and Others

10) Bible Basics; Steve Kellmeyer

11) Surprised by Truth I; Patrick Madrid, ed.

12) How Can I Get to Heaven?  The Bible’s Teaching on Salvation-Made Easy to Understand; Robert Sungenis

13) Catholic Evidence Training Outlines; Frank Sheed and Maisie Ward (organized;outlined)

14) Scripture Matters; Scott Hahn

Course expectations:

• Students will complete two quizzes on the reading material.  The quizzes will be administered in the second and third class sessions.

• Students will write an apology of at least one-page on one of the listed topics.  The apology is due in the fourth class session.  It should be typed or very neatly written.

COURSE SCHEDULE

 OFFICE LOCATION:

Bishop Helmsing Institute

Chancery

300 East 36^th Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

Phone: (816) 756-1850 ex 246

Email:  staff@bishophelmsinginstitute.org