Well-Placed Words: The Short Fiction of O. Henry (1862-1910)

O. Henry (William Sidney Porter) is most known for his surprise endings. However, O. Henry’s stories prove him a master of dialect and word play, a keen observer of place and a compassionate social critic. We will explore literary, biographical, and historical events that inform the stories.

The stories are widely available on the web, but if you are going to purchase a text, I suggest any of the complete works of O. Henry available in digital or print format

Instructor:  Sr. Fran McManus, RSM

Thursdays Oct. 6 to Dec. 1, 2022
(No class Oct. 20 and Nov. 24)
12:30-1:30 PM
on Zoom

Fee: $60.00

An Unfamiliar Voice I Hear: Vatican II and the Reading of Scripture

Among the many achievements of the Second Vatican Council, one of the most significant was the emphasis placed on the primacy of Scripture in the liturgy and life of the church. During these six weeks, we will consider the Council’s teaching on Scripture in two of its primary documents: the Pastoral Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) and the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum).

We will also consider how, over the last sixty years, the Church has matured in its appreciation of the ways in which “the Father who is in heaven meets with his children with great love and speaks with them in the sacred books” (Dei Verbum, 21).

Instructor:  Paul D. Sansone

Tuesdays, October 11 – November 15, 2022
12:00-1:00 PM
on Zoom

Fee: $60.00

Pope St John XXIII, Pope St Paul VI and Vatican II

In this course we will first look at the life, background, theology and spirituality of Pope John XXIII, the great man who later in his life not only became pope but also through his inspired vision shaped the church and its understanding of itself in the modern world for years to come up through the present day. We will trace the steps of his personal development and increasing and various positions held throughout his ordained ministry that shaped and prepared him for his unique pontificate and contribution to the church, culminating in Vatican II.

The fulfillment of the vision came in the life and pontificate of Pope Paul VI. Both are now canonized saints. We will also look at some of these important changes and what they mean to us today in our church life, as well as explore their lives as models for how we can better attune ourselves to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.

Instructor: Mary Gennuso, Phd

Saturday October 8, 2022
1:00 – 4:00 PM
On Zoom

Fee: $30.00

I’m Not Religious…. I’m Spiritual

The course will explore the phenomenon of a growing skepticism about organized religion among many today.  Many people claim to be spiritual without the necessity of religion. What does that mean? The course will seek to better understand how we came to this place.

We will use writings from many spiritual leaders from Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM to Marianne Williamson.  We will also spend time acquainting ourselves with the art of Spiritual Direction and what that means in this modern world and how it enriches the seeker.  We will look at the pitfalls of religious addiction and modern-day pharisaism, while exploring the many ways to make our connection with religion a place of the heart and soul.

Kent Walker, MDiv.
Tuesdays, October 11 – November 1, 2022
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Room 1B

Fee: $40.00

The Church in the Modern World: A Pastoral Study

In this course, we will take a close look at one of the more prominent documents to emerge from the Second Vatican Council: The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Released in December of 1965, this document speaks of a listening Church that is engaged with the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of our times. In that sense this document still speaks to us today.

We will study the Introduction and Part I of this important document over 5 sessions.

Instructor: Fr. Steven Patti OFM

Thursdays October 13 – November 11, 2022 (we will skip one Thursday, TBD)
12:45 – 2:00 PM and 6:30 – 7:45 PM
Clare Room

Fee: $60.00

DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE INSTRUCTOR HAS HAD TO CANCEL THIS COURSE. Br. Edward Kent’s course “The Dublin of Joyce and Yeats” is still being offered.
We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Celtic Bards

Modern poets include Dylan Thomas; Patrick Kavanaugh; Gerard Manley Hopkins; W. B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney.  This course will examine the work of the Celtic bards.  Biographical films will supplement the readings.

Instructor:  Edward Kent, OSF, M.A.
Thursdays, October 13 – November 17, 2022
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM;
Classroom 1B

Fee: $60.00

Catholicism 101: The Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation has inspired fear, millennial predictions, and horror throughout Christian history. And yet, the book is seen by all Christians as part of the word of God and, therefore, part and parcel of the good news of Jesus Christ.

In this eight-week course we will study the Book of Revelation to understand the message of the prophet John in his own time and the enduring message of the book for Christians today.

Instructor: Joseph Nuzzi, MA Biblical Studies

Wednesdays, October 5 – November 30, 2022 (no class Nov. 23)
12:30 – 1:30 PM and 6:30 – 7:30 PM (evening class offered in person and on Zoom)
Clare Room

Fee: $80.00