by Martha I. Fernandez
Managing Editor
Exploring the Catholic faith is the purpose of Catholicism 101, a six-week series of seminars being offered in the Chapel seminar room by the Catholic Campus Ministry.
The Forum, created by Catholic Campus Minister Elena Cardeña, is “a time to come together to discuss topics.”
This semester’s series is topical and deals with the basic teachings of Catholicism. The seminars are held on Thursdays from 7:30-8:45 p.m. The series began last week and continues through Nov. 30. Seminars will not be offered on Nov. 2 and Nov. 23 due to observation of the Day of the Dead and Thanksgiving.
“People are welcome to come to all six of them or just to the one that might interest them,” said Cardeña.
The series is not meant as a course for individuals who are thinking of converting to the Catholic faith, but is geared toward “people who want to rediscover their faith or strengthen the knowledge of their faith.”
Cardeña has been active in religious education since she was 17-years-old and encourages discussion as a means of learning in her teachings.
“We can be so limited because we can barely understand the Creation. How can we understand the Creator?
“By dialoguing and coming together we have our perception of God stretch a little, so we can let God in,” she said.
Four seminars are left in the series. At the first gathering only three people attended, but Cardeña was pleased with the conversation. The first two dealt with the images of God and Jesus Christ. Thursday, Oct. 25, the Forum will feature “The Creed.”
“The first three [seminars] are traditional in a type of Christian initiation class,” Cardeña said.
The last three seminars will focus on topics people have expressed interest in. On Nov. 9, liturgy and worship will be discussed; sacramentals (medallions, crosses, holy cards, etc.) and traditions will be featured on Nov. 16; and the series will conclude on Nov. 30 with a seminar on Mary and the saints.
Next spring, Cardeña anticipates the Forum hosting guest speakers. Cardeña said she hopes to invite people who are Catholic and active in other roles.
“It might be areas where people are having a hard time reconciling who they are with what they believe in.”
