Course Description

The ‘New Evangelization’ is one of the most popular expressions in the Church today. Made popular by Pope John Paul II, it characterizes the focus and mission of the Church at the beginning of the Third Millennium. This course will look at the progression of the New Evangelization from Vatican II through the pontificate of Benedict XVI, with attention given to the contribution of Pope John Paul II. It will help the student to understand the word ‘evangelization’ as well as the primary goals and themes of the New Evangelization. It will show the great need in the world today for the Gospel and how the New Evangelization addresses that need.

Hours of Instruction: 12

Institute Director

Eric Westby, Phd

Eric J. Westby, PhD is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish and School Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is an assistant professor of Theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville. He received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. More importantly, he is husband to Nikki and father of five beautiful girls.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Session 1 - The New Evangelization

    • Reflection Questions for Online Courses

    • Week 1 Handouts

    • Session 1 - Video
  • 2

    Session 2 - The New Evangelization

    • Week 2 Handouts

    • Session 2 - Video
  • 3

    Session 3 - The New Evangelization

    • Week 3 Handouts

    • Session 3 - Video
  • 4

    Session 4 - The New Evangelization

    • Week 4 Handouts

    • Session 4 - Video
  • 5

    Session 5 - The New Evangelization

    • Week 5 Handouts

    • Session 5 - Video
  • 6

    Session 6 - The New Evangelization

    • Week 6 Handouts

    • Week 6 Handout - Our Growth

    • Session 6 - Video