Nicene Creed Study - Round 2

This past spring, Guardian Angels explored the Nicene Creed and foundations of our faith and it was a hit! In fact, it was so successful that we’re offering it again for those who were unable to join us! Same course - different time! 

Join us for a 9-part study that explores the pillars of our faith through the lens of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and unpack phrases like “light from light” and “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Sessions follow the Creed sequentially, but each is designed to stand alone - come to one or come to all! Missed any this spring? Come again! Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to follow along!

Wednesdays, 6pm | GA Perks

June 10, 17, 24 and July 1, 8, 15, 29 and August 5, 12

 RSVP: While not necessary, it’s nice to let Lukas know you’re coming so there are enough chairs :) -

Session 1: God (June 10)

• Does God exist? How can I know? Talking about God can often feel abstract and beyond our understanding. How are we even able to speak about God? This session explores faith and reason, ways of knowing and speaking about God, reasons we have to believe that God exists.

Read ahead: CCC 26-49, 198-231

Session 2: Creation & The Problem of Evil (June 17)

• What does it mean to say God “created everything”? Does that mean God created ‘evil’ too? Although not explicitly addressed in the Creed, the problem of evil is one of the greatest challenges to belief in a loving God. If God is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-good, and created everything, why is there evil and suffering? This session examines the Church’s response to the question and how it fits with the Christian understanding of God, creation, freedom, and redemption.

Read ahead: CCC 268-314, 385-421

Session 3: Is Jesus God? (June 24)

• Who is Jesus? Was he just a great teacher, a prophet, or a revolutionary? Did Jesus truly claim to be God? Why do we believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine? This session explores the identity of Jesus Christ, the meaning of the Incarnation, and how the Church came to articulate its belief in Jesus as true God and true man through Scripture and Tradition.

Read ahead: CCC 456-483, 512-537

Session 4: Mary (July 1)

• Why does the Church honor Mary so highly? Many groups claim that the Church idolizes and even worships Mary. How do we as Catholics understand Mary’s role in salvation history? This session examines key Marian teachings such as her Assumption, perpetual virginity, and sinlessness. We will also explore how Mary points us to Christ and is a model of the Church.

Read ahead: CCC 484-511, 963-975

Session 5: The Passion (July 8)

• Why did Jesus have to suffer and die? What is the meaning of the Cross? What does it mean that Jesus “descended into Hell”? This session focuses on the Passion and Death of Jesus - exploring how Christ’s sacrifice fulfills God’s plan of salvation. We will examine how Jesus’ death brings redemption, forgiveness, and new life to the world.

Read ahead: CCC 571-637

Session 6: Resurrection, Ascension & the Kingdom (July 15)

• The Apostles found an empty tomb - but does that mean Jesus rose from the dead?  Why is the Resurrection the very center of the Christian faith? Additionally, why does Jesus promise to “be with us always” and then immediately ascend into Heaven? This session explores the reality of the Resurrection, the meaning of His Ascension to Heaven, and the coming of God’s Kingdom - already, but not yet.

Read ahead: CCC 541-570, 638-682 

Session 7: Holy Spirit (July 29)

• Who is the Holy Spirit and what does He exactly do? Often overlooked, misunderstood, or completely ignored, the Holy Spirit is fully God and active in the life of the Church. This session examines the person of the Holy Spirit, His role in Revelation & salvation, and His presence and work today.

Read ahead: CCC 683-747

Session 8: The Church (August 5)

• It’s been said that “Jesus promised the Kingdom of God, and what came was the Church”. Did Jesus intend to establish the Church? Does the Church truly matter or is simply ‘being a good person’ enough? This session explores the origin, nature, and mission of the Church, her role in God’s plan of salvation, and what it means to belong to the People of God. 

Read ahead: CCC 748-870, 946-962

Session 9: Resurrection of the Dead: Baptism, Heaven, Hell, & Purgatory (August 12)

• Is baptism necessary for salvation? What happens after we die? What are Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory really? Are they places, states of being, or both? How can a loving God allow Hell? This session explores the Christian hope of the Resurrection of the Dead and life everlasting, rooted in the Church’s teaching on Baptism as the sacrament of new life in Christ. Far from abstract ideas, these teachings reveal both the seriousness of human freedom and the profound depth of God’s love and mercy.

Read ahead: CCC 988-1065, 1213-1284