Thursday, 19 April 2012 09:33

Father Jarrod Lies, director of the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, will lead “Unveiling Vatican II: A Document Study for the Year of Faith,” studies on the four primary documents of Vatican II, beginning May 30 at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita.
Classes will meet each Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Spiritual Life Center. The two-week classes will cost $10, and the three-week classes will cost $15. Participants are welcome to come to any or all of the series. All presentations will be recorded and placed on the web for those who are unable to attend or who are outside the Wichita metro area.
“The study is intended to equip catechists and youth minsters with the knowledge of Vatican II so they can be more prepared to include it in their teaching and ministry throughout the Year of Faith,” Father Lies said. “However, these classes also are open to all who wish to come to a deeper appreciation of this historic council.”
The presentations will unveil the meaning and beauty of the Vatican II documents, he added.
The study is inspired by upcoming Year of Faith, which begins on the 50th anniversary of the second Vatican Council. In light of this anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI is calling for a renewed effort to understand and teach the truth and beauty of Vatican II.
Fr. Jarrod’s study will focus on the four primary documents of Vatican II:
• The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) – May 30 and June 6
• The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) – June 13, 20 and 27
• The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sancrosanctum Concilium) – July 11 and 18
• The Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes) – July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8
“Vatican Council II was the single most influential event of the Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century and it will remain one of the most influential events in the entire history of the church,” Fr. Lies said. “Yet, for many, Vatican II is fraught with memories of shift, change and confusion.” Most young persons have never been taught its importance, or worse, have never heard about Vatican II, he added, “which is all the more reason why we, as catechists and parents, need to reeducate ourselves on this most important council.”

Stay tuned to this station
Father Lies will give a brief description of the four Vatican II Constitutions and will explain the Year of Faith in the next two printed Catholic Advances.