CTC to offer online series exploring Catholic faith

Catholic Theological College (CTC) is once again offering a series of online lectures entitled, “Engaging Your Faith”. The series aims to provide the opportunity to explore the Catholic faith through a variety of topics including Church history, women in the early Church, reading Church classics, the Eucharist, as well as exploring the relationship between science and religion.

This is the second year the College is offering the sessions after its successful run in 2020. All topics are presented by lecturers of CTC and attract a range of students – from those wanting to further their studies or those who simply have an interest in the areas of theology and philosophy.

Dr Rosemary Canavan, Academic Dean of CTC and Senior Lecturer in New Testament, says the sessions are an opportunity to explore various aspects of the Catholic faith while growing in that faith in the company of others.

‘We live out our faith, are nourished and grow within our community. By engaging our faith together, we all have the opportunity to be open to the revelation of God among us and to encourage each other on our journey,’ Dr Canavan reflected.

Dr Canavan says the response to last year’s series, which was offered online, was overwhelmingly positive. ‘Nearly all sessions had over 100 participants and a number of employers sponsored their workers to attend.’

‘For some, these sessions were a gift in the midst of the isolation and oppressiveness of the COVID conditions and for others inspiration and encouragement in their faith and work.

‘Our lecturers received accolades for their professionalism and content, and participants were encouraging about their engagement in questions and discussion. We also received some helpful suggestions for further topics which we are offering this year,’ she said.

Like most academic institutions in 2020, CTC moved quickly to bring classes online and ensure students were supported in their learning.

‘It was clear to us that online, while not our main delivery mode, has become essential to meet the various needs of our students. This coincided with us being able to deliver classes online for those overseas, and this means we can give options to those not able to travel to Australia for study.’

While the college continues its online learning, the return to face-to-face classes in 2021 has been welcomed by both staff and students. ‘Some lecturers and students struggled with their learning and teaching online and are flourishing again in their preferred mode,’ says Dr Canavan.

‘Some lecturers though have also embraced blended options of delivery with some activities online in a face-to-face unit,’ she says.

‘Lecturers and participants are all learning together. We are on the road together and where two or more are gathered we are assured that Jesus in in our midst (Matthew 18:20).’