Four-session program to focus on Catholic identity and doctrine

By Mary Ann Wyand

Do you understand Catholic identity and doctrine?

Many adult Catholics admit that they cannot accurately discuss the beliefs of their faith and could benefit from a refresher course on Catholicism.

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released on June 23 found that only “29 percent of Catholics [interviewed] said they participate in prayer groups, Scripture study sessions or other types of religious education on a regular basis, with just 13 percent doing so weekly and 16 percent participating monthly or yearly.”

A new four-session program on Catholic identity and doctrine presented by the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech Grove during August, September, October and November will address that spiritual need.

“Are You Catholic and Don’t Know What You Believe?” will feature religious education topics by noted local presenters once a month. The programs begin at 6:30 p.m. on four Tuesdays and conclude at 9 p.m.

On Aug. 26, Benedictine Sister Mildred Wannemuehler will present “A People of Prayer: Mary, the Saints and Prayer.”

The popular retreat leader and former prioress of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove will examine how Catholics consider intercessory prayer as an important part of our lives.

On Sept. 23, Benedictine Father Matthias Neuman will discuss “A People of Faith: Creed and Catholic Beliefs.”

The monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and chaplain for the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery will explore the what and how of Catholic belief with a focus on basic affirmations of the Creed, the fundamental content of Catholic faith, and the act of believing as a human action.

On Oct. 21, Sara Koehler will address “A People of Tradition: Church History.” The longtime Cathedral High School theology teacher will review how Church history is the story of the interaction of God’s inspiration and human striving.

A member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis, Koehler will also discuss “fascinating people and pivotal events which continue to teach us useful lessons and give us hope for the future.”

On Nov. 18, Msgr. Joseph F. Schaedel, vicar general, will present “A People of Worship: Sacramental Life.”

The former Catholic school teacher and principal will examine how the Catholic faith makes use of many external signs that express an inward disposition of belief or practice, which help form a Catholic identity and culture in society.

The registration fee of $25 per session is due two weeks before each program and includes a box dinner. Programs will be held at the retreat and conference center, 1402 Southern Ave., in Beech Grove.

Benedictine Sister Mary Luke Jones, administrator of the Benedict Inn, said the four-part program is ideal for parents who want to pass on the Catholic faith to their children, returning Catholics who want to recapture their faith, Catholics who want to grow in and strengthen their faith, Catholic support or study groups, and non-Catholics who are interested in Church teachings.

She said the four-part program featuring a casual dinner with like-minded people and an informative presentation followed by time for questions and discussion is a response to requests from area Catholics who want to focus on their spiritual and educational needs.

St. Barnabas parishioner Jane Dias of Indianapolis is the mother of three young boys and works part time in the Spiritual Direction Internship Program at the Benedict Inn.

Dias said this four-part refresher course will help her feel more confident in passing on the Catholic faith to her children because her own religious instruction after the Second Vatican Council mostly focused on how God is love and the importance of following all of the Ten Commandments.

“Our children are in elementary school,” she said. “We have these [Church] traditions, and I want to be able to explain [to them] why Catholics are different than other faiths and denominations.”

Dias said she appreciates the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, but knows that many people don’t have copies of the catechism and would enjoy learning during a religious education program.

“I think it’s going to really hit home for the people who attend,” she said. “I’m getting a group together to go to all four programs.”

(To register for one or more of the programs, call the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center at 317-788- 7581 or send an e-mail to benedictinn@benedictinn.org at least two weeks before each session.) †