Courses

at the Stella maris institute

From God or Not? An Introduction to Discernment

Tuesdays at 7:30pm — apr. 28, may 5, may 12, 2026

Instructor: Brad Bursa, director of evangelization, Stella Maris

Ever wonder how you can discern whether a thought, word, feeling, or desire is from the Lord or not? This mini-course will teach you basic principles for discernment according to St. Ignatius of Loyola that will deepen your prayer and enhance your ability to follow God’s will.

Session 1: What is discernment and its history?
Session 2: Ignatian Rules for Discernment I
Session 3: Ignatian Rules for Discernment II

All sessions will run from 7:30-9:00 pm in Stievenard Hall on the St. Bernadette campus. The mini-course fee of $15 to covers the cost of course materials. We have 25 spots available. Registration closes one week before the course begins.

Boundless: Encountering Jesus in the Gospels

thursdays from 1:30 - 3:30 pm | Sept. 24 - Oct. 8 | Stievenard Hall

Instructor: Brad Bursa, Dir. of Evangelization, Stella Maris

Boundless is a course in spirituality. Spirituality doesn’t so much have to do with learning about God as it does with encountering him. So, for three sessions, we will seek to encounter Jesus in the Gospels. Through the ancient practice of lectio divina (holy reading of Scripture), Boundless will explore themes of longing, invitation, and friendship with God. We’ll dare to experience the forceful impact of such a friendship on every aspect of life.

All sessions will run from 1:30-3:30 pm in Stievenard Hall on the St. Bernadette campus. The mini-course fee of $20 covers the cost of course materials. We have 25 spots available. Registration closes one week before the course begins.

The Last Things

thursdays from 1:30 - 3:30 pM | oct. 29 - Nov. 19 | stievenard hall

Instructor: Brad Bursa, director of evangelization

Death. Judgment. Heaven. Hell.

These the four last things and given that we should always keep the end in mind, they are worth reflecting upon. This mini-course will offer teaching on and provide participants with opportunities to reflect on the meaning of the Last Things.

All sessions will run from 1:30-3:00pm in Stievenard Hall on the St. Bernadette campus. The mini-course fee of $20 covers the cost of course materials. We have 25 spots available. Registration one week before the course starts.