127 pages – Suggested weeks to complete 12 weeks minimum
Table of Contents
Chapter One – The Early Years
Chapter Two – The Seeker Reaches Adulthood
Chapter Three – The Catholic Professional Woman
Chapter Four – Theory of Woman’s Identity
Chapter Five – The Road to Carmel
Chapter Six – Stein’s Later Philosophy
Chapter Seven – The Long Night Begins
Chapter Eight – A Saint for Our Times
A sample two-hour session
7:00 p.m. – Hellos
7:15–7:20 p.m. – Opening Prayer
7:20–7:40 p.m. – Read
7:40–8:00 p.m. – Discuss
8:00 p.m. – Break
8:10–8:30 p.m. – Read
8:30–8:50 p.m. – Discuss
8:50 p.m. – Closing Prayers/Announcements
9:00 p.m. – Goodbyes
Supplemental resources
- Audio Chapter 1 of Edith Stein | Seeker of Truth
- Edith Stein Online Study Recordings
- Edith Stein Endow Weekly Meditations
- St. Edith Stein Prayer Journal
- St. Edith Stein, Seeker of Truth YouTube Playlist
- The Genius of Women YouTube Playlist
- Philosophy & Theology YouTube Playlist
- The Female Saints & Doctors of the Church YouTube Playlist
- The Leisure Corner
- Meet New Friends, living and Living: An Invitation | Catholic Exchange
Paying it forward
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Endow has me working on myself all the time. That’s why I love Endow!
Karen
This study introduces women to one of the twentieth century saints John Paul II canonized during his pontificate. A young Jewish woman who suffered through the Holocaust, converted to Catholicism and found her vocation by joining the beautiful Carmelite sisters. JPII felt strongly that the world needed the example of holy men and women during these challenging times, and Endow has chosen Edith Stein as one saint in a vast galaxy to highlight. Her story encompasses elements of philosophy (particularly phenomenology, which was a strong interest of John Paul II’s), and theology and offers compelling insights into Jewish life in 1930’s Germany. She was an inspiration to women of her time and continues to be today.
Navigating the study
Seeker of Truth is one of our most in-depth and robust studies. Although there are 8 chapters, we recommend a minimum of 12 weeks to complete this study. A few quick notes for facilitators of this study:
- The additional book referenced in the study guide is Edith Stein: Her Life in Photos and Documents by Maria Amata Neyer. You can purchase on Amazon or Thriftbooks. This book is not necessary to proceed confidently with the study!
- There are many discussion questions in this study guide and it is impossible to answer all of them. 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!
- Remember quality over quantity.
The commentary for this study was written by Dr. Elizabeth A. Mitchell, Ph.D. with the collaboration of Sister Prudence Allen, RSM, Ph.D., and Terrence C. Wright, Ph.D.
How to get started
Step one – Register your group
Step two – Subscribe to the Endow Newsletter and ask your group to do the same!
Step three – Join us for our next virtual event. Check out our Events page.
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”
We are here to support you
Throughout your study, as spiritual, theological, or pastoral questions arise, please contact Simone Rizkallah, Director of Program Growth, for support and additional resources to answer any questions that may arise! Please also consider emailing her testimonies from your group! We love to hear what the Lord is doing with your women!
St. Edith Stein promotional kit