First Semester: June 18 – July 1, 2006 Theology of the Body (Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P.) June 18-24 This course will present the Church's teaching on human sexuality and consecrated virginity. It will examine the recent magisterial documents on human sexuality and in particular Pope John Paul II's theology of the body. It will also examine the Patristic and Scholastic sources in developing the virtue of chastity and a spirituality of consecrated virginity. It is intended to show that consecrated virginity can only be successfully lived when integrated with a life of asceticism and prayer motivated by Divine charity. Gospel of Life (Sr. Renée Mirkes, OSF, Ph.D.) June 25-July 1 This course will present the Church's teachings regarding ethical issues surrounding family planning and reproductive medicine, marriage and the family, and human sexuality. It will investigate these critical life issues, in light of Pope John Paul II's Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life), to demonstrate how Catholic moral positions and principles must guide the faithful to face contemporary ethical challenges. Special emphasis will be given to show how consecrated persons embody to such teaching by the witness of their evangelical lives and apostolic ministry. Consecration and Contemplation (Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.) June 18-July 1 This course will present personal prayer as the soul of consecrated life. It will examine the notions of consecration, vocation, virginity and contemplation and how they relate to one another. It is intended to show that the consecrated life is ordered first and foremost to contemplation of Divine things and from the fullness of contemplation a fruitful apostolate flows. Second Semester: July 2 – 15, 2006 (Note: second semester is filled) Fostering a Culture of Vocations (Fr. Thomas Nelson, O.Praem.) July 2-7 This course will present the theology of vocation and the practical means of cultivating and recruiting vocations. It will examine vocational cultivation in Sacred Scripture and the Fathers and Doctors of the Church. It will also examine modern approaches to cultivating vocations, the qualities and role of vocation recruiters and how to foster and discern the presence of a vocation. It is intended to help superiors, formators and vocation directors better understand the nature and importance of vocational ministry and how to fulfill it more effectively. Human Maturity and the Consecrated Life (Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.) July 10-15 This course will present an anthropology of the spiritual life and the psychological aspects of human maturity in the consecrated life. It will examine the human person and his growth to maturity in the consecrated life as understood by the Church and elucidated by the psychological sciences. It will examine the various methods of psychological testing and the uses and abuses of psychology in the consecrated life. It is intended to convey the consecrated life as a way to full human maturity and holiness. It is also intended to show the uses and limits of the psychological sciences in the consecrated life. Ongoing Conversion and Key Moral Virtues in Religious Life (Fr. Thomas Dubay) July 2-15 This course will present some key moral virtues for successful living the consecrated life. It will examine the virtues of prudence, religion, magnanimity, patience and perseverance, etc. and how to develop them in fidelity to a rule of life. It is intended to show that the consecrated life is both a call and a means to heroic virtue. Joint effort of IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School We are pleased to announce that the Vita Consecrata Institute, held each summer, is now a joint effort by the IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School (NDGS) of Christendom College in Virginia. The Institute will be held at the beautiful campus of Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. The program will take place for the first time at Christendom College in 2006. For information and to register, go to Notre Dame Graduate School or call NDGS at 703-658-4304. First-time students should begin by contacting the IRL at 773-267-1195, or email VCI staff. Mark your calendar! Our 2005 program was very popular, so plan to come for this coming summer's session. You can keep up to date with our plans by signing up for our free e-newsletter. (See "IRL News Briefs.")
The Vita Consecrata Institute is a joint effort of the Institute on Religious Life and Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. |
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