NEW YORK — “Catholic guilt,” confronting the modern world, and care for creation are the topics some of the adult education courses being offered this spring at St. Francis of Assisi Church here.
Among a variety of classes beginning in January and February are:
- “‘Who Told You That You Were Naked?’ Genesis 3:9,” offers a look at the shame and guilt from past failings some Catholics retain for years, if not a lifetime. This course will “review the common causes of our shame and guilt and offer a spiritual plan to cure them,” according to the course description.
- “Catholicism Confronts the Modern World,” offered by Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, examines the ways Roman Catholicism was reshaped in response to the Protestant challenge as well as the impact of nationalism, the Enlightenment and revolutionary movements on the Catholic world, the growing centralization within the Church in the 19th century and the 20th century currents that led to the Second Vatican Council.
- “Spirituality and Emotions” will examine three challenges to the human spirit and spiritual life — depression, guilt and shame, and forgiveness. The instructor is Robert Gavin, OFM.
- “Care of Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth” is a reading group offered in conjunction with the Center for Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Discernment. The group, facilitated by Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, will read and discuss in a six-week series Care of Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, Br. Keith Warner, OFM, and Pamela Wood.
Information about all spring programs, including meeting times and fees can be found on the church’s Web site and through promotional pamphlets available in the parish lobby at 135 West 31st Street. St. Francis also offers a variety of counseling services and meeting groups. For information about these groups, contact St. Francis Counseling Center.
The spring semester at the Midtown church begins Feb. 15.