Marianist Studies: Mary, Holy Possibility
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Summary
"With God all things are possible."
In this course we will visit with Mary as believer, prophet, God-bearer/mother, disciple, and companion"”reflecting on the events of her life and the life of her son Jesus.
The kaleidoscope of events in Mary's life, the various historical and Marianist voices relating the meaning of Mary in their lives, and times for sitting with Mary and Jesus in Scripture will present the challenge of discipleship. Mary will become our teacher, a woman of challenge, and our companion on the way as we continue to grow in holiness.
Whether you have a relationship with Mary or are indifferent to her, whether you do or do not have "devotion" to her, we will encounter Mary, our gift from God. We will ponder as she does and ask her to journey with us, as we would ask a favor of a friend.
Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.
General Course Objectives
- To meet and talk with Mary, the Mother of Jesus
- To reflect upon her presence in the thought of William Joseph Chaminade and a “cloud of witnesses”
- Reading Scripture, to pray about events in her life and the life of Jesus, her Son
- Using theological reflection, to walk with Mary on her pilgrimage of faith
- To join in Mary’s mission to bring Jesus to our world today
Course Materials
- Required Book: Mary, Holy Possibility North American Center for Marianist Studies, Dayton, OH, 2015. $8.00
Course Structure and Highlights
- Week 1: Mary as Believer
- To understand the humanness of Mary
- To consider how Mary calls us to belief
- To grow in relationship with Mary
- To listen to a cloud of witnesses describe Mary
- To pray with Scripture and reflect
- Week 2: Mary as Prophet
- To understand the historical Mary
- To consider the vocation of a prophet
- To listen to Mary’s song and her challenge
- To grow in relationship with Mary
- To pray with Scripture and reflect
- Week 3: Mary, God Bearer
- To understand the spiritual maternity of Mary
- To reflect on being formed by Mary
- To consider how we, too, share in the mysteries of Jesus Christ
- To pray with Scripture and reflect
- Week 4: Mary, Disciple
- To understand the characteristics of a disciple
- To follow Mary along her path of discipleship
- To reflect on praying with Jesus and Mary
- To ask Mary to help me draw nearer to Jesus
- To pray with the Scripture and reflect
- Week 5: Mary as Companion
- To recognize the presence of Mary in our lives
- To realize we are all called to holiness
- To understand how Mary calls us
- To join in Mary’s pilgrimage of faith
- To continue to grow in relationship with Mary
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