122 pages, not including articles from the encyclical – Suggested weeks to complete 12-20 weeks minimum
Table of Contents
Chapter One – The Unity of Love in Creation and in Salvation History: A Problem of Language
Chapter Two – “Eros” & “Agape” – Difference and Unity
Chapter Three – The Newness of Biblical Faith & Jesus Christ – The Incarnate Love of God
Chapter Four – Love of God and Love of Neighbor
Chapter Five – Caritas – The Practice of Love by the Church as a “Community of Love”
Chapter Six – Justice and Charity
Chapter Seven – Charitable Service & The Distinctiveness of the Church’s Charitable Activity
Chapter Eight – Those Responsible for the Church’s Charitable Activity
A sample two-hour session
7:00 p.m. – Hellos
7:15–7:20 p.m. – Opening Prayer
7:20–8:50 p.m. – Read & Discuss
8:50 p.m. – Closing Prayers/Announcements
9:00 p.m. – Goodbyes
Supplemental resources
- Listen to an audio Prologue of Deus Caritas Est
- God is Love YouTube Playlist
- On Love and Relationships YouTube Playlist
- What It Means to Be a Christian 2020 Advent Series
- Deus Caritas Est 2021 Advent Series
- Purchase the God is Love hardbound encyclical
Paying it forward
Become a monthly supporter and join the Feminine Genius Circle!
I have loved Endow since I attended my first study in 2004 when it was being piloted. I have since facilitated numerous studies. Each study has brought spiritual fruit and a deep community of friendship. I am excited to be a part of two studies this fall. I love your mission!
Gretchen
In his first encyclical, God Is Love, promulgated on Christmas Day, 2005, Benedict XVI expounds on the reality of love. He knows that the word “love” has been distorted and its meaning tarnished – and this letter calls us back to the foundational truths about love.
Navigating the study
Deus Caritas Est is one of our most in-depth and robust studies. Although there are 8 chapters, we recommend a minimum of 12-20 weeks to complete this study. A quick note for facilitators of this study:
- There are many discussion questions in this study guide. It is up to the discretion of the facilitator to follow the lead of the women as well as the Holy Spirit in helping steward the questions that are most striking to the group!
The commentary for this study guide was written by Sharon van der Sloot.
We are here to support you
Throughout your study, as spiritual, theological, or pastoral questions arise, please contact us for support. Please also consider emailing us testimonies from your group! We love to hear what the Lord is doing through Endow!
The Endow team is here to support you in studying this important document! For an initial 20-minute Zoom meeting with us, please contact [email protected] with the subject line “Mentoring meeting”
Deus Caritas Est promotional kit