Course

Following the Star

Nov 20, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024

$30 Enroll

Full course description

3-Week Course

Overview

Join the Magi in following the star this Advent season. Focusing on the Epiphany, this course takes a reflective look at the experience of the Magi in traveling to see the Christ child, honoring him, and departing by a different way. Reflect on your own faith journey this Advent and Christmas season as we take a closer look at the scripture as well as the different ways the Epiphany is celebrated in the global church.

Topics

  • Week 1: “Where is the newborn king?”
  • Week 2: “We saw his star”
  • Week 3: “We have come to do him homage”

Special Features

  • Weekly videos;
  • Text transcripts of each featured video;
  • Weekly questions for reflection and discussion;
  • A weekly introduction and study guide; and
  • A regularly updated Resources page to use for further study.

All STM Online: Crossroads courses include these features

  • Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected web site.
  • Each participant belongs to a small Community for Conversation and faith sharing guided by a facilitator.
  • The course site is usually available to participants at least three months after the course has ended.
  • An orientation on how to navigate the web site is always available.
  • Technical assistance is easy to contact and prompt in returning a message.
  • A Certificate of Active Participation is awarded to those who post at least three messages of substance for each week of content.

Time Commitment

A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 3-4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.

Content Scholars

  • Madeleine Boucher, Ph.D. (text) is a former professor of New Testament and director of the Women’s Studies Program, Fordham University
  • Richard Leonard, S.J., (text) is a Jesuit priest of the Australian Province, author, educator, and film critic.
  • Fr. Anselm W. Romb, OFM Conv. (text) is a Conventual Franciscan priest and author.
  • Megan McKenna (text) is an internationally known author, theologian, storyteller and lecturer. She teaches at several colleges and universities and does retreats, workshops and parish missions.
  • Søren Kierkegaard (text) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and social critic.
  • Cecilia Martinez-Avila (text) is a writer.
  • Kathy McNeely (text) is the coordinator of special projects at the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns in Washington, D.C.
  • Damian Torres-Botello, S.J. (video) is a Jesuit priest of the Midwest Province. He is a spiritual director, LGBTQ+ advocate, contributor to The Jesuit Post, and co-founder of the Jesuit Antiracism Sodality (JARS).
  • Barbara E. Quinn, RSCJ (video) is a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, United States-Canada province. She serves as the Associate Director of Spiritual Formation at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
  • Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Ph.D. (video) is a member of the institute of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis, Kenya. Wakahiu provides leadership and direction of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s program department and the Catholic Sisters Initiative.
  • Carolyn Y. Woo, Ph.D. (video) is former dean of the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and former CEO and president of Catholic Relief Services.
  • Jan Richardson (prayer) is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and has traveled widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker.
  • Theodore J. Tracy, S.J. (prayer) was a Jesuit priest, professor, author, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
  • John Shea (prayer) is a theologian, storyteller, teacher, writer, and a consultant with decades of experience in providing theological and formation services to parishes and faith-based organizations.

Certificate Requirement Categories:

Spirituality and Prayer

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