EAST AURORA — Christ the King Seminary announced its Summer 2016 Dinner Lecture Series, consisting of four programs centered around the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will take place in June and July on the seminary's East Aurora campus.

Deacon Don Weigel from St. John Vianney Parish in Orchard Park presented "Mercy in Solidarity" on June 1. In his message for the World Day of Peace 2016, Pope Francis called for overcoming resignation and indifference, and to continue to engage in the pursuit of peace and justice. This presentation considered the message of mercy and assess our capacity for engagement and accompaniment, using Deacon Weigel's recent experience with Catholic Relief Services and Syrian refugees as a challenge to overcome indifference, practice solidarity and live mercy.

Mark Mambretti, principal of East Aurora Middle School and a graduate of Christ the King Seminary, will present "St. Luke - Physician of Mercy" on Wednesday, June 22. Luke's writing contains a significant number of parables not found in other Gospels. Traditionally thought of as a physician, St. Luke seems to be offering the world a prescription to heal what ails us. This program will explore the Gospel of Luke through new eyes: the eyes of mercy.

Eileen Warner, director of Mission and Pastoral Outreach at Christ the King Seminary, will present "God's Mercy in the Midst of Suffering" on Wednesday, July 6. This presentation will examine how to find meaning and purpose in suffering, and how to recognize God's mercy in the midst of individual suffering and in the world. This discussion will offer hope and an appreciation of God's mercy, as well as an understanding of how we are called to be bearers of His mercy to others.

Father Joseph Gatto, president-rector of Christ the King Seminary, will present "The Body of Christ - A Sacrament of Mercy" on Wednesday, July 27.

With every declaration of belief in what we receive, we become the heart and hands of Christ, God's mercy in our world. Pope Francis declares that God's name is mercy. With Jesus, our brother, we are not simply recipients or bystanders, but the very mercy of God in our time and place. This program will serve as a reminder that you are a member of the Body of Christ and therefore, you are an instrument of His mercy.

The cost for each lecture is $35 per person, including dinner, or $25 per person, including coffee and dessert. Dinners begin at 5:45 p.m. and the lectures and discussion run from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.

For further information or to register call 716-805-1438.