Literature in the formation of the person
The particular focus of this course is the importance of good literature for our human formation, the special power that reading good books has to help us develop into fuller human persons.
In the first video, we will see how literature is both universal and personal, and how this characteristic of capturing the essence of human experience in all its richness and diversity makes us more fully human.
In the second video, we will take a closer look at Catholic literature and the Catholic worldview, and how good Catholic literature evangelizes without proselytizing. And in the third video, we will discover how literature helps you grow as a person capable of entering into empathetic relationships with others, capable of understanding others and knowing yourself, and capable of paying attention to the presence of God.
- Topics
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Why Literature? Personal and universal experience.
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The role of Catholic literature and the Catholic worldview.
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The role of literature in the growth of our own humanity.
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Your instructor
Sister Teresa Harrell
consecrated
Sister Teresa Harrell is a sister of the Society of Mary, consecrated missionary sistersa religious life institute of sisters dedicated to the New Evangelization, that works in a complementary way with the Saint John Society.
After being homeschooled, she finished her last two years of high school at Damascus Christian School (Damascus, Oregon).
She subsequently received her Bachelors in English from Corban University (Salem, Oregon,) her Masters in Rhetoric and Composition from Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon), her Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio), and studied Philosophy at the Centro de Estudios John Henry Newman (Buenos Aires). She is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Mt. Angel Seminary, with a particular focus on personalism and the works of mercy.
As a Sister of the Society of Mary, she has served among university students in Cordoba, in Pilar, Buenos Aires, in Corvallis and Portland Oregon, where for eight years she was the campus minister for the Newman Center at Portland State University.
She currently lives in West Linn, Oregon, at the Old River Pastoral Center, and works at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Portland, Oregon, where she serves as director of the Mercy Mission Program and coordinator of liturgy and spirituality.
The Truth has been accepted in the world not because of its character as a system, nor because of books, nor because of argumentation, nor because of the temporal power that supported it, but because of the personal influence of those who testified, being at the same time teachers and models.
John Henry Newman
Oxford University Sermons, V
Watch the Full Course on YouTube
Literature in the formation of the person
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How does it work?
1. Decide on how to use the course
You can take the course individually or as group as part of small faith sharing group.
Having a group of friends is not mandatory, but it is much more enriching. If possible, we recommend you consider finding two or three friends who will accompany you on this adventure to grow together in their faith.
2. Choose a course by clicking the icons below
After selecting a course by clicking the icons below, you will be taken to the YouTube channel where video and text references are provided.
3. Taking the courses
Each course will have an introduction and either three or four parts that include a video, reference text, and questions to ponder.
4. Course closure
At the end of the course, participants are welcome to provide comments and questions in the YouTube channel.
For those who have taken the course as group, we offer a final one-on-one meeting with the fellow to clarify any questions, explore topics in more depth, and build a personal connection with the other Newman Academy participants.