Course Description

The Apologetics semester looks at some of the primary attacks against Church teachings, giving the teens clear answers to difficult questions.

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

    Welcome to the Crossroads Semester 5

    • Accessing the Sessions

    • About This Semester

    • Meeting Essentials

    • Administration Tips

    • Discussion Board
  • 2

    Unit 1 - Divine Revelation – Bible Alone?

    • About Unit 1

    • Unit 1 - Divine Revelation – Bible Alone? - pdf Version

    • Unit 1 - Divine Revelation – Bible Alone? - Word Version
  • 3

    Unit 2 - Salvation – Faith Alone?

    • About Unit 2

    • Unit 2 - Salvation – Faith Alone? - pdf Version

    • Unit 2 - Salvation – Faith Alone? - Word Version
  • 4

    Unit 3 - The Church Hierarchy – A Human Institution?

    • About Unit 3

    • Unit 3 - The Church Hierarchy – A Human Institution? - pdf Version

    • Unit 3 - The Church Hierarchy – A Human Institution? - Word Version
  • 5

    Unit 4 - The Blessed Virgin Mary – Just Another Woman?

    • About Unit 4

    • Unit 4 - The Blessed Virgin Mary – Just Another Woman? - pdf Version

    • Unit 4 - The Blessed Virgin Mary – Just Another Woman? - Word Version
  • 6

    Unit 5 - Sacraments – Man-Made Rituals?

    • About Unit 5

    • Unit 5 - Sacraments – Man-Made Rituals? - pdf Version

    • Unit 5 - Sacraments – Man-Made Rituals? - Word Version
  • 7

    Unit 6 - Basic Catholic Traditions – Traditions of Men?

    • About Unit 6

    • Unit 6 - Basic Catholic Traditions – Traditions of Men? - pdf Version

    • Unit 6 - Basic Catholic Traditions – Traditions of Men? - Word Version