Graduate Students Present Papers on Augustine's Confessions

CUA Hosts Vatican Secretary of State

All are invited to attend a special lecture featuring Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 11 am, Heritage Hall, Fr. O'Connell Hall.  Click here for more information.

Schmidt Defense

Andrew Jordan Schmidt, a Doctoral student in the Biblical Studies area, successfully defended his dissertation Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Dr. Bradley Gregory directed the defense, which is titled, "Wisdom, Cosmos, & Creation in the Book of Sirach."

Schmidt Defense

$5M Gift from Carmelites

On Friday, Nov. 3, STRS received a $5M gift from the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary for the establishment of a Endowed Chair and Center for Carmelite Studies at Catholic University.

The gift marks the single largest donation in the history of STRS.  Click here for more information.

Gies Defense

Aaron Gies, a Doctoral student in the Historical Theology area, successfully defended his dissertation Tuesday, October 31. Dr. Joshua Benson directed the defense, which is titled, "Alexander of Hales on the Gospel of John: An Epitome of Sacra Doctrina"

Dr. Cloutier speaks on a panel

On October 17, Dr. David Cloutier served as a panelist at Fordham University's Center for Religion and Culture, at their public event "Christianity at the Crossroads: Navigating the Fault Lines of Gender." The ecumenical discussion sought to build greater understanding about the conflicts besetting Christian groups over issues of sex and gender.

Msgr. Irwin Launches Book in Rome

On October 20th at the Pontifical Ateno of Sant'Anselmo hosted the European book launch of Msgr.. Irwin's recent book, A Commentary on Laudato Si, Background, Contributions, Implementation and Future of Pope Francis' Encyclical. After summarizing the book's contents Msgr. Irwin then delivered a lecture entitled “Sacramental Theology after LAUDATO SI.” Included among the standing room only crowd were Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary for the Congregation for Divine Worship, Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, OSB, Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, Rev. Mark-David Janus, President of Paulist Press and Father Jordi Pique, OSB, the President of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy at Sant'Anselmo.

Msgr. Irwin named to Roman University Board

The Abbot Primate of the International Benedictine Confederation, Gregory Polan OSB, has appointed Msgr. Kevin Irwin to the newly created Board of Advisors for the Benedictine Ateneo of Sant'Anselmo for a term of four years. The Board consists of nine members, five elected by the international abbots' confederation and four appointed members, including Msgr. Irwin. He is an alumnus of Sant'Anselmo and taught there as a visiting professor in 2016. The first meeting of the Board is on Oct. 16-17 in Rome.

Witczak addresses Austin (TX) priests

Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies Rev. Michael Witczak joined the priests of the Diocese of Austin, TX, for their annual clergy convocation on October 2-5, 2017. Witczak addressed them in five conferences exploring the theme “The Presence of Christ in the Life of a Priest: A Eucharistic Spirituality.” Present at the conference were STRS alumni, including Rev. Edward Christopher Koharchick (MA in liturgical studies [Religion and Religious Education] 1992) and Rev. Jimmy Hsu, CSP (MDiv 2014).

Msgr. Clay Offers Conference on Evangelization in the Catechumenate

Msgr. Michael Clay, Associate Professor of Practice, led a one-day conference on the importance of evangelization as a foundational element in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for initiation catechists in the Archdiocese of New Orleans on September 23. The conference focused on the initial period of formation, the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate, and showed how the ritual text highlights evangelization during the inquiry period, what basic evangelization topics are to be covered, and demonstrated some techniques on how to evangelize.

Quasten 2017

All are invited to attend the 2017 Quasten Lecture and Award Presentation featuring Dr. Robert Wilken

2017 Dean's Vespers

Annually, the School of Theology and Religious Studies hosts Vespers to give thanks to God for his blessings and to ask for His grace to sustain us in the new academic year. This year, St. Cyriacos the Anchorite, a hermit known for seeking to live a life in the likeness of God, was the saint commemorated. During his homily, Dean Morozowich, encouraged everyone to review how God exists in each of our lives and challenged us to imitate the life of St. Cyriacos. “We must seek like Cyriacos to put aside our old selves to be a sign of God's blessings to the world. Each of us are called to live in the likeness of God. Each of us are called to renew our minds, and how fitting it is that as students, staff, and faculty at the Catholic University of America are renewing our minds, renewing our world, renewing ourselves to grow into the fullest extent as human beings, human being made to love,” said Father Mark.Following the vespers, the community gathered in the church hall for fellowship and refreshments.

2017 Dean's Vespers

The Catholic University of America's  School of Theology and Religious Studies hosted its annual Dean's Vespers on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the Ukrainian National Shrine of the Holy Family.  This year our dean, Father Mark Morozowich hosted over 300 guests including students, administrators, faculty, alumni and friends of the school.  Catholic University's Chamber Choir sung selections from the contemporary composer Roman Hurko. We were honored that he and his wife Carmen attended this vespers. Click here for more details regarding event.

Dr. Elliot interviewed on Crux

Dr. Elliot was interviewed in Crux, the Catholic News website, on the subject of his recent book: Hope and Christian Ethics (Cambridge University Press, August 2017). Click above for the interview link.

Las Vegas

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Catholic University of America extends its prayers and support for the victims of yesterday's mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nev.“As a community of faith, our University offers its prayers for the victims and their families, the first responders, and the healthcare workers who are caring for the injured,” said University President John Garvey. “This marks the deadliest mass shooting in American history. I ask that we meet this moment by cultivating peace with our words and deeds in our own community.”The University's Counseling Center and the Office of Campus Ministry are available for students in need of support. Faculty and staff can contact the Office of Human Resources for support through the University's employee assistance program.

Dr. Grabowski gave a Seminar at Ave Maria University

On September 29 and 30th Dr. Grabowski gave seminar presentations to the faculty and graduate students of Theology at Ave Maria University in Naples Florida based on my recent book Transformed in Christ. The topic was "Pathways to Renewal in Catholic Moral Theology: Preparations for the 50thAnniversary of Humanae vitae and the 25th Anniversary of Veritatis splendor.” The presentations considered the controversy following Pope Paul VI's 1968 document and John Paul II's 1993 encyclical on moral theology in light of the Second Vatican Council's call for a renewal of Catholic moral teaching.

Msgr. Irwin: European Book Launch

Msgr. Kevin Irwin's new book Laudato Si':Examining the Background, Contribution, Implementation and Future of Pope Francis' Encyclical will have a European book launch on Friday October 20, 2017 in Rome. The Association of Catholic Publishers acclaimed this book as the second most important book in the category of Theology, published in 2016 in the United States. Msgr. Irwin will offer brief summary of the book and then make a brief presentation on “Sacramental Theology after LAUDATO SI'”.

New Publication from Dr. Benson

Dr. Benson published "Reflections on Memory in Thomas of Celano's Vita Prima," in Ordo et Sanctitas: The Franciscan Spiritual Journey in Theology and Hagiography. Essays in Honor of J. A. Wayne Hellmann.

Dr. Benson Delivered a Talk

Dr. Benson delivered a public talk in conjunction with the Thomistic Institute entitled, "Mary in Scripture and Church Teaching," at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, VA on Sept. 26, 2017.

Dr. Cloutier Led a Seminar

On September 22, Dr. Cloutier led a day-long interdisciplinary faculty seminar on Catholic social thought, the dignity of the person, and the common good, at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. The session was part of a grant the school has from the Wabash Center to improve Catholic content in their undergraduate general education courses, which are taught by faculty in many different disciplines. Dr. Cloutier will return to Benedictine in November for another day-long seminar on teaching about structures of sin.

Msgr. Clay Leads Conference on Homiletics

Msgr. Clay, Associate Professor of Practice, led an all-day conference on preaching at the annual Deacon Conference for the Diocese of Richmond on September 15. The conference explored the importance of spiritual preparation, biblical theology, and the pastoral context of parishioners in homiletic development as well as how to structure a homily for effective communication.

Dr. Grabowski gave a presentation

On Tuesday, September 19th Dr. Grabowski gave a presentation to the faculty and students of the Saint John Paul II and Redmptoris Mater seminaries (at the Saint John Paul II Seminary). The presentation dealt with "Faith and Love for the Church" and considered the role of the Church in nurturing the light of faith as well as handing on its content particularly in the context of the study of theology.

Dr. Bosworth Published New Book

Dr. Bosworth published "Understanding Grief and Reading the Bible," in Mixed Feelings and Vexed Passions: Exploring Emotions in Biblical Literature (ed. Scott Spencer; Resources for Biblical Study 90; Society of Biblical Literature Press, 2017) The essay describes the current scientific research on grief and correlates it with biblical literature, especially the book of Lamentations. Click above for purchasing link.

Msgr McPartlan at Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue Meeting in Greece

Msgr McPartlan at Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue Meeting in GreeceFrom 5-9 September 2017, Msgr Paul McPartlan took part in a meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church on the island of Leros, Greece. Please click above for more information.

Dr. David Elliot has Published a New Book

Hope and Christian Ethics (Cambridge University Press, August 2017). As social, civic and global anxieties mount, the need to overcome despair has become urgent. Elliot's book proposes the theological virtue of hope as a source of rejuvenation. Hope sustains us from the sloth, presumption and despair that threaten amid injustice, tragedy and dying; it provides an ultimate meaning and transcendent purpose to our lives; and it rejoices and refreshes us 'on the way' with the prospect of eternal beatitude. Rather than degrading this life and world, hope ordains earthly goods to our eternal end, forming us to pursue justice with a resilience that transcends cynicism and disillusionment. Drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas and virtue ethics, the book shows how the virtue of hope contributes to human happiness in this life and not just the next.

Dr. David Elliot awarded Honors

Dr. Elliot has been re-elected a Research Associate of the Von Hügel Institute for Critical Catholic Inquiry at St. Edmund's College, Cambridge University. He was also honored in September with a book launch and reception at Cambridge University by the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics for his new book, Hope and Christian Ethics (Cambridge University Press)

Dr. Dinges Published an Article

Dr. Dinges published an article on "The Religious Situation in American Society--Contemporary Trends, Global Implications" in Religion and Society: On the Present-Day Religious Situation (Religion und Gesellschaft: Zur religiosen Situation der Gegenwart), eds., Chibueze Udeani, Friedrich Reiterer and Klaus Zapotoczky (Amsterdam/New York: Rodopi), 183-208.

Dr. Dinges delivered a presentation

Dr. William D. Dinges, Professor of Religious Studies delivered a presentation on “The ‘Fallen Away' and ‘Disaffiliated': Macro Factors in Declining Catholic Numbers,” at the 79th Annual Meeting of the Association for the Sociology of Religion, InterContinental Montreal Hotel, Montreal QC, August 12-14, 2017.

Fr. Witczak published a New Audio Course

Rev. Michael G. Witczak, Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology in the School of Theology and Religious Studies recently published an audio course with Now You Know Media, a producer of academic and spiritual titles for Catholics. The new 12 lecture course is entitled Comfort in Suffering: Catholic Care for the Sick and Dying.

Dr. Jones Presented a Paper

Dr. Charles B. Jones presented the paper, "What is Chinese Pure Land Buddhism" at the 18th Congress of the International Association for Buddhist Studies held in Toronto, August 23rd, 2017.

New Article from Dr. Miller

Dr. Robert Miller has published “Mythic Dimensions of the Sources of the Jordan” in Aram 29 (2017): 207-234, on traditions associated with the River Jordan's headwaters.

New Article from Fr. Ford

"The "State' of Newman Studies," appeared in Newman Studies Journal 14:1 (Spring 2017): 7-15.

Fr. Ford Contributed a Book Chapter

Fr. Ford contributed the initial chapter, "John Henry Newman: Una breve introducción a sus escritos" in J. H. Newman y su legado en filosofía, teología, literatura y educacación, edited by Rosario Athié (Guadalajara: Ediciones de la Noche, 2017), 11-29.

Fr. Ford Gave a Conference Presentation

Fr. Ford gave the conference presentation "Science and Religion: Some Insights from John Henry Newman," at the annual conference of the Newman Association of America, St. Thomas University, St. Paul, Minnesota, 5 August.

Pak Defense

Cabrini Pak, a Doctoral student in the Religion and Culture area, successfully defended her dissertation Friday, August 4th. Dr. William Barbieri directed the defense, which is titled, "Transcendence in Resilient American POWs: A Narrative Analysis".

Dr. Jones Attended Museum Exhibition

Dr. Charles B. Jones attended the exhibition "Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism" at the San Antonio Museum of Art as a guest of the museum staff on July 26, 2017. The visit involved an individual guided tour of the artworks with the curator, Dr. Emily Sano, and academic exchange on the religious and artistic background of the pieces.

Dr. Grabowski gave a keynote address

Dr. Grabwoski gave a keynote address at the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) conference held at Catholic University's campus on July 25, 2017. The title of the presentation was "The Family's Role in the New Evangelization: The Theology of the Body, St. John Paul II, and Pope Francis." The presentation discussed the 2015 Synod of Bishops on the Family, Pope Francis's teaching on the family in Amoris laetitia and elsewhere, the current pope's engagement of the Theology of the Body of St. John Paul II, and the family's role in the New Evangelization in recent magisterial teaching.

Msgr McPartlan Speaks on Chieti Document

On 20 June 2017, Msgr Paul McPartlan gave a plenary address on "Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue and the Chieti Document" at the Orientale Lumen Conference XXI in Washington DC. The theme of the conference was "Chieti and Crete: Two Historical Events".

Dr. David Cloutier served as a panel expert

Dr. David Cloutier served as an invited expert on a panel on "Laudato Si': Practical Strategies for Caring for God's Creation" at the USCCB national Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando, FL, July 1-4. He discussed the practical importance of Pope Francis's concept of the technocratic praradigm and his spirituality of humility and simplicity.

Dr. Miller awarded Honor

Dr. Robert Miller, who has been on sabbatical in England since April, has been named a Life Member of St. John's College at Cambridge University.

Dr. Pim Valkenberg Wins Award

Dr. Valkenberg won the Catholic Press Award for his book Nostra Aetate: Celebrating 50 Years of the Catholic Church's Dialogue with Jews and Muslims

Msgr. Clay and Fr. Witczak Attend International Ecumenical Dialogue Meeting

Msgr. Michael Clay, Associate Dean for Seminary and Ministerial Studies, and Fr. Michael Witczak, Associate Professor, participated in the annual international ecumenical dialogue meeting between the Roman Catholic Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) held in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, June 24-28. The topic for their five-year dialogue is Christians Formed and Transformed by the Eucharist. Msgr. Clay and Fr. Witczak have been appointed for a five-year term by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity as members of the Catholic team.

Dr. David Bosworth has published a blog post

Related to his participation in the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship and its focus on science and religion, Dr. David Bosworth has published a blog post "Why Is Western Parenting WEIRD?" The essay is an outgrowth of research related to his book Infant Weeping in Akkadian, Hebrew, and Greek Literature. Click for further details.

Fr. Studzinski Delivered a Paper

Fr. Raymond Studzinski, O.S.B., associate professor, delivered a paper entitled “Technologies of the Self in a Monastic Context” at the Monastic Symposium in Fabriano, Italy, commemorating the 750th Anniversary of the Death of St. Sylvester Guzzolini, the Founder of the Sylvestrine Congregation of Benedictines, on June 2, 2017.

Dr. Grabowski Keynote Address

Yesterday (June 11,2017) Dr. Grabowski gave the keynote address for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's Family Life Appreciation Dinner. The presentation was entitled "The Challenge of Amoris laetitia for Marriage and Family Life Ministry" and it outlined key points of Pope Francis's Apostolic Exhortation for various kinds of both pre and post Cana marriage ministry.

Dr. Grabowski Published a New Book

Transformed in Christ: Essays on the Renewal of Moral Theology. Faith & Reason: Studies in Catholic Philosophy and Theology. Ave Maria, FL: Sapientia Press, 2017. The book primarily collects previously published essays all of which respond to the directives for the renewal of moral theology given by the Council: engagement with scripture and the history of salvation, a focus on the human person revealed in Christ, and the universal call to holiness articulated in the language of virtue.

Luther Conference Marks the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation

On May 30-June 1, STRS welcomed scholars and ministers from across the globe to Catholic University for the Luther Conference commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Drs. Michael Root and Nelson Minnich co-organized the conference which provided an opportunity for ecumenical dialogue among Catholic and Lutheran leaders. Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, delivered the keynote address on the current state of Catholic-Lutheran relations while Dr. Wolfgang Thoenissen, director of the Mohler Institut at the University of Paderborn, provided an assessment of the Catholic interpretation of Luther throughout the centuries. Other prominent Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox theologians from Europe and North America presented at the conference.

Dr. Charles B. Jones presented the lecture

Dr. Charles B. Jones presented the lecture “Reorienting the Study of Chinese Pure Land Buddhism” at the International Institute of Asian Studies, University of Leiden in the Netherlands on May 31, 2017. On June 1, 2017, he participated in a doctoral dissertation defense at the University of Leiden.

Academy of Catholic Theology Conference

Dr. John Grabowski attended the Academy of Catholic Theology conference that was held in Washington, DC from May 23-25. He was elected Vice President of the Academy for the coming year (2017-2018).

Msgr. Irwin Receives Book Award

The Catholic Press Association has announced that Msgr. Irwin's most recent book, A Commentary on LAUDATO SI, Background, Contributions, Implementation and Future Prospects (Paulist, 2016) was awarded second place in the Theology category in their annual assessment of Catholic publications. His other two most recent books were similarly honored. What We Have Done, What We Have Failed To Do, Assessing the Liturgical Reforms of Vatican II received second place in the Liturgy category in 2014 and his book Sacraments, A Liturgical Theology received first place in the Liturgy category in 2016.

Msgr. Clay Attends Evangelization Conference for Academic Centers in Rome

Msgr. Michael Clay, clinical associate professor and associate dean of seminary and ministerial programs in STRS, represented the school at an international meeting of 17 academic centers offering degrees in evangelization sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization (PCPNE) on April 26-27. The meeting was the first of its kind held by the relatively new Council to understand how schools are training future leaders in evangelization and to explore specific issues of interest to the Council. Msgr. Clay, director of the evangelization concentration in the Doctor of Ministry degree program, provided an overview of the program which generated a lot of interest by the other academic centers and the PCPNE leaders.

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti gives workshop in China

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, research associate professor in STRS, was invited and gave two workshopsin China April 18-27. He first gave a four-day workshop to forty women religious and priests engaged information work. This was in the Hebei Province, near Beijing. He then traveled to Jinan, capitol of the ShandongProvince, to give a two day workshop to 20 Catholic bishops. Both workshops were on the subject of human formationand celibate sexuality. The Church in China is desirous of increasing its human formation for both priests and religious. The workshops were a great success and Msgr Rossetti was invited to return.

Dr. Miller on the Road

Dr. Robert Miller is presenting several seminars while a Beaufort Overseas Visiting Scholar at St. John's College, Cambridge, this spring. On Wednesday, May 3, he presented “Reconsidering the Kenite Hypothesis” in the Faculty of Divinity of Cambridge University. On Wednesday May 24 he will deliver the address, “Yahweh Comes from the South Revisited,” jointly sponsored by the Palestine Exploration Society and Kings College London. Monday, June 5, he will present “Yahweh's Southern Origins in the Light of the Archaeology of Midianite Religion” to the Oxford University Old Testament Seminar.

Goines Defense

Beverly Goines, a Doctoral student in the Religion and Culture area, successfully defended her dissertation Tuesday, April 25th. Dr. William Dinges directed the defense, which is titled, "The Ecumenical Vision of the Black Church in the Theologies of Thomas Hoyt, Frederick Ware and Kortright Davis".

Ambassador Evrony Lecture

All are invited to attend the lecture, "Holy Land - Holy See" by Ambassador (Ret.) Zion Evrony, visiting professor, Israeli Institute, The Catholic University of America, Thursday, April 27, 5:15 p.m., Happel Room, Caldwell Hall.  The former ambassador will speak about his experiences as ambassador, Jewish Catholic relations, and Israel's relations with the Vatican.

Niyitegeka Defense

Cyprien Niyitegeka, a Doctoral student in the Spirituality area, successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, April 21st. Rev. Raymond Studzinski directed the defense, which is titled, "The Metaphor of the Face in Therese of Liseux from the Philosophical Perspective of Emmanuel Levinas: Creating a Model for Contemporary Mission Spirituality".

Stravitsch Presentation

Christopher Stravitsch, a doctor of Ministry student in the Spirituality area, successfully presented his Treatise on Friday, April 21st. Susan Timoney directed the presentation, which is titled, "Marriage and the Spiritual Life: Deepening Marital Love through Ignatian Prayerful Conversations".

Turner Defense

Brandon Turner, a doctoral student in the Religion and Culture area, successfully defended his dissertation on Thursday, April 20th. Dr. Wilhelmus Valkenburg directed the dissertation, which is titled, "Most Religious” in Washington, DC: A Qualitative Study of Muslim American Religiosity".

Tomczyk Defense

Pawel Tomczyk, a doctoral student in the Moral Theology/Ethics area, successfully defended his dissertation on Thursday, April 20th. Dr. John Grabowski directed the dissertation, which is titled, "The Presence of Virtue Ethics in the Thought of Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II".

Pullano Presentation

Domenico Pullano, a Doctor of Ministry student in the Spirituality area, successfully presented his treatise on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Rev. Raymond Studzinski directed the treatise, which is titled, "The Spiritual Formation of the Catholic Teacher".

Fr. Alexopoulos Published an article

Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos published the article "Puccio Capanna's Madonna and Child (ca. 1330) through Byzantine Eyes" in Orthodoxes Forum: Zeitschrift des Instituts für Orthodoxe Theologie der Universität München 30.2 (2017) 181-192.

Smith Defense

Elizabeth Smith, a doctoral student in the Systematic Theology area, successfully defended her dissertation on Tuesday, April 11th. Dr. Michael Root directed the dissertation, which is titled, "Ecclesiology and Ecumenism: Recent Anglican-Lutheran Agreements on Episcopacy from a Catholic Perspective".

Schafer Defense

Peter Schafer, a doctoral student in Catechetics defended his dissertation on Monday, April 10th. Sis. Margaret Scheiber directed the dissertation, which is titled, "Catechetical Service-Learning: Strengthening the Community Service Component of Catechesis Through the Application of Service-Learning Principles and Practices".

Fr. Alexopoulos lead a retreat

Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos led the Lenten retreat at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall PA on April 1. He offered two lectures, one on the Presanctified Liturgy and another on the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil.

Fr. Alexopoulos published an article and delivered two lectures

Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos published the article "Proskynesis" in the Reallexikon für Antike und Christentum, volume 28 (Stuttgart: Anton Hiersemann, 2017) columns 360-372.He also delivered two lectures on Eastern Liturgies at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Washington DC on March 22 and March 29.

Fr. Alexopoulos published an article and delivered two lectures

Rasmussen Defense

Angela C. Rasmussen, a doctoral student in the Biblical Studies area, successfully defended her dissertation on Tuesday, April 4th. Dr. David Bosworth directed the dissertation, which is titled, "The Book of Ruth for Children".

William Loewe has been elected to membership in the American Theology Society.

Dr. Loewe delivered a paper

William Loewe delivered a paper entitled "Interfaith Christology? Dogmatic Prolegomena" at a conference entitled "Theology Without Borders" at the Berkley Center of Georgetown University on March 31.

Dr. Grabowski gave day long presentation

Dr. Grabowski gave an all day series of presentations for the diocese of Lansing (MI) on Saturday, March 25th. The day as a whole was entitled "What the Heck is Going On? Gender, Genesis, and the Theology of the Body." The presentations discussed specific lights and shadows facing the Church in its ministry to singles and families in the early 21st century. It provided an overview of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body and the way in which it can ground a response to some of these challenges. The final session considered the place of the Theology of the Body in the Ministry of Pope Francis and the way in which it can serve as tool for the New Evangelization.

IISD Spring 2017 Lecture

All are invited to attend the lecture, "Interreligious Dialogue in Theory and Practice: The Case of the Balkans," by Dr. Ina Merdjanova, visiting fellow at the Remarque Institute at New York University, Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 4:30 p.m., Happel Room, Caldwell Hall.

Msgr McPartlan Delivers Third Paluch Lecture

On 29 March 2017, Msgr Paul McPartlan delivered the third and final of his Chester and Margaret Paluch Lectures this year at the University of St Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. Among the audience for the open lecture, entitled "Priesthood and the Deacon,", were a number of permanent deacons from the Archdiocese of Chicago. All three Paluch lectures will be published this Fall in Chicago Studies.

Gallagher Presentation

Paul Gallagher presented his Doctor of Ministry treatise on Wednesday, March 22nd. The project was directed by Rev. Richard DeLillio, and his treatise is titled "Making All Things New: A Health Transformation Retreat Using Principles of Ignatian Spirituality".

Makdisi Defense

John Makdisi, a doctoral student in the Systematics area, successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, March 17th. Dr. William Mattison directed the dissertation, which is titled, "The Object of the Moral Act: Understanding St. Thomas Aquinas Through the Work of Steven Long and Martin Rhonheimer".

Buracker Defense

William (BJ) Buracker defended his dissertation, "Abner Son of Ner: The Characterization and Contribution of King Saul's Chief General" on Tuesday, February 28th. The dissertation was directed by Dr. David Bosworth.

Rev. Dr. Michael Witczak received award

Rev. Dr. Michael Witczak, associate professor of liturgical studies, has received the 2017 Award for Teaching Excellence from Now You Know Media, a publisher of audio and video courses on Catholic topics. Dr. Witczak's course Becoming a Catholic: The History and Practice of Initiation was published last year.

DePrinzio Defense

Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, February 24th. The dissertation, titled "Your Word Pierced My Heart, and I Fell in Love: Teresa of Avila's Reading of Augustine of Hippo's Confessions" was directed by Fr. Regis Armstrong, O.F.M.Cap.

DePrinzio Defense

Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., successfully defended his dissertation on Friday, February 24th. The dissertation, titled "Your Word Pierced My Heart, and I Fell in Love: Teresa of Avila's Reading of Augustine of Hippo's Confessions" was directed by Fr. Regis Armstrong, O.F.M.Cap.

Dr. Dinges served as group facilitator

Dr. Dinges served as a group facilitator for Integrating Ecology into Curricula and Course Development as part of the Ecologically Informed Theological Education Symposium sponsored by the Washington Theological Consortium and Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development and held at Catholic University on March 16th.

Dr. Dinges presented a lecture at St. Mark's Catholic Parish

Dr. William Dinges presented a lecture on "Calling Catholics to Care for Creation: Some Whys and Hows" at St. Mark Catholic Parish in Vienna, VA on March 19th.

Dr. Miller Publishes Article

Dr. Robert Miller has published “The Witch at the Navel of the World,” in Zeitschrift für die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 129 (2017): 98-102, explaining why the biblical authors placed the Witch of Endor at the foot of Mount Tabor.

Rev. Dr. Heil Publishes Book on Worship in Matthew

The book is entitled The Gospel of Matthew: Worship in the Kingdom of Heaven and is published by Wipf & Stock under their Cascade Books imprint.

Carey Cash Presentation

Carey Cash, a Liturgical Catechesis student in the D.Min. program, presented his treatise, "Head, Heart and Feet: An Evangelizing Catechesis for the Military".

Msgr. Irwin Delivers Keynote Address

On March 16th at the Przbyla Center on campus Msgr. Kevin Irwin delivered the keynote address: “The Promise of LAUDATO SI for Theological Education” at the day long Symposium on Ecologically Informed Theological Education, sponsored by the Washington Theological Consortium, the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and the Green Seminary Initiative.

Dr. Grabowski Coauthored publication

Janet E. Smith, John S. Grabowski, J. Budzinski, and Maria Fedoryka, "Self Gift: The Heart of Humane vitae," The National Bioethics Quarterly 16 (2016): 449-74. The essay sketches some of the main philosophical and theological lines of defense for the Church's teaching reaffirmed in Paul VI's 1968 encyclical, focusing on the idea of the conjugal act as a complete gift of self.

Msgr. Irwin Speaks at Sheen Center

On Monday March 13th Msgr. Irwin returned to his home archdiocese of New York to deliver a lecture on Pope Francis' encyclical LAUDATO SI, On Cafe for Our Common Home: Background and Contributions. The Sheen Center is named after Archbishop Fulton Sheen and offers theatrical and musical programs as well as a series of lectures and panel discussions and theology and contemporary thought.

Dr. Miller Presented a lecture

Dr. Robert Miller presented a lecture on "Dragonslaying in Ancient Asia, the Bible, and the Band ‘Genesis'" at Temple University, Philadelphia, March 8, 2017.

Dr. Cloutier published an essay

Dr. David Cloutier published an essay as part of a cover feature in Commonweal magazine's March 10 Theology issue on "Gender and the Body," raising questions about transgenderism and the common good.

2017 Moral Theology Area Lecture

The moral theology/ethics area of STRS invites all to attend a lecture entitled, "Racial Justice, Theologically," by Dr. Vincent Lloyd, Villanova University, Monday, March 20, 5:30 - 7 pm, Happel Room, Caldwell Hall.

Dr. Dinges presented a lecture

Dr. William Dinges presented a lecture on "Calling Catholics to Care for Creation: Some Whys and Hows" for the Adult Faith Focus on Ethics Series at Georgetown's Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Washington DC., February 26th, 2017.

2017 Roland Murphy Lecture

The School of Theology and Religious Studies invites all to attend the 2017 Roland E. Murphy lecture, Monday, March 13, 2017, 7 p.m., Happel Room, Caldwell Hall.  Dr. Mark Smith will lecture on, "Before Sin and Evil: Human Desire in the Garden of God."

Msgr McPartlan Delivers Second Paluch Lecture

Msgr Paul McPartlan, this year's Chester and Margaret Paluch Lecturer at the University of St Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, delivered the second in a series of three lectures at Mundelein on 22 Feb 2017. The lecture was entitled: "Synodality,Primacy and the Role of Theology".

Fr. DeLillio Receives Award

The Faculty and Seminarians of Theological College have chosen Dick DeLillio to receive the Rev. Gerald I. Brown PSS Award for Excellence in Pastoral Ministry. The award is in recognition for Dick's assistance in the formation of seminarians through his preaching courses. The award ceremony is this Wednesday at Theological College and is presented during the annual Pastoral Supervisors' Appreciation Vespers and Dinner. Congrats to Dick on this recognition during his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood!

Dr. Grabowski Presentation

On Saturday, February 18th Dr. Grabowski and his wife Claire gave a presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Congress for Catholic leaders in Baltimore. The Presentation was entitled "The Impact of Familiaris consortio on the Ministry of Pope Francis." They sought to highlight significant areas of both continuity and development in the teaching of St. John Paul II and Pope Francis on the family, particularly in regard to marriage formation (pre and post Cana) and the understanding of family as a domestic church.

Lecture by Kristian Girling

The Institute for Christian Oriental Research (ICOR), The School of Arts and Sciences and The School of Theology and Religious Studies invites all to the lecture, "Anyone who sows discord between Muslim, Christian and Jew is not an Arab": Baghdad College and Pluralism , by Dr. Kristian Girling, visiting scholar, Boston College, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m., The May Gallery of Mullen Library, The Catholic University of America.

Dr. Grabowski gave a presentation on theology of the body

On February 9th Dr. Grabowski gave the presentation: "The Theology of the Body and the Challenges of the 21st Century." Presentation to Young Adults. St. Dominic Church, Washington DC. The presentation discussed the three major "revolutions" impacting the current understanding of relationships, marriage, and family (the Industrial Revolution, the Sexual revolution, and the Technology Explosion) and the relevance of John Paul II's catechesis on the body for responding to these challenges and the questions they raise.

Dr. Dinges Presentation

Dr. William Dinges presented a lecture on "'Nones': An Update" to the Paulist Evangelization Ministries seminarians/staff, Washington, D.C., February 8, 2017.

Fr. Witczak gave a presentation

Rev. Michael Witczak, SLD, Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, gave a presentation at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Owings, MD, on Saturday, February 11, 2017, entitled "Ministering the Presence of Christ."

Dr. Jones presented 4 part lecture series

Dr. Charles B. Jones presented the four-part lecture series “Understanding Religion” for the Smithsonian Associates, Washington, D.C., January 17, 24, 31, and Feb. 7, 2017.

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti gives lecture

As a consultant to the Papal Commission on the Protection of Minors, Msgr Stephen J Rossetti, Research Associate Professor inSTRS, was asked to travel to Colombia to assist in their child protection efforts. January 24 to Feb 3, he gave six workshops in Bogota, Cali and Villavicencio to bishops, priests, religious and lay professionals engaged in the work of child protection. He also met with child protection officers and church leaders to discuss their efforts to date and offered suggestions for the future. He made the trip with Bishop Ali Herrera, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogota and a member of the Pontifical Commission. The visit was covered by the largest newspaper in the country, El Tiempo: Click above for more details

Rev. Dr. Serra presented at NAAL Conference

Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra presented a paper at the North American Academy of Liturgy conference, “The Evolution of Roman Liturgical Books: New Questions for Andrieu, Vogel, and Chavasse.” The paper was presented to and discussed by two seminar groups of the Academy: the seminar on Problems in the Early History of the Liturgy and the seminar on Issues in Medieval Liturgy.

Msgr. Irwin Reappointed USCCB Consultor

Archbishop Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Atlanta and recently elected Chair of the USCCB Committee for Divine Worship,b has reappointed Msgr. Irwin as a Consultor to that committee. Msgr. Irwin held that position from 1992-95 and from 2004 to the present. This renewed three year appointment makes Msgr. Irwin the longest serving consultor to the Committee in its fifty year history.

Liturgy Area Hosted Guest Lecture

The Liturgical Studies Area had the honor to host Professor Harald Buchinger from the University of Regensburg on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Professor Buchinger offered a seminar to the Liturgy graduate students with the title: "Heortology in Transition: The Easter Cycle in the Late Antique East."

Locey DMin Presentation

Lois Locey successfully presented her Doctor of Ministry treatise on December 16, 2016. The treatise was directed by Rev. Richard DeLillio and is titled "Using the Secular Sciences to Increase Parishioner Participation and Engagement."

Fr. Alexopoulos Presented a Paper

Fr. Stefanos Alexopoulos presented the paper “Toward a History of Printed Liturgical Books in the Modern Greek State: An Initial Survey” (co-authored with Dionysios Bilalis Anatolikiotes) at the North American Academy of Liturgy Washington DC, January 7, 2017

Fr. Witczak presented at NAAL

Fr. Michael Witczak, associate professor of liturgical studies in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, presented two paper at the annual meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy (NAAL), held January 5-8 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown District of Columbia. He presented the paper "Evolving Theologies of Priesthood: The Private Prayers of the Priest in the Roman Missal of 1962 and 2002 - The Introductory Rites" to the seminar on Issues in Medieval Liturgy. In conjunction with former STRS adjunct faculty member, Dr. Katherine Harmon, he presented "Defining the Spirituality of the Liturgical Movement" to the seminar on Historical Research: Sixteenth Century to the Present. Fr. Witczak is a past president of the NAAL.

The Cross in Visual Art

The Liturgy Area of STRSSA invites you to a lecture on "The Cross in Visual Art: Cosmic Sign, Precious Relic, and Tree of Life" by Dr. Robin Jensen, on Thursday, January 26th, at 5:15 in the Happel Room of Caldwell Hall.

Kelley D.Min. Presentation

Kathleen Kelley, a Doctor of Ministry student in the Pastoral Care & Counseling program, successfully presented her treatise on Friday, December 9th. The project, titled "A Catechetical Program for Roman Catholics in Twelve-Step Recovery," was directed by Msgr. Stephen Rossetti.

Fifth Annual Hispanic Innovators of the Faith Lecture

All are invited to attend the Fifth Annual Hispanic Innovators of the Faith Lecture, Monday, Jan. 30, Noon, Happel Room, Caldwell Hall.  Hosffman Ospino, assistant professor of theology and religious education at Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry will deliver this year's lecture titled, "Hispanics and the Remapping of American Catholicism in the 21st Century: Reading the Signs of the Times."  Click here for more information.

Jan Dolny Defended His Dissertation

STD Candidate Jan Dolny successfully defended his dissertation, "The Relationship between the Development of Doctrine and the Papal Office according to John Henry Newman and Vladimir Sergeyevich Soloviev". Dolny is a Systematics student and was directed by Rev. John Ford, C.S.C.

Daniel McClain Defense

Daniel McClain, doctoral candidate in Historical and Systematic Theology, successfully defended his dissertation on December 5, 2016. The dissertation, entitled "An Hexameral Reading of Bonaventure's Breviloquium," was directed by Dr. Joshua Benson.

Dr. Jones published new article