5-Week Course
Overview
featuring text by Terry Polakovic, videos by Catherine M. Mooney, Stephen J. Molvarec
Of the almost forty Doctors of the Church in the Catholic faith, only four are women: St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and St. Hildegard of Bingen. The title “Doctor of the Church” is given by the pope or ecumenical council to saints whose teaching and writings about the faith expand and deepen the church’s understanding of the faith across time and space. This course provides a basic overview of the lives of the four women Doctors of the Church, their teaching and spirituality, and their continued impact on the faithful.
This course has a required text: Terry Polakovic. Women of Hope: Doctors of the Church. Our Sunday Visitor: Huntington, IN 2021.
Topics
- Week 1: Introduction
- Week 2: St. Catherine of Siena
- Week 3: St. Teresa of Ávila
- Week 4: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Week 5: St. Hildegard of Bingen
Special Features
This course includes:
- Video clips;
- 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 CSTM Crossroads online courses include these features
- Participants have access 24 hours/7 days a week to the course's password-protected website.
- 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.
Additional Materials Needed
Terry Polakovic. Women of Hope: Doctors of the Church. Our Sunday Visitor: Huntington, IN, 2021.
Time Commitment
A participant can expect to spend an average of approximately 4 hours each week. This commitment includes both the assigned reading and interaction online.
Content Scholars
- Terry Polakovic, (text) is cofounder of Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) and served as president of the organization from 2003 to 2015. She worked in nonprofit leadership for more than 30 years and is now retired.
- Catherine M. Mooney, Ph.D. (video) is associate professor of Church History at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
- Stephen J. Molvarec, S.J. (video) is assistant professor of Church History at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Image: WISE AND HOLY WOMEN Mandala-Four Women Doctors of the Church by Brother Michael O’Neill McGrath, © Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS
Certificate Requirement Categories:
- Themes of Our Christian Tradition