Catholic Identity Symposia Series begins Feb. 27
The Leadership Academy, in collaboration with the Office for Mission, announces the Catholic Symposia Series, "Catholic Identity: Implications for Life and Work at a Catholic University."
Catholic identity has been established by the university as one of its three key strategic priorities. St. Thomas is committed to understanding its religious heritage more deeply and living it out more fully in the context of a vital and inclusive community.
The symposia series offers employees the opportunity to learn about and discuss the university's Catholic identity through three specific programs:
- "Catholic Beliefs and Practices," led by Dr. Gene Scapanski, 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in Room 100, McNeely Hall.
This session provides a basic orientation to Catholic beliefs and practices and an opportunity for Catholics, those of other traditions, and those of no faith background, to explore what it means to be an active part of the community at a Catholic university.
- "Catholic Social Tradition: Implications for Management in a Catholic University," led by Dr. Bob Kennedy and Dr. Mike Naughton. Both sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 401, Terrence Murphy Hall.
Part One – Tuesday, Feb. 27
Part Two – Tuesday, March 6People hear a great deal about the Catholic Church's commitment to social justice and about the richness of its tradition of reflection on social matters. People hear much less about how the Catholic social tradition ought to shape the way in which we manage organizations and employees. This two-part session will introduce participants to the basic principles of the social tradition and explore how these principles can and should shape the way we manage on a practical level.
- "The Meaning of Work in the Catholic Tradition," led by Dr. Deborah Savage and Mike Klein. Both sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Room 155, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
Part One – Wednesday, March 28
Part Two – Wednesday, April 25How is work regarded in the Catholic Christian tradition? What is its significance and meaning? What is the proper relationship between work and a full human life? Participants will consider these and other important questions in this two-part session on working at the University of St. Thomas. These sessions are highly interactive. You will be invited to consider how the principles discussed in this session can be brought to bear on your job at St. Thomas, to consider what actions you might take on a concrete level to make the vision reflected in St. Thomas ' mission statement a reality.
Members of the Leadership Academy and the Office for Mission encourage all employees to attend one or more of these sessions in order to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the religious nature of St. Thomas and how each person can contribute to the life and spirit of this community.