Christ the King Seminary

EAST AURORA — Members of the faculty of Christ the King Seminary will be offering a series of lectures at parishes throughout the diocese this spring. While there are always opportunities for people to visit the seminary for classes, workshops, retreats and lectures, the new lecture series brings the extensive knowledge of the seminary faculty, many of whom hold doctorate degrees in sacred theology or related fields, out into the diocese.

Father Joseph Gatto, president-rector of the seminary, who holds a doctorate degree in systematic theology, will be offering a Lenten Evening of Reflection on Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca. All are welcome.

Father Gatto will also be offering a Day of Recollection on "God's Name is Mercy" for St. Philip Parish in Cheektowaga on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon in the parish center. Please call St. Philip Parish office if planning to attend.

Father John Staak, OMI, who holds a doctorate in systematic theology and currently teaches theology of Eucharist and Trinity courses, will be offering a lecture at St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m. His presentation, entitled "Encountering and Engaging God's Mercy," will address how simple everyday encounters offer an open door to the transcendent God. The challenge is to recognize God's presence and mercy in these encounters, hear God's will, and then accept it in faith.

Father Staak will also be presenting a Day of Reflection at St. John Paul II Parish in Lake View on Sunday, April 3, on the topic of "The Dynamics of Conversion and God's Mercy."

Father John Mack, who serves as director of Pre-Theology and teaches courses on sacramental theology, has been offering lectures on the Gospel call to a revolution of tenderness as it relates to God's mercy, and most recently presented at Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora.

Dr. Dennis Castillo, professor of Church History, recently offered a lecture addressing Catholic social teaching at Annunciation Parish in Elma and is available to offer presentations for other parishes as well. Castillo will also be offering a presentation and discussion on Bishop John Timon and Blessed Nelson H. Baker, which is planned for May 27 at St. Joseph-University Parish in Buffalo. All are welcome to attend.

Additionally, the seminary will again be offering its Summer Dinner Lecture Series at the East Aurora campus, with topics appropriate to this Jubilee Year of Mercy:

June 1 - "Mercy in Solidarity" presented by Deacon Don Weigel
June 22 - "St. Luke - A Physician who Prescribes Mercy" presented by Mark Mambretti
July 6 - "God's Mercy in the Midst of Suffering" presented by Eileen Warner
July 27 - "The Body of Christ - A Sacrament of Mercy" presented by Father Gatto

For further details visit www.cks.edu or call 716-652-8900.