Course Description

One of the major objectives of the Second Vatican Council was to spread the Gospel in today's world. From that, Vatican II issued the document Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. This course will provide an in-depth overview of the purpose of this document. It will also look at this document's impact since the Council, examining selected writings from Pope Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. This course will look to strengthen lay people in their urgent and vital role of spreading Christ's love in the world. It is designed especially for those who are new (or wanting a refresher) to Vatican II and its impact on the Church.

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 Church in the Modern World

    • Reflection Questions for Online Courses

    • Syllabus

    • Session 1 - Handouts

    • Session 1 - Video

    • Handout - Vatican II The Crisis Schreck

    • Link
  • 2

    Session 2 - The Church in the Modern World

    • Session 2 - Handouts

    • Session 2 - Video
  • 3

    Session 3 - The Church in the Modern World

    • Session 3 - Handouts

    • Session 3 - Video
  • 4

    Session 4 - The Church in the Modern World

    • Session 4 - Handout

    • Session 4 - Video
  • 5

    Session 5 - The Church in the Modern World

    • Session 5 - Handout

    • Session 5 - Video
  • 6

    Session 6 - The Church in the Modern World

    • Session 6 - Handout

    • Session 6 - Video