Fairfield University's Center for Catholic Studies announces fall schedule of events | Press Releases

Fairfield University's Center for Catholic Studies has announced its schedule of events for the fall of 2009. The array of events - all open to the public - include a discussion concerning gay Catholics; a panel presentation about Pope Benedict's new encyclical; and an exploration about what happened at Vatican II. The Living Theology series will continue with workshops to help local Catholics and others learn about the latest thinking in the Church.

With the exception of a September retreat at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Conn., all events are free and take place on the Fairfield campus. Details are below.

For more information, visit www.fairfield.edu/catholicstudies or call the Center at (203) 254-4000, ext. 3415.

Friday and Saturday, September 11-12 - This retreat, entitled, "Exploring Catholic Culture," will take place at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Conn. It will explore the Catholic Church's tradition and perspective on peace in the world and among individuals and nations. This event is co-sponsored by Wisdom House and the Center for Catholic Studies. There are fees for enrollment, accommodations and meals. The retreat begins on Friday at 6 p.m. and concludes on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22 - The 16th Annual Christopher F. Mooney, S.J. Lecture in Theology, Religion and Society featuring James Alison, theologian and writer, who will deliver a talk entitled, "Something for Everyone: Gay Catholics as Good News for a Changing Church." This event is co-sponsored by Fairfield University's Office of Student Diversity Programs and ALLIANCE, a group for GLBT students and straight allies, which promotes diversity and acceptance on campus. Charles F. Dolan School of Business Dining Room, 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 26 - This Living Theology Workshop will feature a panel presentation discussing the topic: "Caritas in Veritate: Pope Benedict's New Encyclical." DiMenna-Nyselius Library Multimedia Room, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Wednesday, October 7 - The 9th Annual Anne Drummey O'Callaghan Lecture on Women in the Church featuring Margaret Farley, Ph.D., the Gilbert L. Stark Professor Emerita of Christian Ethics at Yale University Divinity School. The Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 24 - Martin A. Lang, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Fairfield University, will lead a Living Theology Workshop entitled, "The Spiritual Journey: The Upside-down Theology of the Gospel of Luke." Library Multimedia Room, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Wednesday, October 28 - The 4th Annual Catholicism and the Arts Lecture featuring award-winning author Patricia Hampl in a talk entitled, "Sacrament of Self: Catholic Roots of Contemporary Memoir." Dolan School of Business Dining Room, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, November 4 - Rev. John O'Malley, S.J., University Professor at Georgetown University, will give a talk based on his recent book, "What Happened at Vatican II?" Dolan School of Business Dining Room, 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 21 - Paul Lakeland, Ph.D., director of the Center for Catholic Studies and the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Chair in Catholic Studies, will conduct this Living Theology Workshop, entitled, "Church: Living Communion." Library Multimedia Room, 9:30 a.m.-noon.