Evan Bayh Gives ND Forum Talk on “Government and the Common Good”

We’ve posted the video and recap of Evan Bayh’s ND Forum lecture “Government and the Common Good.”  Former U.S. senator and two-term Indiana governor Bayh discusses his views on government’s role in advancing the common good in a global economy.

http://step.nd.edu/stream-lectures.html

The Half-Price Course for April is…

Mary as Mother: A Symbol of Life and Hope for Christians. Use the promotional code MARY50 on the payment page to take the course for $49.50!  *This offer applies to the first 20 students who register for the course using the code.

Mary as Mother: A Symbol of Life and Hope for Christians

50% Off Course

In August we implemented the 50% off course incentive program to offer a discount to some who might need it. We plan for one full course session or 20 enrollments at the reduced price.

 

The History of Christianity course was our 50% course for the February session and all discounts have been snatched up! They are offered on a first come, first served basis.  If you try to use the discount it will not work.

 

We apologize if you missed out.  We will offer another course at the reduced rate in April.  Thank you for your support of STEP.

The Half-Price Course for February is…

The History of Christianity: The First Five Centuries! Just use the code HISTORYFIRST50.

Course Description

Christ and Time

Happy New Year!

God’s blessing on all of your endeavors for 2011. I look forward to all my challenges and blessings (actually what challenge does not eventually come to be seen as a blessing?) with the faith that 2011 will be an integral part of our meaningful journey toward Christ. To me, this is the greatest blessing of a believer…Meaning… a life full of sin, blemish and joy organized into meaning by the story of Christ held close to the believer through faith.

Each year is another year toward the fulfillment of Chirst’s work at the end of time. We do not know when the end will come but we are confident of victory because of our faith in Chirst. The overarching meaningful story of Christ infuses every day of my life with meaning…no matter how good or how bad. Because the story of time is not complete each and every detail of my life contributes toward this overarching story. I continue to work toward the joy of salvation confident of victory only through Christ in a cosmic project not yet complete.

While I sometimes struggle with my faith…I have difficulty imagining a life without this story. Being in relationship with Christ means I take on the paschal mystery of Chirst…Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. My faith assures me that Christ has died and Christ has risen, my hope tells me Christ will come again.

Merry Christmas from STEP

Dear Friends, We offer you Christmas greetings and gratitude. During this sacred season we are called to focus on fundamental things – God’s creative power, His salvific plan accomplished through Christ and God’s continued presence through the Holy Spirit. We began STEP in hopes of participating in God’s call to advance the gospel message. We hope that through our courses each of you have been able to deepen your understanding and relationship with God and, in turn, work more fervently for the Kingdom. May the love of God expressed in the Incarnation fill you with peace and good will toward all. Have a blessed Christmas,

Tom, Greg, Kelly, Jill, and Laura STEP at Notre Dame

How are you celebrating Advent?

How are you celebrating Advent?

Is meaning of season lost by rushing Christmas celebration?

LAKE CITY (CNS) — Salt Lake City Bishop John C. Wester has urged Catholics to hold off celebrating the Christmas season until it officially begins on the church calendar Dec. 24.

In his first pastoral letter as Salt Lake City’s bishop, he urged the state’s Catholics to keep true to the spirit of Advent — a season of preparation which he said has been “neglected in many places” and often “overshadowed by the holiday season.”

Continue reading…

Tom and Bob on Friendship

Friends,
Bob and I recorded this awhile ago. There is a second half which I will post tomorrow. We do meander a bit; but, if you want to muse about friendship, then this might help.
Peace.

Thomas Friedman: The Global Marketplace and the Common Good

We’ve posted the video and recap of the 2010 ND Forum’s signature event, “Thomas Friedman: The Global Marketplace and the Common Good.” Pulitizer Prize-winning columnist from The New York Times. Friedman has examined a wide range of subjects in his work, including globalization and worldwide economic issues, religious fundamentalism and terrorism, and the Middle East conflict. The event was moderated by MSNBC’s chief White House correspondent, Norah O’Donnell.

http://step.nd.edu/stream-lectures.html

Is Día de los Muertos the same as All Souls Day?

http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2010/09/d%C3%AD-de-los-muertos-same-all-souls-day

Joel Schorn is a STEP facilitator.