Biblical Formation Institute presents: The New Testament – The Letters and Revelation
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The Catholic Information Center’s Biblical Formation Institute is designed to help you:
- Develop a deep understanding and love for sacred scripture
- Explore scripture with biblical experts
- Grow as a Bible study leader in your parish
- Improve leadership and facilitation skills
- Earn a Biblical Formation Certificate and/or Catechist Certification Credits
- Become a joyful bearer of the Good News, sharing the Word with the world
Conference Descriptions
Conference 1: Paul & His Letters (1)
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Presented by Sheri Brown, PhD.
This conference examines in greater detail our understanding of Paul the Apostle, his ministry, and the letters that scholars generally agree he wrote for his Christian communities. Participants consider the literary character, structure, theological themes, and catechetical possibilities of each of the letters and their application to our lives today.
Topics to explore: Paul: Convert and Missionary Apostle; Paul: Pastor and Letter Writer; 1 Thessalonians, Philippians, Philemon.
Conference 2: Paul’s Letters (2)
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Presented by Vincent Smiles, PhD.
This conference continues the examination of Paul’s ministry to his communities through his letters. Participants consider the literary character, structure, theological themes, and catechetical possibilities of the letters and their application to our lives today.
Topics to explore: 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.
Conference 3 (Part 1): The Pauline & Apostolic Letters
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Presented by Fr. Seán Martin, PhD.
This conference examines in greater detail the letters that scholars consider to have been written claiming Paul’s authority and other letters written by apostolic figures. Participants consider the literary character, structure, theological themes, and catechetical possibilities of each of the letters and their application to our lives today.
Topics to explore: The Pauline Letters 1: 2 Thessalonians, Colossians; The Pauline Letters 2: Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus; and the Apostolic Letters: James, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude; Hebrews; and the Johannine Letters: 1–3 John.
Conference 3 (Part 2): The Pauline & Apostolic Letters
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Presented by Fr. Seán Martin, PhD.
This conference is an extension of Conference 3 (Part 1), covering additional information on The Pauline & Apostolic Letters.
Conference 4: The Book of Revelation
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Presented by Steve Mueller, PhD.
This conference examines in greater detail the book of Revelation including its author and audience, literary character and structure, theological themes and importance within the New Testament, the Christian tradition, and its application to our lives today.
Topics to explore: John of Patmos: his revelatory experience & book; John’s Revelation 1: Christ in the Christian community, John’s Revelation 2: Christ in the cosmos, and John’s Revelation 3: Christ in human history.
2021 Institute Information
Format: Four Saturday conferences, participants can join online with Zoom or in-person. Each Saturday conference has two online sessions:
- 9-11 a.m. Session 1 (2 hour session with built in 10 minute break, opportunities for small group discussion and Q/A.)
- 11:00 a.m. – Noon – Lunch break
- 12 noon-3:00 p.m. Session 2 (Same format as the first session)
- Participants will be emailed Zoom Webinar links, along with any PowerPoint presentations and handouts.
Cost: $30.00 per conference or $100 if enrolling in all four conferences.
Required Text: The Catholic Study Bible (NABRE 3rd Ed., Oxford University Press)—Please bring a copy to each session.
Certification: Biblical Formation Certificate will be given upon completion of the four sessions and Diocesan Certification hours (5hrs per conference attended) will be given to participants. CFDs=Theology for the Biblical sessions
Our Presenters
Sherri Brown, PhD
Dr. Brown is Associate Professor, New Testament, at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. After study at Washington and Lee University, she obtained a PhD in Biblical Studies at the Catholic University of America. The focus of her research is primarily on the Gospel and Letters of John, but she also writes on the Letters of Paul and the General Letters.
Vincent Smiles, PhD
Vincent M. Smiles, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Theology of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, MN. He graduated from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary with an M.A. in Theology and completed his PhD. at Fordham University, New York. His areas of teaching include the Bible and Science, New Testament, and Paul and His Letters. He has taught in numerous parishes in central Minnesota, and in the ministry formation program for the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN.
Fr. Seán Martin, PhD
Fr. Martin is pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Rockwall, TX. Educated at the University of Dallas and the University of Notre Dame, he holds a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. A life-long educator, he has taught students of all ages, including graduate students in theology and ministry, both in the US and in Rome. As a scripture scholar, his work focuses on the letters of St. Paul. In addition to his academic appointments, he has also served as president of the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO (2014-2019).
Steve Mueller, PhD
Steve Mueller, PhD, author of the five books in The Catechist’s Guide Reading Series, has taught Philosophy, Theology, Scripture and Catholic Studies. He helped develop and taught for many years in the renowned Denver Catholic Biblical School for adult scripture study. He is the current editor for Words of Grace: Daily Reflections & Prayers for Catholics for All Saints Press.
