As an introduction to Catholic Studies CATH 175 Catholic Thought and Culture aims to acquaint students with Catholic culture through a study of some aspect of Catholic thought and its influence on the Church. Themes vary each semester. CATH 175 is a speaker series, in which each speaker will treat a different topic under the semester’s theme. It is designed for students considering a major or minor in Catholic Studies, but the course may be of interest to any Carroll student wishing to learn more about Catholic thought and culture.
CATH 175 "Saints of the Times" begins September 23rd. Come to the first session and consider signing up!
Fall 2024 Theme
Our subject for Fall 2024 is “Saints of the Times.” Among the well-known passages of the Second Vatican Council, we read the following in the Constitution Gaudium et Spes:
At all times the Church carries the responsibility of reading [perscrutandi] the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel if it is to carry out its task…. We must be aware of and understand the aspirations, the yearnings, and the often dramatic features of the world in which we live. (GS §4)
In this course we will learn about several saints who read and responded to the “signs” of their particular times in light of the Gospel, thus becoming signs of Christ in their own contexts — “saints of the times.”
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Thoughtfully discuss major features of Catholicism.
- Articulate and evaluate the meaning of the Vatican II phrase “signs of the times.”
- Assess the legacy of several saints who responded to “signs of the times” in exemplary ways.
Schedule
Monday evenings 5:15-6:15 pm, Sage Room (209), Corette Library
September 23
- Introduction to Catholic Studies: “Saints of the Times”
September 30
- Fr. Christopher Lebsock on Saint Polycarp
October 7
- Dr. Eric Hall on Saint Athanasius
October 21
- Q&A with Bishop Vetter, Bishop of the Diocese of Helena
October 28
- Fr. Marc Lenneman on Saint John Paul II
November 4
- Dr. Hannah Hemphill on Saint Charles Borromeo
November 11
- Dr. Mark Smillie on Saint Josemaría Escrivá