Current News and Events

May

Dr. Miller Publishes New Edition of Chieftains

Fr. Mark Morozowich, Acting Dean, Presents Paper in Rome

April

Cardinal Paul Joseph Cordes Gives Lecture

Fr. Christopher Begg Receives Award

Fr. Christopher Begg Publishes Article

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Gives Presentation to Seminarians in Rome

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti gave a two day workshop to the Venerable English College students and faculty in Rome, Italy April 21 and 22.  He spoke to 40 priests and seminarians on psychological and spiritual formation for the priesthood. 

Msgr. Irwin's Work on Ecumenical Dialogue Recognized

For over three years members of the seventh round of dialogue between officially appointed representatives of the Roman Catholic and the United Methodist Churches have met semi annually to discuss the relationship of the Eucharist and the Environment.  The results of that dialogue were published on April 20th by both the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and The United Methodist Churchin a document entitled "Heaven and Earth Are Full of Your Glory." Msgr. Irwin was one of the participants of the dialogue and one of the signatories of this consensus document.

Dr. Robert Miller Publishes New Book on Covenant 

STRS Associate Professor Robert Miller’s latest book entitled Covenant and Grace in the Old Testament: Assyrian Propaganda and Israelite Faith has been published by Gorgias Press in the Perspectives on Hebrew Scriptures and its Contexts series. This book explains how Israel understood its relationship with Yahweh.

Rev. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., Gives Presentation at Georgetown

Rev. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., gave a lecture on “Emotion in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas" on April 17 at Georgetown University. The lecture gave an overview of Aquinas's account of emotion in its historical context, relating Aquinas to other key figures and to recent trends in contemporary analytic philosophy.

Dr. Joshua Benson Publishes Essay

Dr. Benson published an essay entitled, "Fons sapientiae Verbum Dei in excelsis.  John Pecham's Inaugural Sermon," Collectanea Franciscana 81:3-4 (2011), 451-478.  Benson argues that Dr. Benson argues that a previously unidentified inaugural sermon can be confidently linked to the Franciscan theologian John Pecham (d. 1292).  The article illuminates the text and its context, also shedding light on Aquinas's second regency at Paris.  Dr. Benson produced an edition of the sermon in a prior publication.

Dissertation Defense: Lina Rong

Final Examination of Lina Rong for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125

Dean Morozowich interviewed by PBS

Acting Dean Rev. Mark Morozowich was interviewed by PBS’ Religion and Ethics Newsweekly for an episode entitled “Where was Jesus Buried?” Click here to watch the full episode which aired on March 30th.  The story was also covered by the Washington Post. 

Project Evaluation: Frank Samuel Donio

Project Evaluation of Frank Samuel Donio for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

March

Bishop Charles Morerod, O.P. Gives Lecture at CUA

On Thursday, March 29, Bishop Charles Morerod, O.P., Lausanne, Genève et Fribourg gave a lecture entitled, "A Catholic Response to Contemporary Atheism." 

Dissertation Defense: Dennis Robert Di Mauro

Final Examination of Dennis Robert Di Mauro for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125

Dr. Robert Miller, O.F.S., Gives Seminar in Jerusalem

Dr. Miller presented a seminar on “Israel’s Creed in Ancient Near Eastern Context” at the École biblique et archéologique française in Jerusalem on March 9. The seminar discussed the use of Assyrian propaganda language in Deuteronomy’s presentation of Israel’s basic faith.

Dr. John Grabowski Gives Presentation at Marriage Symposium

Dr. John Grabowski gave a presentation entitled, “Marriage as Male and Female” at the Defense of Marriage Symposium on March 3 at St. John Neumann Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The presentation examined the nature of marriage as a covenant and a sacrament between a man and a woman in light of recent legislative initiatives to redefine this relationship. 

Rev. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., Gives Lectures in Chicago and Notre Dame

Fr. Lombardo gave lectures on “Emotion and Virtue in Thomas Aquinas” at the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame on March 2 and March 6. The lectures discussed Aquinas’s theory of the emotions and its implications for his virtue theory.

Msgr. Paul McPartlan Chairs Work on New ITC Document

The International Theological Commission (ITC) has published its latest document, entitled: Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria. The document aims to be of service to Catholic theologians and to those with whom they engage in dialogue. It is hoped that it will also help guide those in formation as theologians. Msgr Paul McPartlan, Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism at CUA, was president of the subcommission of the ITC that produced the document. The ITC, which consists of thirty theologians from around the world appointed by the Pope to advise the Holy See in theological matters, does much of its work in subcommissions. However, the full commission regularly discusses documents in preparation and decides finally whether to approve them. The present document, "written with respect for all who pursue theological enquiry, and with a profound sense of the joy and privilege of a theological vocation, ...strives to indicate perspectives and principles which characterise Catholic theology and to offer criteria by which that theology may be identified" (n.100).

Dissertation Defense: Andrew W. Lichtenwalner

Final Examination of Andew W. Lichtenwalner for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

February

Msgr. Stephen J. Rosetti Invited to Join Advisory Board

Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti has been invited to join the Scientific Advisory Board of the Pontifical Gregorian University's Centre for Child Protection (http://elearning-childprotection.com/course/view.php?id=39).  This e learning center will provide online child protection education and prevention programs to Catholic dioceses and religious orders around the world.  It is sponsored by the Gregorian University and located in Germany.

Dr. John Grabowski Gives Presentation

Dr. John Grabowski gave a presentation entitled, “Pornography: What’s In a Look?” at a Campus Ministry Dollar Dinner at Loyola Marymount University in Arlington, VA, Monday, February 20, 2012.  The talk discussed the impact of using pornography on individuals, couples, and communities as well as the moral differences between pornography and art.

STRS Ph.D. Candidate Invited to Present Paper

Matthew Halbach, a Ph.D. candidate in Religious Education/Catechetics, will be presenting a paper entitled, "The Incarnational Dimension of Catechesis and the New Evangelization" at the June 6-9 Theological Symposium, hosted by St. Patrick's College, in Maynooth, Ireland. The Symposium is part of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Dublin.

Msgr. Stephen J. Rosetti Gives Presentation

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti gave a presentation at Notre Dames' Institute for Church Life on Friday, February 17th entitled, "A Recent Study of Celibacy and the Priesthood: What do the data tell us?"  The symposium entitled, "The Charism of Priestly Celibacy," was attended by over 200 bishops or their representatives from around the United States.  The proceedings will be published in a book by Ave Maria press to be released this Fall.

Dr. Robert Miller Elected to Academic Society

Dr. Robert Miller has been elected as an Associate Member of the Folklore Fellows, an international scholarly network founded in Finland in 1908, furthering professional training of folklorists as well as promoting scholarly contacts and publication activities. Dr. Miller’s election last November was in recognition of his work on oral tradition in ancient Israel and in the Bible. 

Dissertation Defense: Jared Ortiz

Final Examination of Jared Ortiz for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

STRS Alumnus Appointed Second Bishop of the Diocese of St. John’s Basseterre

STRS alumnus Monsignor Kenneth D. Richards  (S.T.L. Moral Theology, 2006) will be ordained as the second Bishop of the Diocese of St. John’s Basseterre on February 8, 2012 at the Holy Family Cathedral in the city of St. John’s in Antigua. Our prayers and best wishes are with the Bishop Elect as he assumes his new office and ministry.  

Msgr. Stephen J. Rosetti Presents Paper

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti presented the paper "Learning From Our Mistakes: Responding Effectively to Child Sexual Abusers" at the Pontifical Gregorian University's week-long symposium entitled, "Toward Healing and Renewal" on February 7th.  The symposium was attended by over 100 bishops representing episcopal conferences around the world and 20 leaders of religious orders. It was supported by the Vatican and Cardinal Levada of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith gave the opening address.  There was extensive worldwide media coverage of the event.

STRS Alumna Wins Cardinal Award

Yolanda Scott Brown, an STRS DMin alumnus was one of five recipients of the 2012 Cardinal’s Award honored by Archbishop José H. Gomez for their service “to Church and community.” The award was presented to her at the 23rd annual Cardinal’s Award Dinner which took place in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland in Hollywood on February 4th. Yolanda Scott Brown was born in the Philippines, raised in U.S. cities (daughter of a Navy officer); educated in public and Catholic schools; earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Pace University (New York), a master’s in Theology from Loyola Marymount, and a doctorate in Ministry from The Catholic University of America (CUA). While in the STRS her academic focus was in Adult Spiritual Formation and she has been installed as the Parish Life Director at Blessed Sacrament parish in Hollywood, CA. A write up of Ms. Brown’s many achievements can be read at the following link: http://www.the-tidings.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1967:dedicated-to-faith-and-service-2012-cardinals-award-recipients&catid=113:local&Itemid=402&layout=default&date=2012-04-01; and video of Ms. Brown receiving the 2012 Cardinal’s award can be seen at: http://www.cardinalsawardsdinner.org/honorees.htm. She is married to Mr. Leon Brown and has seven children and 19 grandchildren.

January

Dr. William Dinges gives two presentations

Dr. William Dinges presented a lecture on “Religion and Public Education” at the Institute of International Education, Washington, D.C., on January 23, to a visiting delegation from Saudi Arabia. The lecture was given under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Project. Dr. Dinges also did a presentation on “Trends (and More Trends) in Religion in America” on January 26, at the Theology on Tap gathering at Catholic University.

Dr. Valkenberg co-edits book and publishes article about Al-Ghazali

In December 2011 Dr. Pim Valkenberg co-edited and published a book about Islam in the Netherlands. The title of this book is: Islam in Nederland. Theologische bijdragen in tijden van secularisering (Islam in the Netherlands: Theological Contributions in Times of Secularization), edited by Mohamed Ajouaou, Erik Borgman, and Pim Valkenberg, Amsterdam: Boom, 2011. He also contributed an article about the famous Muslim theologian Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali under the title, “ Islam: Verantwoordelijk voor God”  (Islam: accountable to God) on pages 65-97 of this book.

Dr. Chad C. Pecknold moderates panel on "The Catholicity of the Council"

Dr. Pecknold was moderator for a panel discussion on "The Catholicity of the Council" at a conference on "Keeping the World Awake to God:  The Challenge of Vatican II," co-sponsored by the John Paull II Institute and the journal Communio, January 12-14, 2012.  Click here to read the full story.

Rev. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., appointed member of pontifical academy

Fr. Lombardo has been appointed a Corresponding Academician of the Pontifical Academy of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Academy was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1879 to advance scholarship on St Thomas and to foster the application of his thought to contemporary questions. Click here for more information about the Pontifical Academy.

STRS Faculty and Alumni present papers at NAAL

CUA faculty and alumni gathered at the annual meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy in Montreal, Quebec, on Jan. 5-8, 2012. CUA faculty in attendance included Associate Professor Michael Witczak and Assistant Professor Margaret Schreiber. Current CUA students James Sabak and Richard Hilgartner were in attendance, as well as CUA alums Cathie Vincie (this year’s NAAL president), Judith Kubicki, Mark Wedig, Donald La Salle, Richard McCarron, Gabriel Pivarnic, Steve Wilbricht, Jason McFarland, James Hadley, Heidi Miller, and Nicholas Denysenko.  Click here to read more.

Acting Dean published article           

Acting Dean Rev. Mark Morozowich published an article entitled “Tradition or Innovation – An Analysis of Recent Liturgical Developments in the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States” in Worship 86, No. 1 (Jan. 2012): 16-39. Rev. Morozowich presents a study of different liturgical issues in the Ukrainian Catholic Church to argue that a focus on the Byzantine tradition does not mean a mere repetition of the past, but is attentive to the worship needs of the community today.

Dr. John S. Grabowski published article

Dr. John S. Grabowski published an article entitled "The Luminous Excess of the Acting Person: Assessing the Impact of Pope John Paul II on American Catholic Moral Theology."  Journal of Moral Theology  1, no. 1 (2012):  116-47.  The essay argues that efforts by both proponents and critics of the late pope's thought to engage his work by connecting it to existing controversies have been inadequate in their failure to consider the anthropological unity and depth of that teaching.

STRS Professors contribute to new book

Three STRS faculty have contributed chapters to a new book, Ressourcement: A Movement for Renewal in Twentieth-Century Catholic Theology, eds. Gabriel Flynn and Paul D. Murray (Oxford University Press, 2012): Joseph Komonchak, John C. and Gertrude P. Hubbard Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, wrote "Humani Generis and Nouvelle Théologie," pp. 138-56; Paul McPartlan, Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism, wrote, "Ressourcement, Vatican II. and Eucharistic Ecclesiology," pp. 392-404; and Christopher Ruddy, Associate Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, wrote, "Ressourcement and the Enduring Legacy of Post-Tridentine Theology," pp. 185-201.

Rev. Michael Witczak elected Vice President of the North American Academy of Liturgy

Associate Professor Michael Witczak was elected Vice President of the North American Academy of Liturgy at its recent annual meeting in Montreal, Quebec. The election means that Dr. Witczak will serve for three years on the Academy Committee and as president for the 2014 meeting of the Academy. The North American Academy of Liturgy is an ecumenical and inter-religious association of liturgical scholars who collaborate in research concerning public worship. Dr. Witczak participates in the ongoing seminar on Issues in Medieval Liturgy.

Dr. Christopher Ruddy gave talk on Joseph Ratzinger

Dr. Christopher Ruddy gave a talk entitled "Sect or Mustard Seed? Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI on the Church as a 'Little Flock'", to the monastic community at the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky on 22 December. Ratzinger views the Church through the perspective of salvation history and of Christology, whereby God--working patiently and gently--saves the 'many' through the 'one' (Jesus Christ) and the 'few' (Israel, the Church). The Church--however big or small--by its nature must always remain inwardly open, existing solely to love, serve, and suffer for the 'many.' A closed or sectarian Church contradicts God's saving will.

Dr. Robert Miller published article

Dr. Robert Miller published an article entitled "Oral Performance in Ancient Israel," in "My Spirit at Rest in the North Country" (Zechariah 6.8), ed. H. M. Niemann and M. Augustin (Beitrage zur Erforschung des Alten Testaments und des Antiken Judentums 57; Frankfurt: Peter Lang, 2011), 229-240. This article provides a detailed study of methods of performing oral "literature" in ancient Israel, drawing on evidence from archaeology, the Bible and other ancient texts, and comparative ethnography.

STRS Congratulates Newly Nominated Cardinal Alumnus Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI nominated STRS alumnus Archbishop Timothy Dolan as a new cardinal on Jan. 5. Archbishop Dolan completed his doctorate in Church History before he was appointed rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome in 1994 and installed as Archbishop of New York in 2009. The formal elevation ceremony will be on Feb. 18. Click here to read Archbishop Dolan’s full bio. Our prayers and best wishes are with the newly nominated Cardinal of New York.

Dissertation Defense:  Thomas W. Ricks

FInal Examination of Thomas W. Ricks for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

Missives from the "Ice" Final: "Returning Home"

Msgr. Rossetti expresses gratitude for the support he has received for his trip to Antarctica and reflects on his mixed feelings about his return.

Rev. Christopher Begg published article

Rev. Christopher Begg published an article entitled "Yom Kippur in Josephus," The Dax Of Attonement. It's Interpretations in Early Jewish and Christian Traditions (Themes in Biblical Narrative:  Jewish and Christian Traditions, 15th ed. Thomas ieke and Tobias Nicklas; Leiden/Boston:  Brill, 2012) 97-120. This article provides a detailed study of the references to Yom Kippur throughout Josephus’ corpus and compares his treatment of the Day with those of Philo, the Temple Scroll and the Mishnah.

Dissertation Defense: Rev. James George Sabak, OFM

Final Examination of James George Sabak, OFM for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.

December

Missives from the Ice #7: "Asking Fundamental Questions"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti concludes his journey to Antarctica by asking scientists some of the basic questions of human existence.

Missives from the Ice #6: "Christmas at the South Pole"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti reflected on the need for versatility when his plans to return from Antarctica were delayed.

Missives from the Ice #5: "Sons and Daughters of Norway"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Norwegian explorers to first visit Antarctica.  His full missive may be found here. 

STRS Alumnus now serves as Assistant Director for Counseling Service Organization

STRS Alumnus Andrew Schade, who graduated from CUA in 2010 with a bachelor of arts in Theology and Religious Studies, was interviewed on Cardinal Success Stories for continuing to serve in his capacity as Associate Director of Fundraising at Community Counseling Service (CSC), which “partners with leading non-profit organizations to help them meet a challenge.”  Click here to read the full interview.

Missives from the Ice #4: "PIG, the Tower of Babel, and our Green Pope"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti provided us with his fourth weekly reflection as the Catholic Chaplain of Antarctica.  Msgr. Rossetti’s concern regarding Antarctica's warming climate mirrors Pope Benedict XVI's teaching that we are stewards of the earth.  Msgr. Rossetti’s weekly missives may be found here. 

Missives from the Ice #3:  "Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Snows"

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti will be the Catholic Chaplain for scientists researching in Antarctica for the month of December.  He is providing CUA with weekly updates of his second journey to this frigid continent along with a brief reflection.  This week Msgr. Rossetti celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the McMurdo Station chapel.  His weekly missives may be found here.

Dr. Robert Miller published article in Biblical Interpretation

Dr. Robert D. Miller’s article “Solomon the Trickster,” has appeared in Biblical Interpretation 19 (2011): 496-504. The article investigates the biblical character of Solomon using the literary category of trickster to bring out nuances in the text’s presentation of this figure.

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Vatican II Symposium:  Vatican II after Fifty Years
Sept. 26-29, 2012

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