Catholics can sample theology courses

During the week of Oct. 27, St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Albany will once again offer Sit-in-on-a-Class evenings at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, an opportunity for Catholics to sample courses.

"We are hoping to spark an interest in our outstanding program of graduate level theology as well as ministry certification," said Dr. Joseph Piccolino, director.

This year, 125 students are enrolled in classes, the highest number in the school's 15-year history. St. Bernard's is an off-site campus of St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, located in Rochester.

"Our sit-in-on-a-class nights serve as a great opportunity for Catholics to sample the graduate level course and pique their curiosity," Dr. Piccolino said. "We offer much in the way of adult faith formation courses. Hopefully, people will become interested in auditing a course, or perhaps taking the big plunge and pursuing a graduate degree in theology."

The courses that can be sampled include:

* Oct. 27: Comparative spiritualities, which examines such questions as what is sacred reality? why do some people believe that Buddha had all the answers? how do Alaskan Native American tribal traditions reflect the Ten Commandments?

* Oct. 28: Christology, which asks who is Jesus Christ to you? do you believe that He was God-made-man? what about the historical Christ? The course also addresses the biblical, classical and contemporary versions of the Christian story.

* Oct. 29: Biblical Wisdom literature, which looks into what Wisdom is, why an entire Old Testament book was devoted to it and why Wisdom is perceived as feminine.

* Oct. 30: History and theology, which delves into how various Protestant churches evolved, the causes of the break with the original Christian community and how the Nicene Creed came to be the declaration of faith.

(For information, call St. Bernard's, 453-6760. Courses run from 6-9 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany.)

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