Catholic Identity and Higher Education: A Dialogue at the Heart of the Church

Program Description
This week-long program is for trustees, administrators and key senior faculty of Catholic colleges and universities.  Conducted and coordinated by the staff of the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas, the program offers a personal introduction to the Catholic Church at its Roman center.  Included are opportunities to meet representatives of the Holy See’s various dicasteries and some of Rome’s pontifical universities.

The program will also consist of site visits, lectures, the celebration of the Church’s liturgy and acquaintance with some of the Eternal City’s art and architecture.  The seminar is meant to be an opportunity to create an experience of dialogue among participants and experts about Catholic identity in institutions of higher education in the United States.  Each day of the program will feature the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Eternal City. Participants will be welcomed in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

Catholic Identity in Higher Education
The first day will be dedicated to learning more about Catholic Identity as understood and highlighted in the document Ex Corde Ecclesiae.  The morning will include Morning Prayer, the Eucharist and a presentation and discussion on “The Goals and Principles of Catholic Education.” The afternoon will feature a guided visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The New Evangelization
The morning will begin with the weekly Papal Audience to hear Pope Benedict XVI and pray with pilgrims from around the world.  If the Holy Father is not in Rome, an alternative program will be offered. After a period of free time for people to have lunch near the Vatican and perhaps do some shopping on the famous Borgo Pio, the afternoon will feature a conference at the Lay Centre on “Evangelization and Dialogue in the Context of Catholic Higher Education”.

Day of Reflection: Orvieto or Subiaco
This day will afford the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome for prayer and  reflection.  An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the prospects for developing an authentic and vibrant spirituality in Catholic higher education and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer.  Lunch is included.

A Faith that Does Justice        
The morning will feature a presentation and discussion at the Lay Centre on “The Contribution of Catholic Intellectual Life for the Common Good”.   The afternoon will feature guided visits to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and St. John Lateran.

A Vocation to Build Communion
The final day will feature an early morning celebration of the Eucharist at the Basilica of St. Peter, followed by a guided visit.  In the afternoon the group will gather at the Lay Centre for a presentation and discussion on “The Commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to Ecumenical Dialogue.”  The week will draw to a fitting close with a closing dinner at the Lay Centre.

Arrivederci Roma!
Departure from Rome.

Organizing this Program for your Group
To schedule this program for your group or organization you must have a minimum of 15 participants.  Please contact Robert White at info@laycentre.org to help you organize this study program.

The cost of this program is $775.00 per person. The cost includes all lectures, guided site visits, private coach transportation to and from site visits, and three meals during the course of the week.

Airfare to and from Rome, lodging, all other meals and all other expenses are not included. Program participants are responsible for making travel and lodging arrangements.  

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