Read by Jem Sullivan,

During the year of faith (2012), Pope Benedict XVI continuously encouraged Catholics to rediscover the riches of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council as a means to strengthen their faith and love for the Church. Through a thorough discussion of key themes, major documents, and historical context, this course hopes to deepen the understanding of the lay faithful as they open themselves up to the development of the Church's wisdom. The course will begin by focusing on the reasons which gave rise to Vatican II, it will continue by examining the common misconceptions regarding the council, move on to general principles and themes, and lastly consider the key documents which emerged from the council. Some questions that will be considered: Why study Vatican II? What is the relationship between the Church and the Modern world? How can the Church defend the deposit of faith given the rise of science and the loss of religiosity? What is the essence of the Sacred Liturgy and how can it be most faithfully preserved? Are the ministers of the Church in need of reform? Or is the Church itself simply "outdated"?

Mode of access: World Wide Web