Epic: A Journey through Church History
By Mike Lambrecht
You’ve probably already heard the announcements that have been taking place after Mass but I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about our new study for adults coming up in just a few weeks. It is called “Epic: A Journey through Church History.”
Many of us have been taught the basics of Catholicism. We can name the Sacraments, we attend Mass, we spend time in prayer each day, we have a true belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and so on. All of these things are good. Unfortunately, many of us also lack a detailed knowledge of what the Church has gone through over the past 2,000 years. Over the years, we’ve probably all heard some stories of Christians being fed to the animals in the coliseum by the Romans. We have probably even been told a little about the crusades, the protestant reformation, and corrupt leaders in the middle ages. However, we have never heard the whole story. I would invite you to join us to do just that.
“As Catholics, we are heirs to a remarkable heritage. The history of our Faith is so much more than a list of facts and dates. It is a fascinating story of adventure, rebellion, tragedy, and triumph--a story 2,000 years in the making.”1 From the time of the apostles until the present day, we will look at the history of the Church from a Catholic perspective. We will see the reasons as to why the crusades took place, the whys of the Spanish Inquisition, the great schism, and much more. And, best of all, we will do it through our faith filled eyes and with the lens of the Catholic Church.
By gaining a better understanding of where the Church has been and what it has overcome, we can gain a greater appreciation of all that Christ has given us through His Church. Please consider joining us for this Epic study. If you do, I’m sure that you will find it a journey to remember.
The study will take place on Sundays, starting September 20th, from 6-8 pm in the church basement. The cost for materials is $27.00. A complete list of dates can be found in the insert in this week’s bulletin. For more information, or to sign up, please contact me in my office at 359-9006.
Lastly, I would like to leave you with a quote from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. concerning this study:
“Epic: A Journey Through Church History fills an urgent need for adult Catholics to recover their history as a believing community, debunk false criticisms of their Church, and understand the Christian underpinnings of the modern world. This is a vivid, thorough and engaging program. I heartily recommend it.”2
1,2 Epic: A Journey through Church History