Pastoral Letter: 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?'Course Level: Basic

Course Summary

The seminar takes a deeper look at the Pastoral Letter issued by Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, titled: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Bishop Paul points out that there are times in our life when we "are terrified, afraid and in great distress," and in these moments there is often a manifestation of God's power. He assures the reader that in these times we need to draw courage from the Lord.

The pastoral letter, while focusing of teachings of the Church, serve to guide a migrant faith community, many of whom are away from their families for long periods of time.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 CEU's. Click here for more information about CEU's.

General Course Objectives

  • To recognize the manifestation of God’s power in our trials
  • To take strength in the overwhelming greatness of God
  • To understand what it means to be an inclusive Church
  • To accept our calling to be courageous witnesses of the Good News
  • To never abandon our Mother – the Church
  • To start our Christian lives at the table of the Lord by partaking of the Eucharist

Course Materials

  • No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

  • Week 1: In moments of crisis the Lord is with us
    • To trust God in moments of crisis
    • To take strength in the overwhelming greatness of God
    • To learn that God empowers us to the task
  • Week 2: Our mission in today’s world
    • To understand what it means to be an inclusive Church
    • To learn how to be courageous witnesses despite the situation we are in
    • To never abandon our Mother when she is wounded
  • Week 3: Signs of Hope
    • To believe and trust in the decisions of the Church and the Holy Father
    • To take heart in Christ’s promises and overcome our doubts
    • To start our Christian lives at the table of the Lord by partaking of the Eucharist