Course Description

From October 2012 through November of 2013, Pope Benedict XVI has called the Church to celebrate a Year of Faith, challenging Catholics to grow in faith by strengthening their devotion to the Word of God. To do this, he has called Catholics to a renewed understanding of the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This course will help participants understand the context for the Year of Faith by examining faith in light of Vatican II. Beginning with Blessed Pope John XXIII’s announcement of the Second Vatican Council, the course will walk participants through the documents of Vatican II and selected writings of Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The course will examine the essential characteristics of faith in light of Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Finally, it will describe how faith is strengthened and lived by lay people in the world today.

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

    Course Materials

    • Reflection Questions for Online Courses

    • Syllabus

    • Schreck Exerpt

    • Porta Fidei Excerpt

    • Year of Faith - Plenary Indulgence

    • Link
  • 2

    Session 1 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 1 - Handouts

    • Session 1 - Video
  • 3

    Session 2 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 2 - Handouts

    • Session 2 - Video
  • 4

    Session 3 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 3 - Handouts

    • Session 3 - Video
  • 5

    Session 4 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 4 - Handouts

    • Session 4 - Video
  • 6

    Session 5 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 5 - Handouts

    • Session 5 - Video
  • 7

    Session 6 - Understanding Faith in Light of Vatican 2

    • Session 6 - Handouts

    • Session 6 - Video