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A visit by the Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., a scholarly discussion of a new survey of American Catholics, the return of best-selling author Rev. James Martin, SJ, and the debut of University President William P. Leahy, SJ, at the popular Agape Latte series are among the highlights of Church in the 21st Century Center events this fall.
Most of the events sponsored by C21 — co-sponsors include the School of Theology and Ministry, Campus Ministry, the Alumni Association, Office of Employee Development and the Theology and Philosophy departments — this semester focus on the theme of the Eucharist and its centrality to Catholic faith. The fall 2011 issue of C21 Resources, edited by School of Theology and Ministry Professor John Baldovin, SJ, is also devoted to this theme. Fr. Baldovin, an expert in historical and liturgical theology and author of Bread of Life, Cup of Salvation: Understanding the Mass, will present “The Eucharist from the Last Supper to Benedict XVI: How It Has Changed Yet Remained Unchanged” on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Gasson 100.
His STM colleague, Professor Thomas Groome, chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, will discuss “Will There Be Faith?” on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Heights Room of Corcoran Commons. Published last month, Groome’s new book Will There Be Faith? is a guide for parents and educators on teaching Christian beliefs and values in the face of mounting obstacles.
Fr. Leahy will discuss his faith and life influences with students at Agape Latte on Oct. 4 at Hillside Café at 8:30 p.m. Other Agape Latte speakers include Theology Professor Stephen Pope (Dec. 6).
“Hey, Did I See You at Mass?,” a student panel moderated by Lonergan Institute Associate Director Kerry Cronin, will take place on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. in Gasson 100.
On Oct. 25, Cardinal O’Malley will present “The Eucharist: The Center of Catholic Life” at the Murray Function Room in the Yawkey Center at 4:30 p.m. During his visit to campus, Cardinal O’Malley will meet privately with BC students and faculty from the School of Theology and Ministry and the Theology Department. He also will celebrate Mass at noon at St. Mary’s Chapel.
On Nov. 2, National Catholic Reporter Editor-at-Large Tom Roberts will moderate “American Catholics: Persisting and Changing,” a symposium on the latest survey of American Catholics by researchers from The Catholic University of America. The 2011 survey, which will be published in the Oct. 28 NCR, will have a special focus on Hispanics and Millennials. The symposium will feature the survey’s authors, William V. D’Antonio and Rev. Anthony J. Pogorelc, SS, as well as other scholars and will take place in Gasson 100 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Dec. 1, Fr. Martin will talk about his new book Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life at Robsham Theater at 6:30 p.m. Fr. Martin is a culture editor of America magazine, a media commentator and the author of several books, including The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life.
Other C21 presentations throughout the semester include:
• STM Professor of Moral Theology Thomas Massaro, SJ, “The Eucharist and Social Justice,” Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m., Gasson 100.
• Regis College Professor Ernest Colamatti, “The Eucharist: The Center of Family Life,” Oct. 11, noon, Reserves Room, O’Neill Library.
• STM Professor Daniel Harrington, SJ, “The Eucharist in the Early Church,” Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m., 9 Lake St., Brighton Campus.
• Margaret Nutting Ralph of Lexington Theological Seminary, “Catechesis on the Eucharist: New Testament Models,” Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m., Heights Room, Corcoran Commons.
• McGill University Professor Emeritus Charles Taylor, “Revitalizing the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on Catholic University Campuses: A Conversation with Charles Taylor.” Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m., Heights Room, Corcoran Commons.
• Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin of The Catholic University of America, “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.” Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m., Heights Room, Corcoran Commons.
Find out more about the Church in the 21st Century Center at their website here.