COVENTRY – Edward Rice is like many Catholics who attend Mass every Sunday. While he tries to live according to Gospel values, he’d like to have a greater understanding of Catholicism that will better help him to share and defend his faith.
Since the Year of Faith began on Oct.11, Rice, a parishioner of SS. John and Paul Parish, has looked forward on Sunday nights to an adult education series, recently initiated by Father Derek Puleo, assistant pastor, to teach people about the tenets of Catholicism.
More than 50 adults attend the sessions, which begin at 7 p.m. in the church hall following the 6 p.m. Mass.
The ongoing course, which Father Puleo plans to offer throughout the Year of Faith, is based on the United States Catechism for Adults and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Students prepare for the class by reading an assigned chapter in the catechism, which contains doctrine, reflections, quotations, discussion questions and prayers.
“I knew that I had a lot to learn,” Rice admitted, noting that the course offers a good opportunity for him to find answers to questions about the faith and increase his knowledge of Catholic teaching, practices and principles.
Although the course is only in its first month, Rice said that he has already found answers to several of the questions that he has had for years, such as what an indulgence is and how one is granted.
“I look forward to coming to class,” Rice continued, adding that Father Puleo “makes it easy to understand” by using PowerPoint presentations as well as real life examples to illustrate the discussions.
Citing the great need for adult faith formation, Father Puleo said that many Catholics possess only a cursory understanding of Catholicism and have had little or no formal training following confirmation. He added that many people are searching for God and wish to find meaning in their lives.
“Many people don’t know a lot about their faith, or as much as they’d like to know,” he said. “We cannot love what we do not know. This course will fill in some of the blanks.”
The series began with an introduction to the Year of Faith. Participants read “Porta Fidei,” which translates as “Door of Faith,” Pope Benedict’s apostolic letter introducing the year. Other topics discussed included indulgences and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1992 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.
“The Catholic faith is like a treasure chest – open it and discover the jewels of the faith,” Father Puleo emphasized.
During a recent Sunday evening session, Father Puleo discussed how Catholics could prove God’s existence as he spoke about God’s love.
“God is love,” he began. “Love by itself is diffusive – it gives of itself. Out of love, God created man and also created other creatures.”
As the Year of Faith continues, future topics will include the Creed, discipleship, the sacraments, family life and morality.
SS. John and Paul parishioner Paul Lemek said that the course presents a good opportunity to learn more about Catholicism and help in his “search for God and the truth.”
In addition to the weekly sessions and required readings, Lemek also records his experiences in a journal and regularly reads the Bible. He emphasized that his increased knowledge helps him to better explain his faith and share it with others who are yearning to find meaning in their lives.
Like Lemek, parishioner Debra Savoie said she attends the sessions because she wants to deepen her relationship with Jesus Christ.
“I never really never knew much about my religion,” she noted. “I knew I loved God and I am still searching to get to know him. I didn’t know my religion. I couldn’t tell you what being a Catholic was all about.”
Savoie acknowledged that the class helps her to increase her knowledge of Catholicism, and gives her a sense of peace and the courage to defend her faith.
“The more I learn, the more I am proud to be a Catholic,” she said.
For more information about the free course or to register, contact Father Puleo at 821-5764.
