Church History - Exploring Our Roots

Our over 2000-year history has seen amazing, extraordinary, and fascinating people doing spectacular things. Fr. Shea has a captivating storytelling style to make all these events and people come alive. Come and hear more of the lesser well-known but true facts and figures in our remarkable Church history.

Our over 2000-year history has seen amazing, extraordinary, and fascinating people doing spectacular things. Fr. Shea has a captivating storytelling style to make all these events and people come alive. Come and hear more of the lesser well-known but true facts and figures in our remarkable Church history.

We say that men and women are in the image and likeness of God, yet our language for liturgy and prayer tells a different story.  Why does the Church mainly use male language for God, and not express the feminine image and likeness of God? How do we process the language we use for God? We will discuss the problem with naming God one way and why it is important for future generations about how we talk about God.

Junipero Serra and the Franciscan missions have been a target of controversy and debate. What is the truth of their mission and purpose of the Mission System as a means to share the Catholic Faith and spread Spanish culture in Alta California? This presentation will clarify some truths and falsehoods associated with that period in our history.

Whatever is your present attitude toward the Rosary, Catholics so strongly identify with the Rosary. Learn what and why anyone can benefit from knowing more.

Desiderio Desideravi, the title of Pope Francis's 2022 document on the Sacred Liturgy, comes from the Latin version of Luke 22:15: "I have earnestly desired (Desiderio desideravi) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Let’s discuss how Pope Francis begins this beautiful and reflection on the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Sacred Liturgy by reminding us of the Most Holy Trinity's love for us, as well as his encouragement toward a deeper understanding of the Eucharist in order to fully appreciate the riches in the liturgy.

This ancient prayer is loaded with core beliefs of the Catholic Christian faith. What is it? How did the statements all come together? What do they mean? And why does it still matter? Join us as we unpack and rededicate ourselves with joy to what we believe.