Adult Education Center Fall 2017 Course Descriptions FAITH AND THE BIBLE INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW PROPHETS This eight-week course will survey the prophetic tradition in the Old Testament. It will examine the Israelite understanding of prophecy, its development over time, and its impact on ancient Israel s understanding of God. We will be studying the prophets whose stories are told in the historical books of the bible (Joshua through II Kings) as well as the writings of the major and minor prophets (Isaiah through Malachi). We will trace the development of Israel s self-understanding, the theology of the covenant and issues of social justice so central to the prophets message. Designed for beginning students of the bible as well as for those who have had some introduction to biblical studies in the past, this is an excellent course for catechists, lectors, spiritual seekers, and historians. INSTRUCTOR: Joseph Nuzzi, M.A. Wednesdays: October 11 December 6, 2017 12:00 PM 1:00 PM OR 6:30 PM 7:30 PM; San Damiano Hall FEE: $60.00 FAITH AND THE SAINTS MARRIED SAINTS FROM THE ANCIENT WORLD TO MODERN DAY This course will consider the lives of saints who were married, saints who were parents, those who remarried, and those who were dismissed by their spouses. Through classroom readings, discussion, and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, participants will review the spiritual journeys, history, writings, achievements, and influence of the men and women presented. INSTRUCTOR: Denise De Vito, M.A. Wednesdays: October 11 November 8, 2017 1:00 PM 3:00 PM; Classroom 4 Wednesday, November 1-1:00 3:30 PM; Metropolitan Museum of Art OR Wednesdays: October 11 November 8, 2017 6:00 PM 7:30 PM; Classroom 4 Friday, November 3-6:00 PM 8:00 PM; Metropolitan Museum of Art FEE: $60.00, with an additional one-time charge of $12 for the museum entrance fee payable at the first class session.
PRAYING WITH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI There is no better window into the soul of St. Francis than his own writings. This six-week course will study his spirituality by examining the prayer texts he composed, as well as the dispositions he brought to prayer and the sources that sustained him on his journey into God. INSTRUCTOR: William Beaudin, O.F.M., M.Div. Wednesdays: October 11 November 15, 2017 6:15 PM 7:30 PM; Clare Room FEE: $50.00 THE LIFE AND WORK OF ST. MOTHER THERESA In this exploration of the life of a modern saint, we will read excerpts from books about Mother Theresa as well as from her own writings, and chart her faith discernment, her call to work with the poor, and the changes she underwent to fulfill her mission. We will also review clips of a movie that looks at her life and vocation, from her early teaching days to her years in Calcutta. Inspired and informed by Mother Theresa s words and example, this course will foster spiritual self-reflection among its participants. INSTRUCTOR: Mary J. Gennuso, Ph.D. Friday, October 20, 2017 9:00 AM 12:00 PM; Classroom 4 FEE: $25.00 FAITH AND WORK LANDING A JOB, LAUNCHING A CAREER St. Francis spoke of the grace of work, and a gratifying, fulfilling, and meaningful job is certainly a great gift in a person s life. But as anyone who has ever pounded the pavement in search of a job can attest, positioning oneself to receive such a gift requires tools, skills, and practice. This 90-minute seminar will help participants acquire the tools and hone the skills they need to experience the grace of work. INSTRUCTOR: Anna Aviles Saturday, November 4, 2017 12:15 PM 1:45 PM; Classroom 4 FEE: $25.00
FAITH AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICE A DAY OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Contemplative prayer is the opening of the mind, the heart, and our whole being to God. It is a process of interior transformation initiated by God, a process that leads, if we consent, to friendship, trust, love, and deeper union with God, and to ongoing conversion from our false self into our true self, the self which is made in God s image and likeness. This day-long course, recommended for new and long-time practitioners, will include periods of instruction as well as the actual experience of traditional forms of contemplative prayer. INSTRUCTOR: Tessie Pia, M.A. The same workshop will be offered on the following three dates: Saturday, October 7, 2017; Saturday, October 28, 2017; Saturday, November 18, 2017 10:30 AM 4:30 PM; TBD FEE: $45.00 MY CHRISTIAN POTENTIAL Through silence and solitude, through prayer and the sacraments, and through service to my brothers and sisters, how can I become the person God means for me to be? That is the question we will consider in this course by exploring our own personal histories in class discussion and through the writings of Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and other authors whom class participants have found helpful guides on the spiritual path. INSTRUCTOR: Jerry Zeller, M.A., M.F.A. Wednesdays: October 11 November 8, 2017 6:00 PM 7:00 PM; Coyle Room FEE: $40.00
THE HOLY ICON OF SOUFANIEH: ITS HISTORY AND MESSAGE Join us as we contemplate the depths of this holy icon and the insights of the visionary who was closely connected to it. Recognized by both Orthodox and Catholic churches, the icon and its associated phenomena are ecumenical in their message and in their devotional appeal. This course aims to foster ecumenical effort, attention to the passion of Christ, the theology of Mary, and a deepening of the spiritual lives of those attending. INSTRUCTOR: Mary J. Gennuso, Ph.D. Friday, October 20, 2017 1:00 PM 4:00 PM; Classroom 4 FEE: $25.00 ZEN MEDITATION: DRAGON S EYE ZENDO Zen is a 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 and more closely connected to inner peace, joy, and our unity with all. This group is not a class or lecture, but an ongoing Zen meditation community. All are welcome, and beginners are given initial instruction on their first visit before plunging into the practice. Private meeting with the teacher and a talk to the group are offered weekly. As a Zen Sensei who is also a Catholic priest and former Carthusian monk, Fr. Michael frequently highlights the contemplative interplay of Christianity and Zen. INSTRUCTOR: Fr. Michael Holleran Thursdays: Ongoing 6:00 PM 7:45 PM; San Damiano Hall NO FEE AND NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
FAITH AND THE ARTS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND ST. CLARE IN ART This course will focus on outstanding images of Assisi s greatest saints, beginning with the earliest known paintings, continuing through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and into the Baroque era. Paintings of St. Francis and St. Clare in the 19 th and 20 th centuries will also be examined. Attention will be given to Franciscan architecture and to images of the broader Franciscan tradition, including St. Anthony. Discussion will draw upon the religious, theological, social, and cultural issues and factors that informed these works of art. INSTRUCTOR: Francis J. Greene, Ph.D. Tuesdays: October 10 November 28, 2017 12:15 PM 3:30 PM; San Damiano Hall FEE: $65.00 IRISH FILM FESTIVAL Compassion, forgiveness, and the healing power of love are some of the themes featured in this film survey of Irish writers and actors. Six films will be viewed and discussed: Tara Road, Evelyn, Goodbye Mr. Chips, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Angela s Ashes, and Michael Collins. INSTRUCTOR: Edward Kent, O.S.F., M.A. Thursdays: October 12 November 16, 2017 11:30 AM 1:30 PM; Classroom 4 FEE: $40.00 LIFE MAP SPIRIT MAP Chart your personal history and the Spirit s movement in your life through the medium of the visual arts. In this course, you will learn basic principles of design and apply them to collage and drawing as a powerful way to reflect on and to express your experience of God s presence and where the Spirit might be leading you. Please bring scissors or, if you prefer, a craft knife and cutting mat. All other materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is limited to 15 students. INSTRUCTOR: Paul Ferrara, M.S. Mondays: October 16 November 20, 2017 6:00 PM 8:00 PM; Francis Room FEE: $40.00, with an additional one-time charge of $20 for materials payable at the first class session
FAITH AND LITERATURE JOINING THE DANCE: THE NOVEL VISION OF TONI MORRISON Accepting the 1996 Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, author Toni Morrison described the relationship of reader and writer as the dance of an open mind. In this seven-week course we will join the dance as Morrison s characters seek to discover their legacy, form their identity, and shape their future in a racist society. The course will cover four of Morrison s early novels: The Bluest Eye, Sula, National Book Critics Circle Award winner The Song of Solomon, and the Pulitzer Prize winner Beloved. INSTRUCTOR: Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Thursdays: October 5 November 16, 2017 12:15 PM 1:15 PM; Clare Room FEE: $60.00 JAMES JOYCE S ULYSSES Voted the 20 th century s most important novel, Ulysses describes Leopold Bloom s odyssey in Dublin compressed into a single day, June 16, 1904. Complex, comic, and rich in detail, the novel is the product of Joyce s vivid imagination, his mastery of language, his Jesuit classical education, and the Catholic faith that formed him. Joseph Strick s 1967 film of the same name will supplement a close reading of this literary masterpiece. Participants are asked to use the Random House edition, edited by Hans Walter Gabler. INSTRUCTOR: Edward Kent, O.S.F., M.A. Tuesdays: October 10 November 14, 2017 12:00 PM 1:30 PM; Classroom 4 FEE: $60.00
EMOTION RECOLLECTED IN TRANQUILITY: THE POETRY OF WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Like other writers and artists of the Romantic Movement in the 19 th century, like Pope Francis in the 21 st, William Wordsworth was deeply concerned about the negative effects of the Industrial Revolution on the environment and the human community. He celebrated nature as an inspiration and as a correction. In this eight-week course, we will read and discuss many of Wordsworth s major poems, as well as respond to his work through optional writing assignments based on the themes and techniques studied in class. William Wordsworth: Major Works, edited by Stephen Gill, Oxford World s Classics, is recommended for its notes and introduction. However, any text of Wordsworth s collected poems will suffice so long as it includes the 1805 edition of The Prelude. INSTRUCTOR: Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Tuesdays: October 10 December 5, 2017 [NOTE: NO CLASS Tuesday, October 31, 2017] 6:00 PM 8:00 PM; 1 st Floor Conference Room FEE: $60.00 POEMS R US This quarterly gathering provides the opportunity for poets to read their work and receive helpful feedback from a caring community of fellow writers that has developed over the years here at St. Francis. While themes and styles are not restricted, many of the poems presented in the past have born witness to the faith, prayer, and spirituality of their authors. The schedule will give about eight readers the opportunity to present several of their poems in the course of an evening and to hear the comments of their fellow writers. INSTRUCTOR: Fran McManus, R.S.M., M.A. Monday, October 16, 2017; Francis Room Wednesday, November 29, 2017; Clare Room 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM NO FEE AND NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
FAITH AND THE LITURGY ADVENT AFTERNOON OF PRAYER Saturday, December 2, 2017 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM; San Damiano Hall Facilitator: Fr. William Beaudin, O.F.M. Enter more deeply into the season of Advent and prepare for the feast of Christmas by taking a few hours to pause, pray, and ponder the mystery of Christ s presence in your life. The afternoon will include two presentations by Fr. William, communal prayer, and personal quiet time. Participants are invited to conclude the day by joining the St. Francis of Assisi parish community at the 5:15 PM vigil mass for the first Sunday of Advent. Schedule: [1:30 PM Late Registration] 2:00 PM Afternoon Prayer 2:15 PM Presentation 3:00 PM Quiet reflection 3:30 PM Refreshments 3:45 PM Presentation 4:30 PM Evening Prayer [5:15 PM Optional Vigil Mass] FEE: $25.00
Please Note: Instructors biographies and registration forms 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 Room and the Conference Room are located on the first floor of St. Francis House, 135 W. 31 st Street, and the Francis Room is located on the lower level of St. Francis House, 135 W. 31 st Street. REGISTRATION POLICY 1. Please try to pre-register at least one week in advance of the course or program you wish to attend, either by mail or at the front desk of St. Francis House. 2. NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PRE-REGISTRATION WILL BE MADE BY MAIL. You will be notified only if a course is closed. 3. Check the course or courses you wish to attend on the registration form. 4. Where applicable, please indicate the NOON or EVENING class session when registering. 5. Include the fee with the completed registration form. 6. Confidential scholarship aid is available upon request from the director. For more information contact: Adult Education Center, (212) 769-8500, Ext. 277
FALL 2017 Church of Saint Francis of Assisi ADULT EDUCATION CENTER COURSES REGISTRATION FOR ( ) New Participant ( ) Returning Participant Name: Address: Apt. City/State/Zip: Phone: Home ( ) Work ( ) E-Mail: Payment Enclosed ( ) : Cash Check CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: St. Francis Adult Education Center CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS: Only at front desk of St. Francis House Check below the course(s) you would like to attend: o Joining the Dance: The Novel Vision of Toni Morrison o A Day of Contemplative Prayer (Please indicate which Saturday you will attend) o Saturday, October 7, 2017 o Saturday, October 28, 2017 o Saturday, November 18, 2017 o Emotion Recollected in Tranquility: The Poetry of William Wordsworth o St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare in Art o James Joyce s Ulysses o Married Saints from the Ancient World to Modern Day (Please indicate the session you will attend) o Afternoon o Evening o My Christian Potential o Praying with St. Francis of Assisi o Irish Film Festival o Introduction to the Hebrew Prophets (Please indicate the session you will attend) o Noon o Evening o Life Map Spirit Map o The Life and Work of St. Mother Theresa o The Holy Icon of Soufanieh: Its History and Message o Landing a Job, Launching a Career o Advent Afternoon of Prayer