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