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

In September, Fairfield University's Center for Catholic Studies will continue its tradition of bringing notable theologians and award-winning writers to the Fairfield campus to share their perspectives on important topics of the day. All events are free and open to the public.

Among the intriguing events planned is a November 4 talk by the new Bishop of Bridgeport, the Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, who will speak about how the Diocese of Bridgeport has begun its fourth diocesan synod, in the hope that it will be a catalyst for pastoral discernment and renewal. There also will be lectures by New York Times best-selling author Mary Karr, and Natalia Imperatori-Lee, whose research focuses on the intersection of popular religion, devotion, and ecclesial identity. The season of events kicks off September 17 with Christiana Peppard, an expert on fresh water ethics in an era of global resource scarcity and climate change, discussing the importance of water - a Fairfield theme this year.

The director of the Center for Catholic Studies' director is Paul Lakeland, Ph.D., the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Chair in Catholic Studies. An award winning author, he is an internationally recognized Catholic theologian. For more information, call (203) 254-4000, ext. 3415, or visit http://www.fairfield.edu/catholicstudies .

Fairfield University's Center for Catholic Studies' fall, 2014 calendar of events is as follows:

"Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and the Global Water Crisis"
Christiana Z. Peppard, Ph.D., a ssistant professor of theology, science, and ethics, Fordham University
Wednesday, September 17, 2014, 8 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Dining Room

The 14th Annual Anne Drummey O'Callaghan Lecture on Women in the Church - " Cuéntame: Counting (and Recounting) the Latino Presence in U.S. Catholicism"
Natalia Imperatori-Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of religious studies, Manhattan College
Wednesday, October 1, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Dining Room

The 2014 Catholicism and the Arts Lecture - "Imagination and Passion in Christian Spirituality: Lessons for Writers from the Ignatian Exercises"
Mary Karr, poet, memoirist, and author of "The Liars Club," "Cherry," and "Lit."
Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 8 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Dining Room

The 21st Annual Christopher F. Mooney, S.J. Lecture in Theology, Religion & Society - "On Calling a Diocesan Synod: Hopes and Dreams"
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport
Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 8 p.m.
Quick Center for the Arts

This fall's Living Theology Workshops will explore interfaith questions by an interfaith panel. Each will take place in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Multimedia Room, and are free and open to the public.

"What is Religious Freedom?"
Saturday September 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

"Is There Life After Death?"
Wednesday October 22, 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
*Note change from usual day and time

"Giving Up Religion: Why do People Do It?"
Saturday November 15, 9:30 a.m. to noon.