The Person of Jesus

Focus Questions:

·                    Why is it important that Jesus became fully human, like us in every way except sin?  Why is it important that He is fully divine?

·                    Despite the Church’s definitive teaching, people continue to have false ideas about Jesus.  What are some examples you’ve heard, and why do you think people hold those views?

·                    What do you think St. Athanasius meant when he wrote that “the Son of God became man so that we might become God” (CCC #460).

Introduction to the Trinity: God the Father and Creation

Focus Questions:

·                     Do you think most people believe in God?  Why might people not believe in God?

·                     Which attribute of God do you find most comforting and appealing?

·                     What is there in the surrounding culture which prevents people from having a relationship with God?

·                     Why is the creation story important?  What does it teach us about our relationship to God?

·                     How does it affect my life to know that the God of all creation loves me personally and unconditionally?  How does it affect my prayer?

·                     Do you find yourself addressing one person of the Trinity in prayer more than another?  Which person of the Trinity do you fail to incorporate into prayer?

·                     Why do we begin our prayers as Catholics with the sign of the cross?

·                     Can you describe the missions of God the Father, His only Son, and the Holy Spirit?

·                     Is the doctrine of the Trinity a comfort or a stumbling block to me?

·                     What images have helped me understand the doctrine of the Trinity?

Quest for God and Revelation/Response of Faith

The Quest for God and Revelation

Focus Questions:

·                     How does God reveal Himself to you?

·                     Which aspect of the deposit of faith (Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium) do you feel is least appreciated?  Why is it important to have all three?

·                     What has the Bible meant in your life up until now?

·                     How well do I know the Scriptures?  Have I made reading the Bible an important part of my daily life?

·                     Has the Church taught things that I find hard to accept?  What can I do to reach a better understanding of those teachings?

The Response of Faith

Focus Questions:

·                     “Ten thousand difficulties doe not make one doubt.”  Have you experienced what John Newman describes as certain faith?  How do you deal with doubts?

·                     What can be done to keep faith active and growing?

·                     What images of faith are helpful to you?  Why?