St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church

Adult Faith Formation—Bible Study 2009-2010

Program

Adventures in Matthew: The King and His Kingdom

Part of the “Great Adventure” series by Jeff Cavins

Focus of Study

Matthew portrays Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus Christ is the true Messiah from God, the One the Jews and all Israel have been waiting for. The focus of this study will be the establishment of the Church as the kingdom of heaven on earth. The disciples are given special roles in the Kingdom, with Peter given special primacy. Throughout the gospel of Matthew, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David. Jesus fulfills God’s promise to Abraham to bless “all the nations of the earth.” Jesus is cast in the role of the new Moses who ascends a new mountain to give the new Covenant Law and he is seen as the “Son of David,” sitting on his everlasting throne. Set in the rich context of Jesus’ Jewish culture, universal truths of the kingdom of God are clearly understood and God’s will for us today more fully realized.

Program Structure

Each week home study is required consisting of reading and study questions to prepare in advance of a session. It is recommended to quickly read through the entire gospel of Matthew before beginning the study. Each week’s reading will only focus on 1 or 2 chapters. Each session will begin with discussion on the questions from the homework followed by a 50 minute DVD from Jeff Cavins.

Materials Needed

New American Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Adventures in Matthew study binder ($30—make checks payable to SEAS). Please contact Diane Luceri to sign up for the study and to order the study binder.

Contact Information:

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator:

Diane Luceri 782-1475 X 24  dluceri@easeton.net

Facilitators

Coleen Cucci, Diane Luceri, Helen Thornton, Pete Thornton,

Sub: Jill Kerekes

Schedule:

Times:

Wednesdays in the Holy Family Room at SEAS

9:30 AM-11:30 AM  OR                                                   

7:30 PM- 9:30 PM

Fall 2009

Sept. 16   Session 1   Introduction

Sept. 23   Session 2   Matthew 1: Jesus, Son of David & Abraham

Sept. 30   Session 3   Matthew 2: The King in Exile

Oct. 7       Session 4   Matthew 3: John: The Forerunner to the King   

Oct. 14     Session 5   Matthew 4: The Tempting of the King

Oct. 21     Session 6   Matthew 5: The Bar is Raised by the King

Oct. 28     Session 7   Matthew 6: Personal Piety

Nov. 4      Session 8   Matthew 7: Choices in the Kingdom

Nov. 11    Session 9:  Matthew 8: The King’s Power Demonstrated

Nov. 18    Session 10: Matthew 9: New Wine, New Wineskins

Nov. 25    no session—Thanksgiving break

Dec. 2       Session 11:  Matthew 10: Jesus Commissions the Twelve

Dec. 9       Session 12:  Matthew 11-12: Jesus Confronts an Evil Generation

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Winter / Spring 2010

Jan.   6    Session 13: Matthew 13: Parables About the Kingdom

Jan. 13    Session 14: Matthew 14-15: Instructions to the Twelve

Jan. 20    Session 15: Matthew 16: Jesus Establishes the Church

Jan. 27    Session 16: Matthew 17: The Transfiguration

Feb. 3      Session 17: Matthew 18: Characteristics of the Christian Community

Feb. 10    Session 18: Matthew 19: Marriage: A Demonstration of God’s Love

Feb. 17    no session—Ash Wednesday

Feb. 24    Session 19: Matthew 20-21: Stepping Down into Greatness

Mar. 3     Session 20: Matthew 22-23: Let’s Get Real

Mar. 10   Session 21; Matthew 24-25: Jesus Predicts the End of an Era

Mar. 17    Session 22: Matthew 26: the Trial of Christ

Mar. 24    no session—penance service

Mar. 31    no session—Holy Week

April  7    no session Easter Week

April 14   Session 23: Matthew 27: The Passion of the King

April 21   Session 24: Matthew 28: Conclusion: The Triumph of the King

April 28   snow date if needed