Video Series

Advent and New Years Biblical Video Series with Dr. Brant Pitre


Facilitated by St. Thomas More’s Karen Sheehy

Coordinator of Scripture Studies and Spiritual Direction – karens@stmlv.org - 725-204-7319


Join us this Advent and New Year as we watch and delve into 5 inspirational 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hour-long videos exploring the biblical roots of Christmas, Saints Joseph (the Hidden King) and Peter, the first pope. Prior to each video presentation, Karen will provide participants with a video outline, suggested scripture passages, and reflective questions for continued consideration during the weeks following each session.


Location:

St. Thomas More Community Center – Room 9 and/or Main Space – depending on availability


When:

9:00-11:00 am and 6:30-8:30 pm on Tuesdays (dates listed below). There will also be spotlight reminders in the bulletin.


No Fee, Food, Registration, Preparation, or Homework. Simply Come and Enjoy!

MEET DR. BRANT PITRE

  • Distinguished research professor of Scripture at the Augustine Institute Graduate School.
  • Earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized in the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism.
  • Enthusiastic and engaging speaker lecturing regularly across the United States on the biblical foundations of our Catholic faith and theology.
  • Author of several articles and books, including many of the topics presented during this Lenten Biblical Video Study Series.
  • Native and current resident of Louisiana, where he lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and their five children.
Date Video Title Theme
December 1 (Part 1) The Jewish Roots of St. Joseph – The Hidden King In this two-part series, Dr. Brant Pitre takes the popular figure of Saint Joseph and opens the mysteries of his hidden identity, his relationship with Mary, and his role as the earthly foster-father of Jesus. In this bible study, Dr. Pitre focuses on what we can learn about Saint Joseph from the Bible, ancient Jewish and Roman history, and the living Tradition of the Church. As you will discover, although Joseph is silent in the pages of the New Testament, when looked at through ancient Jewish eyes, he stands with Jesus and Mary at the very center of salvation history.
December 8 (Part 2) The Jewish Roots of St. Joseph – The Hidden King In this two-part series, Dr. Brant Pitre takes the popular figure of Saint Joseph and opens the mysteries of his hidden identity, his relationship with Mary, and his role as the earthly foster-father of Jesus. In this bible study, Dr. Pitre focuses on what we can learn about Saint Joseph from the Bible, ancient Jewish and Roman history, and the living Tradition of the Church. As you will discover, although Joseph is silent in the pages of the New Testament, when looked at through ancient Jewish eyes, he stands with Jesus and Mary at the very center of salvation history.
December 15 The Jewish Roots of Christmas What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why is the birth of a Jewish boy in Bethlehem at the center of human history? In this Bible study, Dr. Pitre answers these and other questions going back to the Bible and ancient tradition to shed light on the little-known Jewish roots of this beloved holiday.
January 12 The Jewish Roots of the Papacy In this information-packed presentation, Dr. Pitre applies his knowledge of ancient Judaism to the heart of the division between Catholics and Protestants: the office of the papacy. In the process, he looks at several key concepts including but not limited to the foundation stone, the keys to the kingdom, the power to bind and loose, and the concept of a priestly prime minister.
January 19 Saint Peter and the Three Stages of the Spiritual Life In this illuminating Bible study, Dr. Pitre looks at the spiritual life of St. Peter through the lens of the three traditional stages or “ages” of the spiritual life: the purgative, illuminative, and unitive way. Dr. Pitre uses this framework to show how in the Gospels and the book of Acts, Simon Peter goes through these growth stages during Christ’s ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, and after Pentecost. If you’re looking for inspiration on making progress in your own spiritual life, or if you’ve identified with the mistakes made by Peter, the greatest of saints, then this is the Bible study for you!