Mystagogy

In a tradition that dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, many newly initiated Christians were prepared for lives of faith through a formation with spiritual, liturgical, and communitarian dimensions. This period of formation was called mystagogy, a word which, in Greek, means "leading through the mysteries." Our program of mystagogy will have four primary goals: 1) To break open Magisterial teaching on the lay state (selections from Vatican II as well as letters/encyclicals from recent popes) as well as classic spiritual texts to build a thoughtful, practical devotional life; 2) To introduce the various spiritual charisms in the Church (i.e. Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan, Salesian, etc.) so that they may develop a personal program of spirituality rooted in the uniquely Catholic legacy; 3) To deepen the prayer life through study, communal prayer, the practice of meditation, Mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours; and 4) To establish a fully Catholic life and mission, including a formation in the art of the Church, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and the commitment to a specific personal work of service.

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Mystagogy

The Apostolate of the Laity

July 02, 2023 • Barbara Nicolosi Harrington • Season 4 • Episode 2

We continue our survey of key magisterial teachings for the modern era by breaking open The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (“Apostolicam Actuositatem“) of Vatican II. Born in the heart and writing of Pope Pius XI, the Council Fathers issued a formal call to holiness for all lay men and women, and proposed a new authority for the laity in all things related to the temporal sphere. We will consider a little history of the development of the decree, and then discuss its main points.

This program of mystagogy is hosted by the Adult Faith Programs at Saint Stephen Martyr Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The music in the introduction and close of this podcast is provided by George Sarah.

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Intro: Hello and welcome to the Mystagogy podcast, hosted by the Adult Faith Programs at Saint Stephen Martyr Church in Chesapeake, VA.

In Greek, the word mystagogy means "leading through the mysteries." In the earliest centuries of Christianity, mystagogy referred to the practice of helping Christians appreciate more deeply the mysteries into which they had been initiated by baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist.

This present program of mystagogy is being developed and taught by Barbara Nicolosi Harrington, a university professor of screenwriting, cinema, Great Books and theology.

In this presentation, Barbara breaks open the Decree of the Apostolate of the Laity from Vatican II.

Outro: Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Mystagogy podcast.

The music for the podcast is provided by George Sarah. Learn more about his music over at GeorgeSarahMusic.com or by following the link in the show notes.

Until next time, be well and God bless.

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Barbara Nicolosi Harrington

Host