Book Studies
at the Stella maris institute
The Four Loves
a young adult book study for ages 21-35
Facilitated by Fr. Benjamin Packer, parochial vicar, Stella Maris
Study will take place from 7:30-9:00PM in Stievenard Hall on the following Thursdays: Oct. 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3, 10
In this work Lewis examines four varieties of love, as approached from the Greek language: storge, the most basic form; philia, the rarest and perhaps most insightful; eros, passionate love; and agape, the love of God, the greatest and least selfish. Throughout this compassionate and reasoned study, he encourages readers to open themselves to all forms of love—the key to understanding that brings us closer to God. “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable . . . draw nearer to God, not be trying to avoid the sufferings inherent in all loves, but by accepting them and offering them to Him; throwing away all defensive armor. If our hearts need to be broken, and if He chooses this as the way in which they should break, so be it.”
Introduction to the Devout Life
Weekly on Thursdays at 7:30pm — 11 sessions beginning Feb. 19
Facilitator: Fr. Tim Ralston, pastor, Stella Maris
St. Francis de Sales, some 400 years ago, ushered in what some have called “the generation of saints.” In his own zeal to love the Lord, St. Francis wanted everyone else to recognize their call to holiness, and then, live their lives accordingly. In his book Introduction to the Devout Life, he provides practical ways for all people to grow in their faith, amidst the busyness of this world. So, we invite you to join Fr. Tim in this book study on a spiritual classic, as we journey together, striving to become, through the example, intercession, and writings of this great saint, a new “generation of saints.”
A native of Georgetown, Ohio, Fr. Tim studied Philosophy at the University of Cincinnati and went on to seminary at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary. He was ordained a priest on May 22, 2010. Fr. Tim served as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo in Kettering and Holy Trinity, St. Mary, and St. Anthony in Coldwater. In 2017 he was named Pastor of St. Bernadette in Amelia, and Stella Maris in 2022.
This book study will take place in Stievenard Hall on the St. Bernadette campus. The study fee of $20 covers the cost of the book and materials. We have 15 spots available for this study. Registration closes one week before the course begins. The study will consist of 11 sessions beginning on Feb. 19 and skipping Apr. 2 and Apr. 30.
Surviving Catholic Ministry
7:30pm on mar. 3 and 31 | Stievenard Hall, St. Bernadette
Offered specifically with those in active ministry in mind, whether paid staff, volunteers, school faculty members, etc., Brad Bursa is happy to offer a study on his book Surviving Catholic Ministry.
Nobody enters Catholic ministry aiming to become jaded. Yet it happens all the time. Ministers often grow calloused and abandon ship. It does not have to be this way. In Surviving Catholic Ministry, Brad Bursa combines his deep experience in the ministry field with insights drawn from Tradition to provide readers a practical escape from burnout. This book challenges ministry leaders to reorder every aspect of their lives and to do so from the inside out. Renewal from the inside out begins by reclaiming baptismal identity. From this core, one can enter more deeply into the interior life, which overflows into primary vocation, then ministry. Those who follow this course will not only survive Catholic ministry but thrive in it.
Brad Bursa is director of evangelization and director of the Stella Maris Institute at the Stella Maris Family of Parishes. He holds BA and MA degrees in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a PhD in Theology from The University of Notre Dame Australia.
