SPRING 2017 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SPRING 2017 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CATHOLICISM 101: THE GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN In this eight week introductory course, we will be studying in depth the Gospel of John. Themes we will study include: Where was the Gospel of John written? For whom was it written? What issues may John s church have been facing when writing this gospel? What is John s theology of who Jesus is? (Christology) What does it mean to follow Jesus in John s gospel? (Discipleship) What is the relationship between Judaism and Christianity in John? This course is offered for both new students as well as people already accustomed to studying the bible. Inquirers and neophytes from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are encouraged to attend. It will also be an excellent course for catechists, lectors, deacons and priests who want a refresher, and anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith. Please indicate the Noon or Evening session when registering, INSTRUCTOR: Joseph Nuzzi, M.A. Wednesdays, February 1 - March 29, 2017 {NOTE: Class Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017} 12:00 1:00 PM or 6:30 7:30 PM; Clare Room FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY: MASTER WRITER AND READER OF THE HUMAN HEART A pioneer in realism, Fyodor Dostoevsky portrayed the psychological, spiritual, economic and social struggles of individuals in 19 th century Russia. After an introductory session, we will spend two weeks discussing notes from the Underground, then three weeks discussing The Possessed (also entitled The Demons) and, finally, three weeks discussing Crime and Punishment. Since we will be working in translation, it will be useful if everyone uses the Constance Garnett translations which are widely available in print and electronic formats. Note: We will be using the unabridged Garnett translation of Possessed/The Demons. INSTRUCTOR: Sr. Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Thursdays, February 16 April 27, 2017{NOTE: No Class April 13 th & April 20 th } 12:15 PM 1:15 PM; Clare Room

CHRISTIAN ART IN WARTIME THE WORK OF THE MONUMENTS MEN Join us as we explore the trilogy of books by Robert Edsel regarding the important, but little known work, of the team responsible for the finding, salvaging, and returning of numerous works of art during and after WWII. Much of this art was religious in nature, including such marvels as the Ghent Altarpiece and the Bruges Madonna and many more. The trilogy includes: Saving Italy, Rescuing Da Vinci, and The Monuments Men, the last of which was made into a recent movie. We will also explore some of the historical context as well as view some clips from the movie in an effort to understand their important work and sacrifice. INSTRUCTOR: Mary J. Gennuso, Ph.D. Dates: Friday, February 17, 2017 Time: 9:00 AM 3:00 PM; Classroom 4 WOMEN SAINTS AND HOLY WOMEN IN FILM AND ART This course will present films and excerpts from films that depict the lives of women from the New Testament, women saints, and other holy women. Through viewing and follow up discussion participants will look at how the spiritual faith and actions of these women influenced history and the lives of their immediate and extended families, and their relevance in today s culture. Some of the women presented on film will be Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Rita of Cascia, Helena, Teresa of Avila, and others. Through a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, participants will explore the representation of these women, from their respective historical periods, in different artistic mediums. INSTRUCTOR: Denise De Vito, M.A. Tuesday, February 21, 2017; 1:00 PM 3:30 PM; Classroom 4 Tuesday, February 28, 2017; 1:00 PM 3:30 PM; Classroom 4 Tuesday, March 7, 2017; 3:00 PM 5:00 PM, Metropolitan Museum of Art {There will be a one-time charge of $12.00 for museum entrance fee payable at the first class session} Tuesday, March 14, 2017; 1:00 PM 3:30 PM; Classroom 4 Tuesday, March 21, 2017; 1:00 PM 3:30 PM; Classroom 4

POETRY OF LOUISE GLÜCK: A TELLING EXPERIENCE Former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner, Louise Glück states that she is attracted to ellipsis, to the unsaid, to suggestion, to eloquent, deliberate silence. The resulting poetry draws the reader into lyrical narratives. For the first hour and a half we will discuss Glück s poems; the last half hour participants will be given a choice of writing prompts based on the techniques and themes of the poems we discussed. While the writing primarily serves to further understand the poet s work, those students who wish to develop the prompts into poems will have the opportunity to discuss their work with the instructor. Our text, Louise Glück Poems 1962-2012 is available in print and electronic formats from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. INSTRUCTOR: Sr. Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Tuesdays; February 21 April 4, 2017 6:00 PM 8 PM; San Damiano Hall A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN BY JAMES JOYCE Once upon a time and a very good time it was And so begins the fictional memoir of Joyce s early life and education. Portrait, sequel of Dubliners, was voted the third best English Language novel of the 20 th Century with his Ulysses voted number one. The course concludes with a viewing and discussion of Joseph Strick s 1977 film A Portrait of the Artist. NOTE: The novel is available online or from booksellers. INSTRUCTOR: Br. Edward Kent, O.S.F., M.A. Wednesdays, March 1 April 5, 2017 12:00 1:15 PM; Classroom 4 CLARITY IN ALL THINGS: LOOKING AND LOVING WITH ST. CLARE OF ASSISI Because Clare lived at the Church of San Damiano for forty-two years, one might assume she saw the same things day after day. And yet, in her writing and especially in the Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague Clare reveals a wide, expansive vision. She encourages Agnes to pray by gazing, considering, contemplating, and imitating. This course will explore the way Clare looks at God, the Cross of Christ, St. Francis, the Holy Eucharist, herself, and other people. Through her own words, art and prayer, scripture and song, we will explore what it might mean to look with Clare, to see with clarity INSTRUCTOR: Fr. John F. Beddingfield, T.S.S.F., D.Min. Thursdays, March 2 16, 2017 5:45 7:00 PM; San Damiano Hall FEE: $30.00

THE BOOK OF EXODUS: PATTERN OF OUR LENTEN PILGRIMAGE So many of the themes of Lent and Holy Week passing from slavery into freedom, distinguishing the true God from false gods, preferring faith to security, being delivered to new life through water and celebrating a sacred meal in which God s saving deeds are recalled find their origins in the Old Testament book of Exodus. This course will explore the second book of both Jewish and Christian bibles in order to deepen our understanding of and appreciation for the Church s 40-day pilgrimage to Easter. INSTRUCTOR: Fr. William Beaudin, O.F.M., M.Div. Thursdays, March 2 30, 2017 6:15 PM 7:15 PM; Clare Room MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR STORIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Our stories unfold as we live through the concrete circumstances of our lives and a significant religious experience can change those circumstances radically. This is no less true for the characters in the fourth gospel. In this workshop, we read and discuss five stories as recorded by the evangelist of the fourth gospel, stories of how an encounter with Jesus transformed the lives of the people involved. And then we will pray with each story and attempt to discern what the story is saying to us today as individuals and as a society. The Samaritan Woman The Man Born Blind Martha and Mary Peter and the Beloved Disciple Mary Magdalene INSTRUCTOR: Joseph S. Pecorella, M.A. Wednesdays, March 8 April 5, 2017 1:00 PM 2:00 PM; Classroom 2 A LENTEN JOURNEY WITH EDITH STEIN: HER LIFE AND WORKS The 125 th anniversary of the birth of Edith Stein was celebrated last year. Now, in 2017, we commemorate 70 years since her death. Come join us as we explore the fascinating life of this modern day saint. Through readings, discussion, and reflections, her life and works will be explored from the early years to her later life in the Carmel. Edith was a philosopher who studied with the phenomenologist Edmund Husserl. She was also a convert to the faith who later became a Carmelite nun and was eventually martyred at Auschwitz. Edith wrote many philosophical and theological works including Finite and Eternal Being, Science of the Cross, and several others, as well as meditations on various saints and feast days. Come share the journey with us as we celebrate her life. INSTRUCTORS: Mary Gennuso, Ph.D. and Denise De Vito, M.A. Friday, March 10, 2017 9:00 AM 12 Noon; Francis Room FEE: $30.00

A DAY OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Contemplative Prayer is the loving search for God, the opening of the mind and the heart, our whole being to God, a process of interior transformation initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to an attitude of friendship, trust, love, and divine union with God. This process of interior transformation consists of purgation, illumination, and union, the three stages of spiritual life, and praying lectio divina. This process was first described by the 3 rd century desert fathers and mothers, upon which foundation St. Benedict and later monastic legislators build their way of life. Lectio divina means divine reading. God lives in his word. The word is a divine presence. Because the Lord speaks personally to us through his word in the sacred scriptures, we can express to our Lord whatever feelings or longings are stirred up in us by his word our struggles, hurts, epiphanies, joys. The encounter with Christ and reflection on his word leads if we consent to an attitude of friendship, trust, love, and union with Him. We are transformed more and more into our true self, the image and likeness of God. The day will consist of presentations on: The 3 stages of spiritual life; the listening that we are; true self/false self; and the actual practice of moving meditation, lectio divina, and centering prayer. INSTRUCTOR: Tessie Pia, M.A. The same workshop will be offered on the following three Saturdays: March 11, 2017; April 1, 2017; and May 6, 2017 Please indicate which Saturday you wish to attend. 10:30 AM 4:30 PM {NOTE: There will be a lunch break} Clare Room THE RELIGIOUS SENSE IN AMERICAN ART FROM THE COLONIAL PERIOD TO THE 21 ST CENTURY Attention will be given to the religious sense as expressed in American painting over the centuries. Secular works of American art will also be presented and studied in order to provide the wider context of the full range American artists as a context for the focus of the course. Significant examples of American sculpture and architecture will also be included. A second purpose of the course will be to suggest an answer to the question: Is there anything uniquely American about American art? The course will conclude with an optional field trip to the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. INSTRUCTOR: Francis J. Greene, Ph.D. Tuesdays, March 14 May 2, 2017 12:15 PM 1:30 PM; San Damiano Hall

WE AND THE WAYS of TWO MYSTICS: THOMAS MERTON AND JULIAN OF NORWICH The class will explore the unusual lives and teachings of two mystics: Thomas Merton from modern times and Julian of Norwich from not so modern times. We will become familiar with their own unusual lives; their writings; the common themes of their writings; and what it all means to us now. There will be discussion time in every session and each session will begin with a presentation about an aspect of their lives and themes of their teachings and writings. Most of all, it is an opportunity for us to get closer to our own everyday calling from God and how to live that out! Recommended readings: Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton and All Shall be Well The Spirituality of Julian of Norwich. Both are in paperback. INSTRUCTOR: Jerry Zeller, M.A. Tuesdays, March 14 April 18, 2017 6:00 PM-8:00 PM; Classroom 4 POEMS R US Come and listen to original poems by members of the Adult Education Program and parish community. INSTRUCTOR: Sr. Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Thursday, June 15, 2017 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Clare Room NO FEE NO REGISTRATION HOW TO WRITE LETTERS THAT GET RESULTS: EMAILS AND MEMOS TOO! Communicating well, speaking the truth, saying what needs to be said: These are justice issues. Knowing how to communicate in today s bright, loud, busy-busy culture with its trivialization of basic human meaning can be a force for good. The English language is a powerful tool for moving and shaking the world. INSTRUCTOR: Joseph S. Pecorella, M.A. Thursdays, April 20 May 11, 2017 6:00 PM 7:30 PM; Classroom 2 FEE: $30.00

ZEN MEDITATION: DRAGON S EYE ZENDO Zen is powerful way to quiet our incessant mental chatter and our turbulent emotions, in order to be more fully present to the deeper dimensions of our lives. We can thus connect with the inner peace and joy, and to our own interconnectedness with all. This group is not a class or lecture, but an ongoing Zen meditation community. Beginners are very welcome; but, after initial instruction at the first visit, they are simply plunged into the practice. Nonetheless, private meeting with the teacher (daison) and a talk to the group (teisho) are offered weekly. INSTRUSTOR: Fr. Michael Holleran Thursdays: Ongoing 6:00 PM 7:45 PM; San Damiano Hall Please Note: Instructors biographies are available on our website stfrancisnyc.org CLASSROOM LOCATIONS: Most classes are held in the St. Francis Adult Education Center, 139 West 31 st Street, immediately to the left of St. Francis Church. The entrance is in the passageway between the church and the Adult Education building. San Damiano Hall is located at 127 W. 31 st Street (enter under the glass awning). The Clare Conference room is located on the first floor of St. Francis House, 135 Wd. 31 st Street, and the Francis Room is located on the lower level of St. Francis House, 135 W 31 st Street

SPRING 2017 Church of Saint Francis of Assisi ADULT EDUCATION CENTER COURSES REGISTRATION FORM ( ) New Participant ( ) Returning Participant Name: Address: Apt City/State/Zip: Phone: Home ( ) Work ( ) E-Mail: Payment Enclosed: Cash Check Credit Card: Center CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: St. Francis Adult Education Check below the course (s) you would like to attend: Please indicate the NOON or EVENING class where necessary. o CATHOLICISM 101: THE GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN {Please indicate which session you will attend} o 12 1:00 Afternoon o 6:30 7:30 PM Evening o FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY: MASTER WRITER AND READER OF THE HUMAN HEART o CHRISTIAN ART IN WARTIME THE WORK OF THE MOUMENTS MEN o WOMEN SAINTS AND HOLY WOMEN IN FILM AND ART o POETRY OF LOUISE GLÜCK: A TELLING EXPERIENCE o A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN BY JAMES JOYCE o CLARITY IN ALL THINGS: LOOKING AND LOVING WITH St. CLARE OF ASSISI o THE BOOK OF EXODUS: PATTERN OF OUR LENTERN PILGRIMAGE o MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR STORIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN o A LENTEN JOURNEY WITH EDITH STEIN: HER LIFE AND WORKS o A DAY OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER {Please indicate which Saturday you will attend} o Saturday, March 11, 2017 o Saturday, April 1, 2017 o Saturday, May 6, 2017 o THE RELIGIOUS SENSE IN AMERICAN ART FROM THE COLONIAL PERIOD TO THE 21SAT CENTRURY

o WE AND THE WAYS OF TWO MYSTICS: THOMAS MERTON AND JULIAN OF NORWICH o HOW TO WRITE LETTERS THAT GET RESULTS: EMAILS AND MEMOS TOO!