Appreciating and Defending the Catholic Faith is the theme of an upcoming workshop by renowned Biblical Scholar and Author Tom Smith October 13, at Christ the King Parish in Old Lyme. The workshop is sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Faith Events.

“I think the Church more than ever needs hope and healing,” said Smith. ““Our Christian hope is grounded on the sure promises of Christ to his Church. This hope sustains us through the storms we may be facing. Our seminar is an invitation to appreciate more deeply some of the core truths of our faith and learn how we can continue to share those joyfully and clearly with others.”” He continued,“By defending, I don’t mean being ‘defensive’ about the truth of our faith, but rather to do as St. Peter challenged us in his first epistle: ‘Always be prepared to make a defense (a reasonable response) to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence,” (1 Peter 3:15). Some of the key points participants can expect from this year’s workshop are: discovering the surprising evidence in the Bible for Mary’s role as Queen and Mother; learning the Old and New Testament foundations for Peter and the papacy; exploring the connection between Scripture and tradition; and understanding Biblical and Catholic positions on faith, grace and getting into heaven.

“As always, I hope people will leave the seminar equipped with a new sense of confidence and encouraged by the beauty of our faith and its profound invitation to happiness and union with God”, he said.

This will be Smith’s 8th year presenting a Bible workshop in the Diocese. He is the former director of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and The Archdiocese of Denver Catechetical School. He also writes Bible study materials for Ascension Press and speaks internationally as a conference speaker, parish mission leader and retreat director.

This year’s workshop will run from 9-2pm with registration beginning at 8:30am The cost is $40, which includes lunch and program materials. Christ the King Parish is located at 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. To register, contact Marianne Nicholas at the Office of Faith Events, at 860-848-2237, ext. 304.