Saturday morning series on "Living Theology" at Fairfield University | Press Releases

Fairfield University will introduce a new Saturday morning series for area Catholics and others called, "Living Theology." Three sessions will take place this semester, beginning Feb. 19 from 9:30 to noon in Canisius Hall, Room 15, presented by Fairfield University professors. There is no admission charge.

Dr. Paul Lakeland, Aloysius P. Kelley Professor of Catholic Studies at Fairfield and the organizer of the series, will conduct the Feb. 19 session on "The Future of Ministry, Lay and Ordained." Dr. Lakeland's most recent book, "The Liberation of the Laity: In Search of an Accountable Church," was awarded the 2004 Catholic Press Award for theology.

In announcing the series, Dr. Lakeland said: "One of the responsibilities Fairfield University takes seriously as a Catholic University, is to promote religious reflection among the Catholics of the diocese. These sessions are intended to help local Catholics and others learn about the latest thinking in the church and develop their own thoughts on these important topics. We confidently expect this venture to be just the beginning of a new relationship between Fairfield University and the local Catholic community, and that they will come to see us as a place where they can learn more about their tradition, and indeed where they can contribute to the theological reflection that is truly the work of the whole church, lay and ordained."

The other sessions to be held this spring are:

Saturday, March 19: "Mary in the Church Today," presented by Dr. Nancy Dallavalle, associate professor of religious studies. Dr. Dallavalle has published extensively, including on the subject, "Toward a Theology that is Catholic and Feminist: Some Basic Issues," and is the author of several entries in "The Encyclopedia of Catholicism."

Saturday, April 9 - "Life After Death," presented by Dr. John Thiel, professor of religious studies. Dr. Thiel is the author of "God, Evil, and Innocent Suffering: A Theological Reflection," published in 2002, and several other books and scholarly articles.