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What We Do

Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary inquiry into the intellectual tradition, history, and culture — both "high" and popular — of the Catholic Christian tradition.

The Center for Catholic Studies at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University exists to sponsor four related sets of activities. They are:

  • To establish and administer an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor program in Catholic Studies.
  • To work to support the academic component of "mission and identity" education and programming on campus.
  • To promote an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic intellectual tradition on campus.
  • To establish programming for, and outreach to, the local community — especially but not exclusively the local Catholic community.

Lectures

Throughout the year, the Center for Catholic Studies invites nationally recognized scholars to share their expertise on a wide range of topics as they pertain to Catholic Studies. Please join us!

For information contact Mary Crimmins, Administrative Coordinator at mcrimmins@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000 ext. 2097.

Previous Catholic Studies Events

Below is a listing, by semester, of all Catholic Studies lectures in the past six years. You can view recent lectures and recorded Living Theology Workshops on the University's .

Video Poster

Queer Bodies, Queer God | Commonweal in Conversation

Understanding Gender, Sex, and Sexuality in Catholicism.  Presented by Craig A. Ford Jr., PhD

Video Poster

Commonweal in Conversation: A Virtual Seminar

A Conversational overview of the questions about gender and Catholicism with leading voices from Commonwel magazine.

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2024 Bellarmine Lecture

Presented by Rev. Kevin O'Brien, S.J.  Featuring Students from the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ Bellarmine Class of 2025.

The 23rd Annual Anne Drummey O’Callaghan Lecture on Women in the Church
“Dignity and Agency: Catholic Social Teaching and the Lives of Women”
Meghan Clark, PhD | St. John’s University
Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 5 p.m.
BCC Dogwood Room

The 30th Annual Christopher F. Mooney, S.J., Lecture in Theology, Religion & Society
“The American Catholic Experience: Lessons From Spaces in Creative Tension”
Hosffman Ospino, PhD | Boston College
Wednesday, Oct. 25 | 5:30 p.m.
BCC Dogwood Room

The 2023 Catholicism and the Arts Lecture
“We Are the Now of the Church: Young Adults, the Global Synod, and the Arts”
Maureen O’Connell, PhD | LaSalle University
Becky McIntyre | Community Artist
Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 5 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Event Hall

The 2023 Bellarmine Lecture
“Forging Hope, Reforging Democracy: A Contribution of Jesuit Universities to the Future”
Rev. Matt Carnes, S.J.
Georgetown University
Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 7:30 p.m.
BCC Dogwood Room

The 17th Annual Lecture in Jewish/Christian Engagement
Co-sponsored with the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies
“Antisemitism and the Alt-Right: A Challenge to Jewish-Christian Relations”
Rev. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, PhD, Center for Christian-Jewish Learning | Boston College
Wednesday, March 22 | 7:30 p.m.
Kelley Presentation Room

The 16th Annual Commonweal Lecture
“Beyond Polarization: The Grace of Self-Doubt”
Paul Lakeland, PhD, Center for Catholic Studies
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University
Wednesday, April 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Dolan School of Business Event Hall

Where to Find Us

Directions to campus and an interactive map of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ University can help you locate the venue of on-campus lecture and workshop events.

A large building prominently displaying a red flag atop its structure against a clear sky.

Meet Our Team

Mary Crimmins
Mary Crimmins
Administrative Coordinator, Center for Social Impact, Center for Catholic Studies
Nancy A. Dallavalle
Director, Center for Catholic Studies | Associate Professor, Religious Studies

Meet our Advisory Board

Nancy A. Dallavalle
Director, Center for Catholic Studies | Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Robert Kretzman
Robert Kretzman
Stamford, Conn.
Mary Frances A.H. Malone
Mary Frances A.H. Malone
New Canaan, Conn.
Melissa Quan
Melissa Quan
Director, Center for Social Impact
Marice Rose
Professor, Visual & Performing Arts
John Santa
John Santa
Southport, Conn.
Glenn Sauer
Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs | Associate Professor, Biology
Eleanor Sauers
Eleanor Sauers
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ, Conn.