St. Catherine of Siena Student Center Announces New Dialogue Series
November 18, 2024
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center at Drake University will welcome its first speaker in the inaugural Dialogue Series in March 2025. “Faith in Action for the Common Good” is the theme of the new series, which invites people of all spiritual walks of life to listen, converse, and then act to improve conditions that benefit all members of society.
“We live in troubled times, in our relationships with each other and with the planet,” said Dialogue Series Committee Member Aimee Beckmann-Collier. “Where can people of faith, in whatever way that’s expressed, find grounding to address these unprecedented challenges with courage and resolve? We need all the information, direction, and examples we can get.”
The Dialogue Series features nationally recognized speakers. Events are free to the public and will take place at Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus.
The 2025 Dialogue Series inaugural line-up includes:
March 2, 2025 at 2 p.m.: Bishop Mark J. Seitz – Broken at the Border
Mark J. Seitz has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, Texas since 2013. As a leader in a borderland community adjacent to Chihuahua, Mexico, Seitz has focused his work and heart on the poor and vulnerable, including migrant families and refugees. Having spent years walking with immigrants, working with Texas elected officials, and conversing with border agents, he will share his perspective on a topic that many Americans view as critically important to the future of our country.
Sept. 21, 2025 at 1 p.m.: Brian D. McLaren – What the World Needs from People of Faith
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation; a podcaster; and the author of Faith After Doubt and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, among other books.
The St. Catherine of Siena community invites persons of all ages and beliefs to attend these two events, as well as additional workshops and opportunities surrounding them. The Dialogue Series will feature additional events and opportunities for small group discussion both before, and following, main speaker events. Details will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.stcatherinedrake.org/dialogue-series/.