The Life and Spiritual Theology of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Come join us in this Lenten journey as we explore the life and works of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, a French Carmelite from Dijon, France. We will cover major episodes of her life, family, and the development of her spiritual theology especially in the developments of the themes of praise of glory, the Trinity, her retreat work and guidance to others. We will examine excerpts from her diary, letters, and poems to help facilitate this task. Finally, we will consider what wisdom we can gain from these works for our own life today.

Instructor: Mary J. Gennuso, Phd.

Saturday March 15
9am-12pm on Zoom

Fee: $30.00

The Life and Spiritual Theology of St. Titus Brandsma

Come join us in this Lenten journey as we explore the life and works of St. Titus Brandsma. We will cover his diverse life as a Carmelite priest, teacher of mysticism and philosophy, and Catholic journalist, and his passion for truth and human rights which put him at odds with Nazi ideology, and eventually led to his martyrdom at Dachau. We will examine excerpts of his various writings and life events, as well as those who knew him at various stages of his life, to better understand his spiritual evolution and what we might learn from him for today.

Instructor: Mary J. Gennuso, Phd.

Saturday March 15
1pm-4pm on Zoom

Fee: $30.00

Saints, Anchorites, Mystics, and Holy Women from the Middle Ages

This seminar will explore the lives of illustrious saints and holy individuals.  Through cultural and historical resources such as classroom readings, writings,  discussion, and a museum visit, the participants will explore the history that gives a voice to persons from centuries past and on how the example of their lives can be relevant in today’s world.  Some of the individuals to be discussed are:  St. Edward the Confessor (King of England), St. Hild of Whitby, Julian of Norwich, the controversial mystic Margery Kempe, Lady Margaret Beaufort the grandmother of King Henry VII, and St. Margaret of Cortona who became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Instructor: Denise De Vito, M.S., M.S. Ed.

Friday, March 21, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, in person
Friday, March 28, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fee: $60.00

Jesus

This Lenten course will be an opportunity to revisit an old question and to look for new and deeper answers. In recent years the question “Who Do you say that I am?” has resurfaced. For centuries we have embraced the divinity of Jesus, but now the challenge is to rediscover the Jesus who is also truly human.

This will have a significant impact on our spirituality and how we see the world. One of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century is rediscovering our humanity. Jesus shows us the way!

Instructor: Father Anthony Ciorra

Wednesdays March 12 – April 2
12:30-2:00 PM, Clare Room

Fee: $60.00

Jane Hirshfield: Questions and Observations

During a 2020 Paris Review interview with Ilya Kaminsky, Jane Hirshfield stated: “A poem, a poet’s life, and the larger world are one continuous fabric.” We will examine the threads of Hirschfield’s poetic fabric woven over half a century. Often lyrical, filled with careful observations and pointed questions, Hirshfield’s poems are personal and global, concrete and philosophical. For the first hour and a half we will discuss Hirshfield’s work; the last half hour will include writing prompts based on the themes and techniques of the poems we discussed. The last half hour is optional; students will have the opportunity to share their work.

Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus, RSM

Text: The Asking: New and Selected Poems

Mondays, March 10th through April 28th. (We will not meet Easter Monday, April 21.)
6-8 PM on ZOOM

Fee: $60.00

Jane Austen: A Writer and her Enduring Legacy

Born 250 years ago, Jane Austen continues to entertain readers and inspire new novels, stage productions and films. We will read and discuss three of Austen’s novels in chronological order: Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey.

Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus, RSM

Thursdays, March 6th through April 24th (No Meeting on April 17th, Holy Thursday)
12:30-1:30 PM on ZOOM

Fee: $60.00

TERESA OF AVILA, JOHN OF THE CROSS AND THERESE OF LISIEUX

These giants in the Carmelite tradition will be our guides for this course. They will show us how to deepen our prayer life, how to deal with darkness and addiction and how to live simply in this complex world. We will delve into their writings and capture their vision to help us in our spiritual journey and the issues we face today.

Instructor: Fr. Anthony Ciorra, PhD

Wednesdays, Oct. 16 – Nov. 6
12:30-2:00
Clare Room

Fee: $ 60.00