24-08 The Liturgical Year: What Does it Mean and Why Does it Matter

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For most Christians, we listen to Sacred Scripture in the context of the Church's liturgical year. From Advent through the Feast of Christ the King, we contemplate and participate in the mystery of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. But what is the liturgical year, and why does it matter? In this course, students will first be introduced to the prophetic nature of liturgical time, especially in the context of a culture obsessed with speed, productivity, and efficiency. We will then explore the feast and seasons of the Liturgical Year including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and feasts of Mary and all the saints. At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the history of the liturgical year, why it is essential for contemplating the mystery of Christ, and how to share the good news of salvation through the liturgical year in the context of liturgical catechesis. 

Course Content

Unit 1: The Liturgical Year and the Medicine of Festivity

Unit 2:  Advent: The Three-Fold Coming of Christ

Unit 3:  Christmas, The Mystery of God Becoming Human

Unit 4:  Lent, Longing for Union with the Beloved

Unit 5:  Easter, the Mystery of the Resurrected Lord

Unit 6:  Mary and All the Saints

Course Format

• Seven weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
• Up to 20 students in each course.
• Video lectures with text transcripts available.
• Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
• Written assignments (200-250) required.
• Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.

Participation Requirements

• Watch or read the lecture for each unit.
• Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
• Answer weekly discussion question. 
• Respond to weekly unit assignment.
• Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
• Complete the course evaluation.

Time Expectations

4 to 6 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.

Course Certificate

An electronic certificate of completion awarding 35 contact hours will be available in course when completing all course requirements.