Holy Rosary Church

Have you made a resolution to learn more about our faith in 2010?  Would you like to participate in an intellectually serious conversation about Catholicism but don’t have the time for a full academic degree program?  A new and unique speaker series, “Catholic Thought for Thinking Catholics,” may be what you are seeking to grow in knowledge.

This program will provide monthly presentations by different notable lecturers on various topics important to Catholics.  Participants will meet on the first Wednesday of each month.  Each session will be conducted beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Old St. Pat’s Church, 700 W. Adams Street in Chicago.  The format will consist of an introductory lecture followed by a question-and-answer session.  You may attend one or all of the sessions.  The fee is $12 for one lecture, or $40 for the entire series.  Old St. Pat’s Church is sponsoring this program with the Chicago Theological Union.  If you would like to register or require additional information, please telephone Tammy at (312) 798-2350.

“Catholic Thought for Thinking Catholics” Schedule:

First Session (Wednesday, January 6, 2010) – “Theology and the Priesthood” by Fr. Steve Bevans, S.V.D.

In this lecture, participants will explore the many realities currently facing the Catholic priesthood including the impact of an aging clergy, the lack of new vocations, the issue of allowing women into the priesthood, the rise of the priesthood in other countries, etc.  A missionary for many years and popular author of several books, Fr. Bevans will explain the Church’s stand on these matters while incorporating his rich experiences into the program.

Second session (Wednesday, February 3, 2010) – “Theology and the Market Place:  Making A Life and Not Just A Living” by Gene Ahner, M.A., and adjunct professor at the Catholic Theological Union. 

How do we reconcile the demands of the business world with our Catholic values?  Can a career in business go beyond a way to make a living and become our vocation?  What can we do to fulfill success in business without compromising our Catholic identity?  Mr. Ahner, will address these and other questions important to Catholics in business, especially in our troubled economy.  He has worked in the field of Human Resources for 0ver 30 years, and recently published a book “Business Ethics:  Making A Life, Not Just A Living” addressing this same topic.   

Third session (Wednesday, March 3, 2010) – “Theology and the Arts” by Ed Foley, M.Div., M.Mus., M.A., and Ph.D.  Fr. Foley serves as professor of Liturgy at the Catholic Theological Union.  He has authored 19 books and over 300 articles and reviews. 

Throughout our history, Catholics have employed a variety of art forms to experience and create theology.  This session will explore the importance of the arts – especially music – in understanding and encountering the Divine.

The final lecture in this series will be April 7, 2010.  More information about the specific topics will be forthcoming soon.

Why not start the new year by commiting yourself to learn more about our faith and how it applies to all of us?  Consider attending this lecture series and gain some new perspectives.  You’ll be glad you did.