1	What We Believe: Catholic Theology Faith Formation St. Michael the Archangel
2	Course Introduction FALL 2005 -Prayer -Revelation, Faith, Scripture & Tradition -God & Creation -Jesus Christ & Salvation -Holy Spirit & Trinity
3	Course Introduction -Mary & the Communion of the Saints -Sin, Grace & Last Things -Catholic Social & Moral Teaching -Ecclesiology
4	Course Introduction SPRING 2006 -Prayer & Practicing Faith in Community -Worship, Liturgy & the Church Year -Sacraments & Sacramentals (6 sessions)
5	DISCUSSION SESSIONS -Youth and adult will have separate Discussion Sections. -Required for Youth, encouraged for adults.
6	Catholic Theology & the Catholic Catechism It’s not simple … 2000 years of study and writing by thousands of saints & theologians. Sum total of Scripture and Tradition, liturgy and prayer, mystery and miracle. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1994, 1997
7	Catechism of the Catholic Church A summary of Catholic teaching & belief 73 books of the Bible Code of Canon Law 1983 Teaching of 17 Ecumenical Councils from 325-1965 Teaching of 13 regional councils/synods 65 Papal documents, letters, encyclicals by 22 popes Writings of 67 saints & Church Fathers Instructions to all Sacraments & Rites
8	"The Catholic Theology of Prayer" The Catholic Theology of Prayer
9	Why Start With Prayer? Prosper of Aquitaine, 5^th Century “lex orandi, lex credendi” “As we pray, so we believe” It is the prayer of the Church which leads to the belief, dogmas and doctrines of our faith
10	What is Prayer? “Prayer is lifting up our hearts and minds to God.” Baltimore Catechism, 1961 “ … the requesting of good things from God.” St. John Damascene Prayers is an act of love and a response to faith [which is itself a gift from God.] Prayer is a response to our mysterious encounter with God, who wants us to know Him.
11	St. Thérèse of Lisieux The Little Flower, 1873-1897 “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
12	What Is Prayer? Prayer is conversation with the Divine … with God. Prayer is founded in humility A recognition that it is only possible to pray because God comes to us and speaks first. We do not know how to pray until God prompts us.
13	Catechism of the Catholic Church on Prayer Paragraph 2561 “Prayer is a response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God.”
14	It Is the Heart That Prays … There is no prayer when the heart is removed/far from God. The heart is the center of our being which God knows/understands fully It is the place of our most intimate encounter with God.
15	Prayer Is About Presence … … our presence before God and being with Him, as He is always with us.
16	Prayer As Realization … … a realization of our covenantal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. … a dual action of both God and human person.
17	Prayer As Recognition … … of God who always speaks first. … of God who is constantly and tirelessly calling us to an encounter. … that Christ was given as a model of prayer.
18	What Jesus Teaches Us About Prayer. Conversion of heart is a precondition for prayer. Requires reconciliation with others. We must prayer for our enemies. We must be humble, simple in prayer. Avoid empty phrases, too many words. Be childlike and open. Seek to conform our will to God. Ask for needs, not wants. Be thankful.
19	Types/divisions of Prayer Blessing & Adoration Petition Intercession Thanksgiving Praise Catechism 2644-2649
20	Expressions of Prayer Vocal Prayer Meditation Contemplation
21	Vocal Prayer Words … aloud or silent Private or communal Engagement of the whole person
22	Meditation A quest Prayerful reflection Requires a difficult attentiveness Engages thought, imagination, emotion and desire
23	Contemplation Both difficult and simple More feeling and listening that saying or doing A union with the prayer of Christ A gift and a grace.
24	Next Time …. Revelation & Faith: SCRIPTURE & TRADITION