Communion of Saints: The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ

Season: Summer 2026

An exploration of the Catholic Church as the mystical Body of Christ and the communion of saints across heaven and earth. Students will examine the Church’s nature, mission, and identity through Scripture, Vatican II, and the Catechism, tracing her life from apostolic origins to the present day.

The course gives special attention to Mary as Mother of the Church and perfect disciple, and to the saints as exemplars of holiness and living members of Christ’s Body.

Topics include the four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic), the development of doctrine, ecclesial structure and authority, the sacramental life, the universal call to holiness, and the Church’s mission in the world today.

No prior theological study required.

Instructor: Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin
Director of Young Adult Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

This course satisfies the LEM program Ecclesiology intellectual formation requirement. Diocesan teachers who complete the course with a grade of ‘C’ or better earn 9 CEUs.