Join us in this course where we’ll take up Pope Pius XI’s challenge and study St. Therese through her own words, especially those in her autobiography “The Story of a Soul.” We will examine 10 life lessons in the hopes that we too shall “copy her” and follow her on the path to becoming a “whole saint.”
Instructor Access (optional grading support) for Unlimited Access families is available for this course!
Total class meetings: 6
Duration of each class: 55 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: ½ semester Theology
Instructor: Debbie Gaudino, MA
Instructor Email: mrsgaudino@gmail.com
Course description: In this class, students will be introduced to the life, times and spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux. Through a series of 10 life lessons, students will be challenged to apply the teachings of St. Therese to their own lives.
“You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.”
With these words, written in a letter to a missionary priest, St. Therese of Lisieux challenged not only her reader but all of us today to live lives of holiness. Through her “little way” she continues to inspire all who come to know her to follow in her footsteps. At her canonization in 1925, Pope Pius XI exhorted the faithful saying, “We desire much more earnestly that all the faithful should study her in order to copy her.”
Course outline:
Day 1:
Background and Family Life
Life Lesson 1: The Choice is Ours
Life Lesson 2: Delight in the Little Things
Day 2:
Temperament and Personality
Life Lesson 3: Seek God’s Mercy Life
Life Lesson 4: Take the Elevator
Day 3:
Vocation
Life Lesson 5: Be Bold
Life Lesson 6: Bloom Where You Are Planted
Day 4:
Spirituality of Prayer
Life Lesson 7: Keep it Simple
Day 5:
Everyday Life
Life Lesson 8: Handling Difficult People
Life Lesson 9: Everything is Grace
Day 6:
Suffering and Trials:
Life Lesson 10: Give Flowers
Course materials: The Story of a Soul, by St. Therese of Lisieux – translated by John Clarke, O.C.D. ISBN-10 : 0935216588. There are several free audio versions of the book available. Students are welcome to either listen or read.
Homework: Homework each day will include 20-30 pages of reading/listening from The Story of a Soul, along with a short 1-2 paragraph essay response. There will be a final 2-page reflection paper due at the conclusion of the class.
- Teacher: Debbie Gaudino