We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
'Growing in Joy Through Trials' Focus of Applied Biblical Studies Conference
FREE Catholic Classes
July 31, 2013 - 1:33 PDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
STEUBENVILLE, OH (July 31, 2013) - "When we begin to grow in divine wisdom, we'll recognize that all the pains and irritations and frustrations are like chisel blows from the divine sculptor on a hard marble which is us. And that way, we grow in the wisdom that enables us to 'count it all joy my brethren, when you meet various trials,'" said Dr. Scott Hahn, citing James 1:2 at Franciscan University of Steubenville's Applied Biblical Studies Conference on July 24-26.
Hosting the scripture-rich event, Hahn raised many important elements of the Book of James, which was the focus of this year's conference. One element was the heavy emphasis on the need to grow in divine wisdom.
"I pray that no matter where you are right now in your life, you recognize not only the deep need that you bring for divine wisdom, but the even deeper desire that represents a divine longing, because God wants to give his wisdom to us even more than we want him to," said Hahn, who is the Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization, and professor of theology at Franciscan University.
Dr. John Bergsma, theology professor at Franciscan University, also tapped into the Book of James' ongoing theme of rejoicing through trials.
Bergsma pointed out that many times Catholics turn to a doom-and-gloom perspective when bad things happen, rather than trying to grow in steadfastness.
"The Christians of Rome did not convert the Roman empire by weeping and moaning as they went to get fed to the lions," said Bergsma, a convert to Catholicism and author of Bible Basics for Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History. He reminded the participants that with the many secular assaults on Christian morals and principles, it is important to keep the broader perspective in mind.
"Yes, we're going to face persecution, but persecution is normal. If you read what Jesus says about being in the kingdom, he just assumes that it's going to happen to you. Normality is being persecuted for being a follower of Christ," he said.
The conference, which included daily Mass, frequent confession opportunities, free time for quiet prayer, and a special eucharistic holy hour, helped the nearly 500 participants from across the U.S. and other countries grow spiritually as well as intellectually.
Faith vs. Works
Dr. Michael Barber, professor of theology, scripture and Catholic thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, addressed the often misunderstood debate of "faith versus works" between Catholics and Protestants.
"Salvation is first an unmerited gift. Martin Luther thought he had discovered a new doctrine that salvation is a gift of God. It's not given to you on the basis of what you do. The Catholic church affirms that and has always affirmed that," he explained. "But once we have initially received the gift of salvation, grace is so powerful that by God's grace our works become meritorious."
But witnessing to our Protestant brothers and sisters is not the end of evangelization. EWTN host Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, said that those who are atheist are also struggling to discern truth.
"Atheism is the way of death," he said. "Faith is the way of eternal life because we know that because we look forward to meeting God, our life is not going to be summed up on a tombstone the way it is for the atheists. For them, the whole point of their life was the dash in between the numbers."
He emphasized the need to pass on the faith to later generations, for "passing on that source of faith is also passing on the sources of life."
Share the Word
Likewise, Cardinal Thomas Collins of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada, said in his homily that being a Catholic Christian means embracing the Catholic identity to go out in the world, unashamed.
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
"We are to serve not the people we like, but we're to serve one another. The deepest form of love is the love of strangers. The people we love because we see in them the face of Christ," said Cardinal Collins, who is the Toronto Archdiocese's fourth cardinal and the 16th cardinal in Canadian history.
Father Sean Sheridan, TOR, president of Franciscan University, summed up the conference's themes with thoughts of his mother, who was an excellent example of Catholicism to him: "It was important for her always to stand up for what she believed. Just as it is important for us to stand up for what we believe, to be able to proclaim the gospel we hold the truths of the faith that we understand and embrace.
"Those are the things that you are here to be able to learn more about, so that you can go out and proclaim the good news to the people that you encounter in your lives."
To learn more about Franciscan University conferences for adults and youth, visit www.franciscanconferences.com. >br>
Contact
Franciscan University of Steubenville
http://franciscan.edu
OH, 43952 US
Tom Sofio - Associate Director of Public Relations,
Keywords
Franciscan University of Steubenville, conferences, Scott Hahn, John Bergsma, scripture
Category
Sacred Scripture
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
More Catholic PRWire
Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177
When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT
GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT
The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT
OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT
Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT
The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT
17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT
19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT
The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT
OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT
Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT
Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT
How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT
Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT
OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT
Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT
CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT
Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT
Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT
Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT
World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT
Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT
Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT
Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT
AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT
Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT
Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT
Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT
NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT
Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT
Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT
Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT
Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT
Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT
Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT
OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT
Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT
Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT
Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT
Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT
New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT
Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST