Perspectives of a Wanderer

Aug 08 2009

Adjusting Life to Better Serve God

Published by peregrinus at 11:16 pm under Catholic Land, Catholic Moral Teachings, Catholic Socal Teachings, Catholic Workers, Distributism

One of the advantages of where I live is that we have not one, but two Catholic Radio stations. One of them, Ave Maria Radio, produces a number of programs that are heard nationally on EWTN Radio. However, I work or am busy with other obligations when many of the shows are on during the week. Fortunately, one of the shows, Kresta in the Afternoon, rebroadcasts some of his shows on the weekends.

I heard one such broadcast today and the person, Dr. Edward Sri, was discussing his new book, The Bible Compass: A Catholic’s Guide to Navigating the Scriptures, which is to be published next month. The book was not of interest to me, it was his life story. Like myself, he was (I still am) out in the business world for a number of years before he went back to study theology and started teaching and writing (his book is on my “to buy” list).

This is something that I have been thinking of doing in some capacity for a number of years. Being single, and having no desire to get married, the options for me are much broader than for him. I have contemplated everything from the Priesthood (Religious Order mainly), to the Diaconate, to teaching and/or writing. I have ruled out the first two for a number of reasons, but am still thinking of the third option.

On teaching and/or writing, I would love to get a degree in Theology concentrating in Moral Theology and Catholic Social Teachings. I feel that is where there is a void, especially on the laity side, in the teaching ranks today and it is an area that I am very interested. However, my desired goal is not to stop there and just teach Moral Theology and/or Catholic Social Teaching. I would love to apply that to some aspect of life. This is where my second area of interest would come in.

As you can probably tell from other entries on my blog, I am interested in three Catholic movements: Catholic Workers Movement, Catholic Land Movement, and Distributism. It is these three that I think I can combine with the Catholic Moral and Social teaching to create a framework to apply them to aspects of everyday life. I already have a business degree in Computers with a minor in Finance. However, to apply it the way I want to, I have a feeling I would need to look into one other area of business and that is Economics.

With a greater knowledge of Economics, I could really apply the Catholic Social and Moral teaching to develop and or enhance the Catholic movements mentioned above. This is especially true for Distributism. Up to now, Distributism has been mainly, with a few minor practical applications, a theoretical economic mode. With knowledge of both Economics and Catholic Theology, I would be better able to combine the both into a practical and coherent economic model that could be more readily implemented.

I will be studying my options in both in the next couple of months. I know I can get both at the Masters level where I now live. Beyond that, I may have to explore outside the area for, at least, one of the degrees. At this point, I have no desire to move out of this area, but that is far enough down the line that I do not have to consider that at this time.

This path that I have set for myself is challenging. The thing is, can I balance work, school and other activity without burning out or going crazy. That is another thing I will need to consider as I go along.

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3 responses so far

3 Responses to “Adjusting Life to Better Serve God”

# Dianeon 09 Aug 2009 at 1:28 pm

I’m also wanting to go back to school for theology and have been taking a closer look at the distance learning program through Holy Apostles College. It’s a solid school. I have looked at Franciscan University of Steubenville’s program, but they require two classes on campus (and make provisions for out of state people to do it in 2-3 weeks during summer sessions, but it requires loads of vacation time).

I would like to get the Masters in Theology with a concentration in Church history, and a second concentration in Dogmatic Theology. I think Moral Theology was among the other concentrations. I’m also interested in chasing that with a Masters in Philosophy which they also offer through distance learning.

Check it all out here: http://www.holyapostles.edu/
# Dianeon 09 Aug 2009 at 1:33 pm

I should add that while the STB from Sacred Heart Major Seminary is appealing, I have found their class times don’t mesh with my work schedule. I would want Latin, yet have not seen a case where subsequent Latin classes are held at times day time workers can attend. It’s usually in the early afternoon. Ditto with some other classes. Also, having a BS in Vehicle Design, just getting into the BSD program would proably require at least a half-dozen classes, if not more in advance.

The ultimate killer for me was the time limit for completion (seems to me that it was 6 or 7 years, which is not doable for me – financially or time wise).

Holy Apostles College gives you 10 years, if memory serves, to complete the degree, which is more than enough time to take 1-2 classes per semester if that is all the pocket book can afford or schedule can handle.

I’m hoping to enroll in the Winter of 2010. Fall is just too close given how much I have to finish up with my mother’s recent passing and other things neglected at home. And, it hinges on continued employment.
# peregrinuson 09 Aug 2009 at 1:53 pm

Diane

I am also looking at Sacred Heart. From what I have learned from talking to someone who use to be in the Diaconate program, you can take the Latin at UMD. I am not sure of all the procedures to do so, but the Latin is offered in the evening there.

I have also looked at Holy Apostles and that would be my third choice after Sacred Heart and Madonna.