When? Saturdays, 1:30-3:45 p.m.
April 13 & 27, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15
Where?
St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish, Hartford
Who? Presenter:
Mr. Paul Sansone
How much?
Suggested Offering: $50.00*
The so-called ‘hidden’ (apocryphal—that is, not considered sacred by today's Christians) gospels have recently been featured in some popular novel and movie plots, where they stand at the center of convoluted conspiracy theories and murderous intrigue. But when one reads the actual texts, it is rather difficult to understand why. These gospels, although often overlooked by the general reading public, have long been known, read, and studied by specialists. Ordinary Christians in the Middle Ages were so intimately familiar with several of them, that knowledge of these gospels is required today for properly interpreting some of their greatest works of art and literature. These gospels narrated the words and deeds of Jesus and those around him; they articulated a variety of theologies and spiritualities; and they inspired the celebration of liturgical feasts like the Presentation of Mary (November 21).
During these six sessions, we will read and discuss key texts from four of these apocryphal gospels: the Proto-Gospel (Protevangelium) of James, the Gospel of Peter, the Coptic Gospel of Thomas, and the Coptic Gospel of Mary.
Before the first session, participants should procure a copy of Bart D. Ehrman and Zlatko Plese,
The Apocryphal Gospels: Texts and Translations (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011) ISBN: 978-0-19-973210-4. In preparation for the first session, participants should read the section on the Proto-Gospel of James (Apocryphal Gospels, pp. 31-71).
*Because of the continuing nature of this
course, we request payment in full at time of registration. To discuss
an alternative payment schedule, please contact Pastoral Associate Pat Curtis at
860-756-4034, x113. It will be helpful to have 20 participants for this course. Encourage a friend to register with you!
For more information or to register, call the parish at 860-756-4034.
This event is not sponsored by the Catholic Biblical School but could be an authorized make-up for certain requirements towards archdiocesan and
seminary certificates in biblical studies. Only contact BJ about this program if you wish to request it as a make-up for your missed requirements.
