The Garaventa Center invites all faculty and staff to a free talk by clinical psychologist Joel Nigg, entitled “Science and Faith: Common Misconceptions and Paths to Integration,” on Wednesday, February 28, at 7:15 p.m., in Franz Hall room 120. In popular culture, a widespread impression remains that religious faith and scientific logic are opposed. This lecture, from the perspective not of a theologian but of a lay Catholic scientist, suggests a science-affirming faith in God is not only possible, but necessary, for an integrated and holistic grasp of reality and approach to today’s urgent problems. Joel Nigg is professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. For ADA accommodations or more information, visit the Garaventa Center events page or x7702 or garaventa@up.edu.
Garaventa Center
Free Screening of “Night School,” Feb. 27
Join us for a viewing and discussion of the documentary “Night School” about three adults struggling to earn their high school diplomas amid the complexities of their lives and social situations, om Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:45-9 p.m., in Franz Hall room 120. The screening is hosted by the UP STEM Education and Outreach Center, Kappa Kelta Pi, and the Department of Sociology, with support from the Garaventa Center. For more information contact Tisha Morrell, education, at morrell@up.edu.
Crucifixes in Our Classrooms at UP: Did You Know?
As part of being a Catholic, Holy Cross university, classrooms at UP each contain a crucifix displayed in a prominent place at the front. Crucifixes are distinct from plain crosses in that they have an image of the crucified Jesus (called a corpus) on the cross. Crucifixes are visceral and even sometimes uncomfortable reminders of the brutal death endured by the historical Jesus. Being reminded of that infinite sacrifice in no way diminishes the Catholic, Christian conviction that Christ fully and for all time conquered death. We’re also reminded of the connection to the Congregation of Holy Cross, with its motto Ave Crux, Spes Unica: “Hail the Cross, our only hope.”
As UP students, faculty, and staff travel the world in immersions, studies, and other international experiences, they will now be bringing back crucifixes that reflect the global impact of Catholicism for use in classrooms of the new Dundon-Berchtold building.
For more information, contact Fr. James Gallagher, C.S.C., at gallaghe@up.edu or Karen Eifler, Garaventa Center, at eifler@up.edu.
“Eurydice” Pre-Play Panel and Reception, March 3
All ticket holders for the Saturday, March 3 show of Eurydice are invited to enjoy a complimentary wine, cheese, and dessert reception as panelists Allie Hill (German studies, Feminist Discussion Group), Alex Santana (philosophy, Rumpakis Chair in Hellenic Studies) and JoAnn Johnson (guest director) offer their distinctive insights into the play. The reception begins at 6:15 p.m., followed by the panel at 6:45 in Mago Hunt Center Recital Hall. For theater tickets call x7287. For ADA accommodations or more information, contact the Garaventa Center at x7702 or garaventa@up.edu.
“Women of the Book: A Concert with Words,” Feb. 22
All are invited to enjoy world premieres of sacred art songs inspired by the feisty, faithful women of the Bible on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. “Women of the Book: A Concert with Words” is free and open to all; a reception with artists and composers will follow. The concert features artists Nicole Leupp Hanig, soprano, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, soprano, Maureen Briare, soprano, Catherine Jacobs, soprano, and Susan McDaniel, piano, performing works by composers Cynthia Gerdes and Michael Connolly as well as traditional pieces and poetry inspired by The Saint John’s Bible.
The concert is hosted by the Garaventa Center and Department of Music. For ADA accommodations or further information, please contact the Garaventa Center at x7702 or garaventa@up.edu.
The Cross and Anchors: Did You Know?
The image of a cross interlocked with two anchors can be seen all around the UP campus – in the University Seal, etched in cornerstones, hanging around the necks of priests and brothers, and even on utility hole covers. For Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the cross was something to look to as a sign of hope. It was through the cross that Jesus won his victory over sin and death. It is through the cross that we will come to know the fullness of life that Jesus has in store for us. Therefore, the motto of the Congregation became Ave Crux, Spes Unica – “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.” The cross and anchors are a symbol of this motto – the anchor being an ancient symbol of hope. When used as the mark of Holy Cross, these crosses with anchors stand as continual reminders of our work of bringing hope into the world.
For more information contact Fr. James Gallagher, C.S.C., Campus Ministry, at gallaghe@up.edu.
The Lenten Season: Did You Know?
Sure, many people know that Lent is the period of time leading up to Easter, but why do we have it? Is it just about making things hard on ourselves before the celebration of Easter?A period of preparation for the Easter celebration, which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, has been a part of the practice of Christians since the late second century. The length of this period varied early on but was proposed to be for forty days at the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) More than just a time to give something up, it is a time to renew one’s attentiveness to life as a disciple of Jesus. Fasting seeks to strip away distractions, almsgiving draws deeper attention to our relationship with our neighbors, and prayer looks toward a deepening relationship with Jesus. This renewal of life as a disciple of Jesus is meant to prepare Christians for the fullness of life that is promised by the resurrection.
Lent this year begins on Wednesday, February 14, and lasts up to the Holy Triduum–the three days leading into Easter on Sunday, April 1.
For more information contact Campus Ministry at 7131 or ministry@up.edu.
The Saint John’s Bible: Did You Know?
The Saint John’s Bible is a stunning resource and a too-hidden jewel at UP. To mark the new millennium, the Benedictine monks of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville Minnesota commissioned this work—the first fully hand-calligraphed, illuminated Bible manuscript to be crafted since the invention of the printing press, which is why it’s called The Saint John’s Bible. It’s meant to be a universal and inclusive work, and to that end, features art from 16 different artists, all charged with the task of creating images in which all beholders have a chance to see themselves. A page is always on display in Clark Library, and the selection changes regularly. With the gift of all seven volumes came special training for docents at UP to learn twelve kajillion facts about them, so that classes in theology, history, the sciences and fine arts could tap the riches of this audacious work. Beth Barsotti and Karen Eifler are trained by the St. John’s community to share the volumes with anyone from the UP community, both in the classroom and as an inspiration for prayer. Contact either of those if you would like to learn more.
The “Did you know” series comes to you as an initiative of Campus Ministry and the Garventa Center, intended to broaden awareness of spiritual development opportunities on the University campus. If you are curious about anything under that broad umbrella and would like to see an answer published in UPBeat, please contact Karen Eifler (eifler@up.edu) or Fr. Jim Gallagher (gallaghe@up.edu).
Africa’s Contributions to the Catholic Church, Feb. 13
On Tuesday, February 13, Fr. Paul Kollman, C.S.C., will present a free talk, “Africa’s Contributions to the Catholic Church: Past, Present and Future,” at 7:15 p.m., in the Bauccio Commons. In his talk, Fr. Kollman proposes that Africa today represents one the most vital places of growth in the Catholic Church and considers these questions: First, what connections, if any, exist between the past centrality of Africa to the church and its present and future importance? And second, what does Africa’s growing role mean for the Catholic Church in a global perspective? Fr. Kollman is associate professor of theology and executive director of the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame. This event is sponsored by the Garaventa Center. For ADA accommodations or more information, visit theGaraventa Center events page or contact x7702 or garaventa@up.edu.
Thirst Friday: Kicks from Route 66, Feb. 9
Need a little cheer from the winter gloom? Join the Garaventa Center for the next Thirst Friday celebration on Friday, February 9, from 4-6 p.m., in Franz Hall room 330 for generous snacks and libations and great conversation. And don’t miss our themed tasting menu: “Kicks from Route 66: Great Gas Station Food.” An oxymoron? Come find out! Open to all UP faculty and staff, and extra treats for bringing along someone who’s never been before.
For more information contact Karen Eifler at eifler@up.edu.