Why do we recite scripted prayers? What about prayers to Mary and the Saints? Learn why we say these prayers and more in this lesson.

Objective: In this course, students will learn why we pray to Mary and the saints, and the importance of asking for intercession. 

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Course curriculum

  • 01

    In Defense of Prayer - Apologetics - Session 1

    • Prayer - Session 1 - In Defense of Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • In Defense of Prayer - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • In Defense of Prayer - VIDEO

    • In Defense of Prayer - QUIZ

    • In Defense of Prayer - Live Lesson Recording with Professor Marshall Connolly (2/23/22)

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Cindy Trettin

5 star rating

“As a non-Catholic Christian, I found this course to be very informative and inclusive. The tenets taught in this lesson counter much of what I was taught as a child. I feel that more of this is needed on the part of both non-Catholic and Catholi...”

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“As a non-Catholic Christian, I found this course to be very informative and inclusive. The tenets taught in this lesson counter much of what I was taught as a child. I feel that more of this is needed on the part of both non-Catholic and Catholic believers. Thank you for making this available!”

→Read Less

Crystal Lynne dawn Day chief

5 star rating

“I found the saints part very interesting as I have never heard of these people. We should not have to defend prayer...I love prayer.”

“I found the saints part very interesting as I have never heard of these people. We should not have to defend prayer...I love prayer.”

→Read Less

Daniel Fernandes

5 star rating

“Enlightening course, very impactful.”

“Enlightening course, very impactful.”

→Read Less

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Professor Marshall Connolly has spent his life in service to God and the Church as an educator and writer. He is a graduate of the California State University system and has earned bachelor's degrees in English and History, as well as a teaching credential. He has completed additional studies at Whitman College, and the University of San Diego. His interests include science and apologetics and he writes on both subjects for Catholic Online (catholic.org), the World's Catholic Library.

He serves as the first Director of Education for Catholic Online School.

Professor Marshall Connolly

Director of Education