The word, "Apologetics" is derived from the Greek word apologia, which means giving a reasoned explanation of our faith. A Catholic apologist charitably explains and defends Catholic doctrine using scripture, tradition and common sense.
The Catholic church today is being challenged vigorously by non-Catholic evangelizers. Unfortunately, many Catholics feel ill prepared to defend their faith in the face of these attacks.
With the approval of H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder, the Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, under the guidance of Fr Varghese Chempoly, OFM,Cap., Vice Provincial, General Vice Province/Vicarate of Arabia, a group of committed Catholics have teamed up,to create an awareness about apologetics and further educate our Catholics to defend their faith with reason.
All Catholics are called to be apologists, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15-16, 'We must learn to explain our faith CLEARLY and HUMBLY, defend it CHARITABLY, and share it CONFIDENTLY.
The first Catholic Apologetics Seminar in the UAE will be held in six UAE parishes from Wednesday 3 February to Wednesday 10 February 2010. The speaker is a world renowned Apologist, Steve Ray from the USA.
Steve Ray, a former Protestant and now Catholic, is a renowned apologetics preacher, and the author of three best-selling Ignatius Press books (Crossing the Tiber, Upon this Rock, and a scripture commentary entitled St. John's Gospel). He is writer, producer and host of the 10-part video/DVD series "The Footprints of God: the Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine".
His website is:
www.CatholicConvert.com
In our parish the seminar will be held on Wednesday 3 February and Thursday 4 February immediately after the 7.00 pm evening mass until 9:30 pm. in the main Church and halls. On Friday 5 February, there will be a special address to the Filipino community from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in the main hall.
On the last day of the UAE seminar, Wednesday 10 February, from 7:40 pm to 9:30 pm, our parish will host a Question and Answer session of all the queries raised at all the parishes during the apologetics seminar.
The Seminar will also be held at the other UAE churches as follows:
Jebel Ali: Friday 5 February - 9 am to 12 noon
Sharjah: Friday 5 February - 7.45 pm to 9.30 pm
Abu Dhabi: Saturday 6 February - 8 pm to 9.30pm
Al Ain: Sunday 7 February - 7 pm to 10 pm
Fujairah: Tuesday 9 February - 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm
All parishioners are urged to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn more about our faith from a world renowned Catholic apologist.
In addition to the seminars in various UAE parishes, there will also be an Apologetics Training Workshop on Thursday 4 February 2010 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at St. Mary's Church Dubai (Mini Hall).
Registration for the Apologetics Training Workshop is open to only 200 delegates on a first-come-first-served basis.
To pre-register for the apologetics training workshop, email your contact details to fofi.apologetics@gmail.com
This programme is organized by UAE Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services and Family of Faith International.
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