School of Spirituality

"SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND...."

The School of Spirituality is a two-year adult education program that helps individuals from a variety of faith traditions and communities deepen their basic understanding of Christian history, scripture, spirituality, prayer and mission.

This program is unique in that it not only offers information and scholarship, but participants are also stimulated and enriched by the diverse faith experiences and insights of their classmates.  Nearly every class includes opportunity for dialog and small group discussion.

Through weekly staff lectures, guest presentations and independent reading, students explore their responses to God's presence and action throughout creation and human history.  Students also write weekly reflection papers focusing on their own experiences and how they apply themes and principles of spirituality in their own lives.  Each year comprises two, 13 week semesters:

2008-2009:  This year is devoted to the study of Sacred Scripture.  Participants will consider the ways God communicates with God's people, what can be learned about God and ourselves from this communication and how we may respond to God's invitations.  The fall semester looks at God revealing, "What is God?" : the second semester focuses on God revealed in Jesus and "What is Christ?"  As the emphasis is on scripture as living, the class is will experience a variety of prayer methods and ways t orespond to the invitation of scripture.

2009-20010  This year looks at the growth and development of the spiritual person and the integrated process of human development.  In the first semester, the topic will be treated from the theological, psycho/social and spiritual points of view with particular attention to the key movements in our spiritual journeys.  In the second semester, participants consider how our ever-deepening relationship with God calls us to action in our world and to proclaim God's love and justice in how we live and relate to others at work, in our families and in the world at large.

Classes meet on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 pm from September through mid-April with two prayer/integration evenings, one at the end of each semester.  Students may enter during either year.  A certificate is awarded upon completion of the program to students who have met all of the requirements for class.  Tuition for the program is $450/semester/$900 per year for 2008-2009; and $475/semester/$950 per year for 2009-2010.  For more information and to apply, please contact Joan Linley, Program Director: joan@mercybythesea.org or 203.245.0401, ext. 180.