Nicene Creed Study Opportunity
What We Believe: A Nicene Creed Study
This past year marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, from which we receive the Nicene Creed. Each Sunday, we profess this Creed together, but why was the Council called in the first place? What does the Creed actually mean? And did Saint Nicholas really punch another bishop during the proceedings?
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! Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to follow along!
Session 1: God and Creation (January 27th)
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Does God exist? How can I know? Why do we say God created “everything”? Does science and evolution contradict God as the creator? This session explores what faith is, ways of knowing God, and the Church’s teaching about creation.
Read ahead: CCC 26-49, 198-231, 268-308
Session 2: The Problem of Evil (February 3rd)
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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, freedom, and redemption.
Read ahead: CCC 309-314, 385-421
Session 3: Is Jesus God? (February 10th)
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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 (February 24th)
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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 (March 3rd)
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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 (March 10th)
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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 (March 24th)
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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 & Baptism (March 31th)
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It’s been said that “Jesus promised the Kingdom of God, and what came instead was the Church”. Did Jesus intend to establish the Church as an institution? Does the Church really matter or is ‘being a good person’ enough? Do I really need to be baptized? This session explores the nature of the Church and her mission in the world, and her role in God’s plan of salvation. We will also examine the nature and importance of Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Read ahead: CCC 748-870, 946-962, 1213-1284
Session 9: Resurrection of the Dead: Heaven, Hell, Purgatory (April 7th)
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What happens after we die? What is Heaven actually? A place, a state of being, or both? How can a loving God allow Hell? What does the Church really mean by Purgatory? This session explores the Christian hope of the Resurrection of the Dead and life everlasting. 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
Tuesdays, 4:45pm | GA Perks