RCIA The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe

Chapter 1

“For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37).

I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth …. 

You owe it to yourself to learn all about Christ’s life and teaching and what the Church believes. The goal is exposure to the entire content of the faith—not just a few things sprinkled willy-nilly. It ultimately boils down to truth, and truth matters!

The Catholic Online School RCIA program is carefully designed to provide you with a systematic, comprehensive education in the divine faith of the Church. The goal is to make you “of the truth” by exposing you to the voice of Christ.

We begin with “The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe.”

The Creed—the faith we profess as Christians—is the first of the four main pillars of the faith we’ll be exploring. Here are some of the topics you’ll learn about in this section:

  • The longing for God and why happiness is found in God alone
  • Creation, the human person, reason, and the Church as paths to knowledge of God
  • God’s plan to share his blessed life with you
  • Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the saving Gospel
  • The gift of faith and living as a Christian
  • The mystery of God, the Holy Trinity, and creation
  • Man and woman, original sin, angels, and the devil
  • God sends his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world
  • The saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • The Holy Spirit
  • The mystery of the Church
  • The Christian faithful of the Church: hierarchy, religious, and laity
  • The communion of the saints and praying to the saints
  • The Virgin Mary, Mother of God
  • Life everlasting: death, judgement, purgatory, heaven, and hell
  • The resurrection of the dead
  • The new heaven and the new earth


From all of us at Catholic Online School: May Christ bless you on your journey of faith.

“The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe" is broken up into 8 different chapters. 

In this course, students will begin with Chapter 1.

Students will cover - 

  • Course 1 - The Longing for God
  • Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge
  • Course 3 - God First Comes to Meet Us


Earning a certificate of completion DOES NOT mean you are a Catholic. The Sacraments of Initiation can only be conferred by a bishop or priest. This certificate means you have successfully completed a course of study that is intended to supplement your parish RCIA program.

For free. For everyone. Forever.

With God, you can learn anything

Course curriculum

  • 01

    Introduction to RCIA - For Adults - The Creed - Chapter 1 with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  • 02

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing For God - Lesson 1 - Are You A Seeker?

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 1 - Are You a Seeker?

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 03

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 2 - The Happiness We Seek Is Found In God Alone

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 04

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 3 - Human Questions Express a Longing for God

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 05

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 4 - Man is a Religious Being

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 06

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 5 - Obstacles Along the Way

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 07

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 1 - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • INTRODUCTION - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • VIDEO - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • QUIZ - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Longing for God - Lesson 6 - Responding to God in Freedom

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 08

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • INTRODUCTION - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • OPENING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • VIDEO - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • QUIZ - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 1 - How It Is Possible To Speak About God

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 09

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • INTRODUCTION - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • OPENING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • VIDEO - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • QUIZ - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 2 - Knowing God Through Creation

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 10

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • INTRODUCTION - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • OPENING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • VIDEO - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • QUIZ - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 3 - Knowing God Through The Light of Reason

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 11

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • INTRODUCTION - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • OPENING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • VIDEO - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • QUIZ - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 4 - Knowing God Through The Human Person

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 12

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 2 - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • INTRODUCTION - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • OPENING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • VIDEO - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • QUIZ - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Paths to Knowledge - Lesson 5 - Knowing God Through The Church

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 13

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 3 - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • INTRODUCTION - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • OPENING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • SCRIPTURE READING - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • VIDEO - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • CLOSING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • QUIZ - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 1 - God Discloses Himself and His Loving Plan

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 14

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 3 - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • INTRODUCTION - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • OPENING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • SCRIPTURE READING - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • VIDEO - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • CLOSING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • QUIZ - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 2 - Public Revelation, Deposit of Faith, and Private Revelation

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

  • 15

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 3 - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • INTRODUCTION - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • OPENING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • SCRIPTURE READING - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • VIDEO - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • QUIZ - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 3 - Conflicts Between Divine Revelation, The Gospel, and Culture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 16

    The Creed - Chapter 1 - Course 3 - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • INTRODUCTION - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • OPENING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • SCRIPTURE READING - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • VIDEO - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • QUIZ - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - God First Comes To Meet Us - Lesson 4 - The Church Informs and Elevates Culture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Lola Kamal

5 star rating

“This course increased my faith and motivated me more dig deep in theology ❤️❤️ God bless you ”

“This course increased my faith and motivated me more dig deep in theology ❤️❤️ God bless you ”

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Flora Nyathi

5 star rating

“Clear and precise, well done. I thought it was excellent!”

“Clear and precise, well done. I thought it was excellent!”

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Todd Garnett

5 star rating

“I'm truly enjoying the RCIA for adults program”

“I'm truly enjoying the RCIA for adults program”

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GARY CRUZ-ANDREWS

5 star rating

“Excellent course, I will definitely continue these lessons.”

“Excellent course, I will definitely continue these lessons.”

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Shaun Kring

5 star rating

“Perfect course to accompany my in parish courses.”

“Perfect course to accompany my in parish courses.”

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Clinton Sites

5 star rating

“The details of the Faith as presented by this course is both detailed and easy to understand.”

“The details of the Faith as presented by this course is both detailed and easy to understand.”

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Robin Ramirez

5 star rating

“Wow...great course so far. Love it.”

“Wow...great course so far. Love it.”

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Kerri Scott

5 star rating

“I am so happy with my Catholic Online School Experience. I cannot wait to continue studying. Perfectly done!”

“I am so happy with my Catholic Online School Experience. I cannot wait to continue studying. Perfectly done!”

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Barbara Brennan

5 star rating

“The Creed, this is a wonderful lesson. 10 out of ten, really enjoyed. ”

“The Creed, this is a wonderful lesson. 10 out of ten, really enjoyed. ”

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Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair