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Missives from the Ice #7: "Asking Fundamental Questions"
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti concludes his journey to Antarctica by asking scientists some of the basic questions of human existence.
Missives from the Ice #6: "Christmas at the South Pole"
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti reflected on the need for versatility when his plans to return from Antarctica were delayed.
Missives from the Ice #5: "Sons and Daughters of Norway"
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Norwegian explorers to first visit Antarctica. His full missive may be found here.
STRS Alumnus now serves as Assistant Director for Counseling Service Organization
STRS Alumnus Andrew Schade, who graduated from CUA in 2010 with a bachelor of arts in Theology and Religious Studies, was interviewed on Cardinal Success Stories for continuing to serve in his capacity as Associate Director of Fundraising at Community Counseling Service (CSC), which "partners with leading non-profit organizations to help them meet a challenge." Click here to read the full interview.
Missives from the Ice #4: "PIG, the Tower of Babel, and our Green Pope"
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti provided us with his fourth weekly reflection as the Catholic Chaplain of Antarctica. Msgr. Rossetti's concern regarding Antarctica's warming climate mirrors Pope Benedict XVI's teaching that we are stewards of the earth. Msgr. Rossetti's weekly missives may be found here.
Missives from the Ice #3: "Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Snows"
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti will be the Catholic Chaplain for scientists researching in Antarctica for the month of December. He is providing CUA with weekly updates of his second journey to this frigid continent along with a brief reflection. This week Msgr. Rossetti celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the McMurdo Station chapel. His weekly missives may be found here.
Dr. Robert Miller published article in Biblical Interpretation
Dr. Robert D. Miller's article "Solomon the Trickster," has appeared in Biblical Interpretation 19 (2011): 496-504. The article investigates the biblical character of Solomon using the literary category of trickster to bring out nuances in the text's presentation of this figure.
Project Evaluation: Peter J. Murphy
Project Evaluation of Peter J. Murphy for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Theological College featured in NCR article
Father Phillip J. Brown, rector of Theological College in Washington, happily reports that TC is enjoying full enrollment this academic year. Enrollment is so high that the seminary has been sending qualified candidates to other seminaries. Fr. Brown celebrated this new trend saying, "it's a very healthy sign, a positive sign for Theological College and for the U.S. priesthood." The full story can be found here.
Msgr. McPartlan in Rome for meetings
Msgr. Paul McPartlan was in Rome 21-25 November for a meeting of the Joint Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, and then also from 28 November to 2 December for the annual plenary meeting of the International Theological Commission.
Professor Frank J. Matera published article
Professor Frank J. Matera's article "The Theology of the Epistle to the Hebrews," has appeared in Reading the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Resource for Students, edited by Eric F. Mason and Kevin B. McCruden (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2011), 189-208. The article investigates the Christology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology of the Letter to the Hebrews.
Dr. John Grabowski participated in Pontifical Assembly for Family
Dr. John Grabowski took part in the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome from November 29 - December 1st, led by Cardinal Ennio Antonelli. The meeting was devoted to a discussion of the 30th Anniversary of the Pope John Paul's Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris consortio — both it's reception and implementation. Click here for the full story.
Dr. Mardaga delivered paper at the SBL-meeting in San Francisco on November 11th 2010
Dr. Mardaga participated in a session of the John, Jesus and History group. She delivered a paper entitled "Bis repetita placent!" Her paper considered some reflections on repetition, orality and John 18:36.
Dissertation Defense: Rev. Samuel Kucer
Final Examination of Rev. Samuel Kucer for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 2:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Former Dean Lectures at Boston College
Msgr. Irwin lectured on the topic of "Eucharistic Adoration" at Boston College's Center for the Church in the 21st Century on Thursday November 17th. This was the last in a year long series of lectures on the Eucharist.
Msgr. Irwin's Keynote Address published
The keynote address which Msgr. Irwin delivered at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians national meeting in Louisville in July has been published in the November 2001 issue of Pastoral Music entitled "A New Missal and a New Translation: How Did We Get Here?"
Pope praises September Symposium
Pope Benedict XVI praised CUA for its September symposium entitled "The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization" in his Nov. 26, 2011 comments to U.S. Bishops on a visit to Region II. The Holy Father linked the general efforts of American Catholic universities to strengthen their sense of Catholic mission with this symposium. "Young people," the Pope taught, "have a right to hear clearly the Church's teaching and, most importantly, to be inspired by the coherence and beauty of the Christian message, so that they in turn can instill in their peers a deep love of Christ and his Church." The symposium was cosponsored by The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the School of Theology and Religious Studies. The full text for his address can be found here.
Dr. Robert Miller publishes Templeton Lecture online
Dr. Robert Miller, SFO, has published his lecture "What the Bible Can Contribute to an Understanding of Divine Creation," given for the John R. Templeton Foundation lecture series "Atom + Eve: Using Science in Pastoral Ministry," organized by Joseph F. Wimmer and Darrell P. Domning, online at http://atompluseve.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Miller_talk.pdf. Dr. Miller's essay examines the theological and philosophical content of the biblical creation accounts, illustrating the value and depth of these accounts when not read as science or history.
Fr. Nicholas Lombardo, O.P., gives lectures in Rome
Fr. Nicholas Lombardo gave two lectures over Thanksgiving break at the Gregorian University in Rome. His first lecture was entitled "Boredom and Its Discontents: Looking at a modern phenomenon with Aquinas." It analyzed the contemporary experience of boredom with some help from Aquinas's philosophy and theology of the emotions. His second lecture, "Redemption as Ransom: The crucifixion in patristic theology," discussed theological interpretations of the crucifixion in early Christianity.
Dr. William Dinges delivers lecture on "Religion in American Culture"
Dr. William Dinges delivered a lecture on "Religion in American Culture" on November 28th at the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC. The lecture was given to a delegation of Muslim religious leaders from Yemen and under the auspices of the Institute's International Visitor Leadership Program. A question and answer session followed Dr. Dinges' talk.
Project Evaluation: Rev. Bassam Saade
Project Evaluation of Rev. Bassam Saade for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dr. Christopher Born interviewed by Voice of America News
Voice of America News
visited campus and interviewed Dr. Christopher Born in assessing the role of American civil religion in the recent Occupy Wall Street movement. Dr. Born argued that a battle is taking place between "the civil religion of the bankers and the one of everyone else."The article and video (found here) have been syndicated in a wide array of newspapers across the globe.
Dr. John Finnis gives lecture at CUA
The School of Theology and Religious Studies hosted Dr. John Finnis, professor of law and legal studies at the University of Notre Dame on Monday, Nov. 14. Dr. Finnis gave a lecture entitled "The Political Common Good: Limited and Subordinate." Relying on the work of St. Thomas Aquinas and recent Magisterial texts on the common good, Dr. Finnis explored the scope and source of the limitations of the political common good. Dr. Finnis entertained a series of questions and then greeted guests at the reception immediately following the lecture. Video from the lecture can be found here.
Dr. Tarmo Toom participates at AAR annual meeting
Dr. Tarmo Toom, a member of the Steering Committee of Augustine and the Augustiniansims Group, participated at the AAR's Annual Meeting in San Francisco (Nov 19-22). This group organized three sessions: jointly with the History of Christianity Section, a discussion of Lewis Ayres' Augustine and the Trinity (Cambridge, 2010) (panelists: Michel Rene Barnes, John Slotemaker, Sarah Coakley and Lewis Ayers responding) (this session had 180 participants!); jointly with the Platonism and Neoplatonism Group, a discussion of the topic From Middle Platonism to Neoplatonism (John Dillon; John Kenney; Sara Rappe); and papers on the theme Decentered Readings of Augustine.
Dr. Robert Miller elected to IBR
Dr. Robert D. Miller II has been elected as a Fellow of the Institute for Biblical Research. Founded in 1970, the IBR's mission is to foster excellence in the pursuit of Biblical Studies within a faith environment through annual conferences, seminars and workshops, and academic publications in the various fields of biblical research.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Attends USCCB Committee Meeting On Sunday November 14
Msgr. Kevin Irwin participated in the all-day meeting of the US Bishops Committee on Divine Worship. With this meeting Msgr. Irwin began his third three-year term as a Consulter to the Committee.
Rev. Regis Armstrong receives Doctor of Humane Letters from Felician College
Rev. Regis J. Armstrong, O.F.M. received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on 8 November from Felician College. This degree recognized his exceptional devotion to the Franciscan life, scholarship, education, and generosity.
Dr. Michael Root presents on ecumenism at clergy convocation
Dr. Michael Root made a series of presentations November 7-8 to the clergy convocation of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown (Pennsylvania) on "Ecumenism: A Principle of Catholic Life and Dogma." Individual presentations covered: The Origins of the Ecumenical Movement; Vatican II and Catholic Teaching on Ecumenism; Ecumenical Dialogues; and A Future for Catholic Ecumenism. Dr. Root emphasized how the history of Catholic ecumenism exemplifies reform and continuity in Catholic teaching and practice.
STRS Graduate Student publishes dissertation
Jason McFarland has edited and expanded his doctoral dissertation for publication, now entitled Announcing the Feast: The Entrance Song in the Mass of the Roman Rite (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2011). This study considers how the entrance song functions within the Roman Rite, what its purpose is, and what can be expressed theologically by means of the text and melody of an entrance song.
Dissertation Defense: Rev. William F. Cleary
Final Examination of Rev. William F. Cleary for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Cardinal Koch gives lecture on Ecumenism
|His Eminence Kurt Cardinal Koch, the President of the Pontifical College on Christian Unity, gave a lecture entitled "Fundamental Aspects of Ecumenism and Future Perspectives" on November 3. His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl welcomed Cardinal Koch to the University and CUA President John Garvey introduced his talk. Cardinal Koch entertained a series of questions and then greeted guests at the reception immediately following the lecture.
Dr. Robert Miller awarded Albright Institute fellowship
Dr. Robert D. Miller II has been named a Senior Associate Fellow to the W. F. Albright Institute for Archaeological Research for the project "Baal, El-Khader, and St. George: An Historical Geography." Over spring break 2012, Dr. Miller will undertake an archaeological investigation of whether Hellenistic or earlier cultic sites of Baal underlie Byzantine and later shrines of St. George and Elijah (both called el-Khader in Arabic) in Israel.
Dr. Christopher Born presents paper at the Conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Dr. Christopher J. Born presented his paper, "The Rosary Belt: Small Market Share, Spillover, and Commitment among North-to-South Catholic Transplants," at the 2011 conference of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion in Milwaukee, WI (October 27-30). The paper investigated changes in specific religious behaviors among Catholics moving into the Diocese of Raleigh, NC and the role a newly acquired minority status may have in these changes.
Dr. William Dinges presents paper at Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Dr. William D. Dinges presented a paper on "Disaffiliation among American Catholics" at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion/Religious Research Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 28-30. This paper compared pre and post Vatican II social and behavioral science studies of disaffiliation patterns and related these findings to social and cultural changes.
Rev. Dr. Micael Witczak and Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra contribute to a Commentary on the Order of the Mass
Two STRS professors contribute to a new, 680-page commentary on the Order of Mass published by Liturgical Press. Rev. Dr. Michael Witczak contributes four articles on the historical evolution of four parts of the Mass: Liturgy of the Word, Preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Prayer III, and the Concluding Rites. Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra contributes an article on the Theology of the Entrance Rites.
A Commentary on the Order of Mass of The Roman Missal A New English Translation. Developed under the Auspices of the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. General Editor Edward Foley. Associate Editors John F. Baldovin, Mary Collins, Joanne M. Pierce. Foreword by His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles. Pp. 680.
STRS Doctoral Students present at Villanova University
Doctoral students from The School of Theology and Religious Studies represented the school well at the 36th International Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies Conference at Villanova University this past weekend Oct. 21-23, 2011. See more...
Msgr. Kevin Irwin Attends Rome Meetings
At the invitation of the Hon. Timothy Fischer, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Msgr. Kevin Irwin attended the seminar on "The Coming Famine: Risks and Solutions for the Food Challenge of the 21st Century" at the Domus Australia on Oct. 1st. The two major presentations were by Dr. Julian Cribb from Australia and the Most Reverend Sanchez Sorondo of the Vatican Pontifical Academy for Science.
On Oct. 25-26 he participated in the international Symposium held at the Gregorian University on "The Genesis of the Anaphoral Institution Narrative in Light of the Anaphora of Addai and Mari."
Acting Dean Fr. Mark Morozowich publishes article in Ecclesia Orans
Fr. Mark Morozowich published an article entitled "Historicism and Egeria: Implications of In Eo Typo" in Ecclesia Orans 27 (2010): 169-182. His investigation into Egergia's use of typus helps emphasize that Palm Sunday processions reflect the presence of Christ in the midst of the celebrating assembly. This understanding can help us see liturgical acts as works of Christ rather than merely as historical reenactments.
Dr. John Grabowski attends Thomistic Circles Conference
Dr. John Graboswki attended the Thomistic Circles Conference, "Christian Marriage: Nature and Sacrament" on Oct. 21-22, 2011 which was held at the Dominican House of Studies. The conference was a symposium which drew upon the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas to address contemporary challenges to marriage both as a natural and a sacramental reality.
Dr. David A. Bosworth publishes article in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly
David A. Bosworth published "Faith and Resilience: King David's Reaction to the Death of Bathsheba's Firstborn" in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 73 (2011) 691-707. The article applies research on human resilience to explain David's behavior in 2 Samuel 12:13-25. The essay argues that David is neither heroic nor villainous in this episode, but manifests ordinary resilience that derives from a combination of factors, both extrinsic (e.g., high infant mortality) and intrinsic (e.g., his practical piety).
STRS Alumnus Appointed Archbishop of Manila
STRS congratulates Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Imus, Philippines, for being appointed Archbishop of Manila on October 13. See more...
Fr. John T. Ford presents paper at National Council of Churches
John T. Ford csc, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, presented a paper on "Ecclesial Identities and Ecumenical Approaches" at a meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches, October 13 and 14, in Pasadena, California. The essay examined three ecclesial preferences--recapitulative, reformulative, reinvigorative--and discussed their relationship to three approaches in the contemporary ecumenical movement: Faith and Order, Life and Work, Unity in Mission.
Dissertation Defense: Brendan T. Sammon
Final Examination of Brendan T. Sammon for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dr. Miller gives Lecture at Université de Strasbourg
Dr. Robert Miller gave a seminar entitled, "Orality and Performance in Ancient Israel" for the Catholic Theological Faculty at the University of Strasbourg, France, on March 13th. This lecture highlighted his recently-published research on the way oral literature thrives in literate societies and how oral and written forms of literature would have coexisted in ancient Israel. He also used ancient Near Eastern and ethnographic evidence to suggest ways oral prose and narrative poetry were performed in Israel and Judah.
Fr. Heil Publishes New Book on the Letter to the Hebrews
STRS Professor John Paul Heil's latest book entitled Worship in the Letter to the Hebrews has been published by Wipf and Stock in the Cascade Books series. This close examination of Hebrews through the lens of worship is intended to inform and enrich the worship of Christians today. Hebrews presents important and unique points about worship not found in any other New Testament writing. The goal is to illustrate and illuminate these points for the benefit of those who desire to deepen their worship as Christians by deepening their understanding of the magnificent literary masterpiece that the poetically lively letter to the Hebrews articulates for all Christians.
Dr. Joshua Benson publishes article in Collectanea Franciscana
Dr. Joshua Benson published an article entitled, "An unedited principium: Fons sapientiae Verbum Dei in excelsis. Introduction and Text" in Collectanea Franciscana 81 (2011): 71-100. This essay offers an edition from a single manuscript of the previously unedited inaugural sermon, Fons sapientiae Verbum Dei in excelsis. In a future publication, Dr. Benson will argue that the sermon belongs to the Franciscan, John Pecham (d. 1292). The sermon is also an early witness to the reception of Bonaventure's De reductione.
Dr. Susan Wessel publishes article in St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly
Dr. Susan Wessel recently published "The Theology of Agape in Maximus the Confessor" in St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly, 2011. The article considers how the particular characteristics of and challenges presented by relationships experienced during the process of the ascetic struggle transform the capacity to love. It concludes that the disposition of love deepens along the path formed by such human experiences and, in the process, re-shapes the self.
The School of Theology and Religious Studies mourns death of seminarian Michael P. Fallon
The School of Theology and Religious Studies joins in mourning the death of seminarian Michael P. Fallon of Theological College. Michael was studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington and was in his first year of theological studies at the University. There will be a viewing on Friday, October 14th from 9:30am-10:45am followed by a funeral Mass at 11am at the Church of the Resurrection, 3175 Paulskirk Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042. The interment and reception will follow at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 1200 Saint Michael's Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771. Please join us in prayer for the repose of his soul.
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti and Dr. Joseph White speak at Symposium on the Priesthood
The School of Theology and Religious Studies co-sponsored, in conjunction with the Theological College and Saint Luke Institute, a day long symposium October 5th on Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's new book: Why Priests are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests. See more...
Dr. Robert Miller Speaking in Strasbourg
On 11 October 2011, Dr. Robert Miller will present "Tracking the Dragon Across the Ancient Near East" to the 6th International Conference on Comparative Mythology to be held in Strasbourg, France.
Dr. Pim Valkenberg publishes article about Pope Benedict's second book on Jesus
Dr. Pim Valkenberg recently published an article in German titled "Reading Scripture with the Church" on the way in which Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) uses the tradition of the "mysteries of the life of Christ" in his recent (2011) book on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The article also pays attention to the reception of this book in the United States of America, and more specifically to the way in which Ratzinger's approach inspired by Patristic exegesis finds resonance with developments in the American ecumenical world summarized as "theological exegesis".
Pim Valkenberg, " 'Die Schrift mit der Kirche lesen': Joseph Ratzinger, die Tradition der Geheimnisse des Lebens Jesu und 'theologische Exegese' in Amerika," in: Der Jesus des Papstes: Passion, Tod und Auferstehung im Disput, Hermann Häring (Hg.), Berlin: Litt Verlag, 2011, S. 37-54.
Dr. John Grabowski gives address at 2011 Marriage Summit.
Dr. John S. Grabowski gave a keynote address on October 1 entitled "'Male and Female He Made Them' . . . Sexual Difference and the Vocation to Love" at the 2011 Marriage Summit sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington on CUA's campus. The presentation examined the way in which sexual difference is integral to the human person and to the vocation of marriage and religious celibacy.
Fr. Mark celebrates Dean's Vespers at Ukrainian Catholic Shrine
|Fr. Mark Morozowich presided at Dean's Vespers on Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. Students in the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music directed by Dr. Leo Nestor provided excellent musical accompaniment. Vespers were followed by a reception in the Shrine's auditorium downstairs.
Dr. Pim Valkenberg publishes two articles on Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)
Dr. Pim Valkenberg has published an article entitled "Learned Ignorance and Faithful Interpretation of the Qur`an in Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)" in Learned Ignorance: Intellectual Humility among Jews, Christians, and Muslims (Oxford University Press, 2011). The article explores Nicholas of Cusa's contributions in understanding the relationship between "learned ignorance and a faithful interpretation of sacred writings from other religions."
A few months ago, Dr. Valkenberg published another article on Cusanus, titled "Sifting the Qur' an: Two Forms of Interreligious Hermeneutics in Nicholas of Cusa" in: Interreligious Hermeneutics in Pluralistic Europe, edited by David Cheetham and others (Amsterdam – New York: Editions Rodopi, 2011). The central focus in this article is Cusa's Cribratio Alkorani¸a Christian theological approach to the Qur'an written a few years after the conquest of Constantinople by sultan Mehmed the conquerer. In this book, Nicholas of Cusa tries to find a pia interpretatio (faithful interpretation) of the Qur'an that does justice to the glory of God without detracting from the honor due to Christ.
Dr. Miller Elected to Philosophical Society
STRS Professor Robert D. Miller has been elected as member of the Washington Philosophical Society, the oldest scientific society in D.C., founded in 1871.
Dissertation Defense: Jonathan Bi Fan Cai
Final Examination of Jonathan Bi Fan Cai for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on September 23, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Msgr. Paul McPartlan Speaking in Illinois
On 16-17 September 2011, Msgr. Paul McPartlan gave two talks in the Church of St Rose of Lima, Kankakee, IL, one on "Praying the Mass" to parishioners from there and neighbouring parishes, and one on "Being the Body of Christ" to those involved in parish ministries.
STRS Faculty and Alums at New Evangelization Conference
At the invitation of Cardinal Wuerl, CUA Chancellor, over fifty pretenured professors of Theology met with members of the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to hear speakers and to dialogue about "The Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization." Among them were STRS faculty Drs. Bosworth, Lombardo, Mardaga, Mattison, Pecknold and Ruddy and ten recent alums. Among the presenters were Rev. Dr. Frank Matera and Rev. Msgr. Kevin Irwin. Msgr. Irwin helped to plan the Conference with the USCCB leadership and STRS cosponsored the Conference which was underwritten by a generous grant from the Knights of Columbus.
Dr. Tarmo Toom to address Ecumenical Forum.
Dr. Tarmo Toom will address an ecumenical forum at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church (Fredericksburg, VA) about the history and the historical context of the King James Bible translation on its 400th-anniversary on Monday, Sept. 19. The event will be open to the public.
Dr. Dominic Serra publishes article in Liturgical Ministry
Dr. Dominic Serra published "The Roman Missal through the Centuries." Liturgical Ministry 20 (2011): 105-116. This article traces the main lines of the historical evolution of the collection of books that make up the Roman Missal. These include the lectionaries, the graduals and antiphonals, and the sacramentary.
Dr. Robert Miller publishes New Book on Oral Tradition
STRS Associate Professor, Dr. Robert Miller, has published a new book, Oral Tradition in Ancient Israel (Cascade Books, 2011). Providing a comprehensive study of "oral tradition" in Israel, this volume unpacks the nature of oral tradition, the form it would have taken in ancient Israel, and the remains of it in the narrative books of the Old Testament.
SOAR! Appoints New Board of Director
During this past summer, Fr. Richard R. De Lillio, OSFS was appointed to the Board of Directors of Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR! ). With offices in Washington, DC, SOAR! is a national organization committed to ensuring safety and comfort for elderly and infirm members of the Catholic religious congregations in the United States. Founded in 1986, SOAR! has awarded nearly $15 million in financial assistance grants to congregations to help care for their aging members. Fr. De Lillio will serve a three year term 2011-2014.
Fr. De Lillio, along with the other twenty Board members, will oversee the business and affairs of SOAR! which succinctly means " to assist ….financially distressed Roman Catholic religious by educating the general public regarding the plight of such religious…to foster in the development of mass efforts including fundraising, for the purpose of enabling such religious to retire with dignity and economic security."
"We are happy to announce the appointment of Father De Lillio to the board of SOAR! His many years of experience in administration and fundraising will be a complement to the board of directors," commented Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, SOAR! President.
Fr. De Lillio, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, has recently returned to Catholic University after a twenty year hiatus. During his absence he served the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as the Province Development Director. During that 12 year period, he helped build the Oblate Retirement Fund.
In 2003 he began a six year term as President of the Oblate sponsored Nativity Preparatory School, a tuition free middle school serving low income inner city boys in Wilmington Delaware. Returning to Catholic University during this past spring semester, Fr. De Lillio presently teaches homiletics as part of CUA's pastoral faculty.
Fr. Mark Morozowich, Acting Dean, Speaks at World Wide Gathering of Ukrainian Catholics
On September 3, 2011, Fr. Mark Morozowich, Acting Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies addressed the Fifth Patriarchal Sobor (International Council) of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Fr. Morozowich's talk is entitled: The Church's Rule of Prayer as the Source of Liturgical and Spiritual Direction of Consecrated Religious Persons.
In order to accentuate the international character and presence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, delegates met in Prudentopolis, Brazil to address the issues related to religious and monastic life of the church.
Dr. David Bosworth Publishes Article in Seitenblicke
David Bosworth's article "'David Comforted Bathsheba' (2 Sam 12:24): Gender and Parental Bereavement" was published in Seitenblicke. Litararische und historische Studien zu Nebenfiguren im zweiten Samuelbuch (ed. Walter Dietrich; Orbis et Orientalis 249; Vandenhoek and Ruprecht: Göttingen, 2011) 238-55.
Consolation literature presents David's resilient reaction as ideal and ignores Bathsheba's response, which seems to involve significant grief and recovery. The article describes the contrasting reactions of David and Bathsheba and draws on modern research into parental bereavement and gender differences to show that both reactions have value and consolation literature should not provide David as a model to the exclusion of Bathsheba.
Dr. David Bosworth Presents Paper at Catholic Biblical Association
David Bosworth presented a paper "'My Eyes Flow with Tears': The Function of Weeping in Lamentation" at the 74th Annual Meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association at Assumption College in Worcester, MA. The paper draws on modern scientific investigations of crying that understand crying as a sign of crisis and plea for help when significant attachments (e.g., relationships) are lost or threatened and applies these insights to passages in biblical laments that speak of weeping. By means of the motif of weeping, the texts verbalize a powerful nonverbal plea for empathy and thereby engage the reader in the suffering of the speaker.
Dr. William Dinges Publishes Article in Symposium Reviews of Recent Books
Dr. William Dinges has published an article in the Symposium Reviews of Recent Books in American Catholic History in the U.S. Catholic Historian. Dr. Dinges' article is a critical commentary on Steve Rosswurm's, The FBI and the Catholic Church: 1935-1962 (Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 2009), in U.S. Catholic Historian 29, 2 (Spring 2011): 79-81.
Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra and James Sabak, OFM Deliver Papers at the Biennial Congress of the Soicietas Liturgica in Reims
Rev. Dr. Dominic Serra attended the biennial congress of the Societas Liturgica in Reims, France August 8-14 and delivered a paper entitled "History and Theology of Baptismal Chrismation at Rome and Milan: Past Assumptions and New Directions."
The paper establishes the dependence of the chrismation formula in Ambrose, the Mai fragment, and the Gelasian Sacramentary upon the Verona palimpsest of the Apostolic Tradition thus generating a new theory about the relationship between Roman and Milanese chrismation in the fourth century.
Ph.D. Candidate, James Sabak OFM, attended the same congress of Societas Liturgica and presented the paper, "Baptismal Mystagogy in Context: A Comparison of the Various Contexts Which Shaped Ambrose of Milan and Cyril of Jerusalem." The paper demonstrates that the responses of Ambrose and Cyril to the Arian crisis in their respective sees shaped the content and tenor of their mystagogical catecheses.
Dr. Chad C. Pecknold Publishes Article in Pro Ecclesia
Dr. Pecknold recently published "Beyond our Intentions: An Augustinian Reading of Hannah's Child," Pro Ecclesia: A Journal of Catholic and Evangelical Theology 20:3 (Summer 2011), an article assessing the life and work of Stanley Hauerwas, the man Time magazine called "America's Best Theologian."
Dr. Tarmo Toom Gives Paper on Authorial Intention
In August, Dr. Tarmo Toom gave a paper titled "Was Augustine an Intentionalist? Augustine on Authorial Intention" at the 16th International Conference on Patristic Studies in Oxford, UK. The paper was about the relative importance Augustine attributes to (human) authorial intention in determining the meaning(s) of the scriptural texts.
Dr. John S. Grabowski Presents on Marriage-Building
Dr. John Grabowski gave a presentation titled "Marriage: Covenant, Sacrament, Communion" at The 2011 Marriage-Building Construction Zone International Conference hosted by Marquette University. The conference was sponsored by the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers and the USCCB.
The presentation explored the biblical basis of the Church's understanding of marriage, key aspects of its theological development, and some practical implications for those who live the vocation of marriage and those who minister to them.
Rev. John T. Ford, C.S.C., Publishes Article from National Newman Association Annual Conference
Dr. John Ford attended the annual conference of the National Newman Association at St. Anselm's College, Manchester, NH, July 28-30; his article, "Blessed John Henry Newman" was published in the August "Monthly Reflection Series" of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.
Rt. Rev. James Wiseman, OSB and Dr. Robert Miller Receive Grant from John Templeton Foundation
Professors Rt. Rev. James Wiseman, OSB and Dr. Robert Miller are among the recipients of a $100,000 grant from the John Templeton Foundation to the Washington Theological Consortium Religion and Scholars Group.
The grant, "Adam + Eve: Using Science in Pastoral Ministry," will fortify those active in Roman Catholic pastoral ministry with transformative academic resources to help them intertwine issues of science and faith together in their work as preachers, teachers, and other capacities of church leadership. The program involves four task forces, sixteen essays, and four public conferences. Professors Wiseman and Miller will present in the first conference, "The Origin of the Universe," on November 12, along with scientists Dr. Stephen Barr and Dr. Sten Odenwald.
Dr. Michael Root Lecture Published in Bulletin of the Centro pro Unione
Dr. Michael Root's presentation titled "Indulgences as Ecumenical Barometer: Penitence and Unity in titled the Christian Life" was published in Bulletin of the Centro pro Unione (Rome) 39 (Spring 2011), pp. 3-9. The essay, originally a public lecture at the Centro pro Unione in Rome, looks at indulgences ecumenically in the light of recent discussions. The concepts of temporal punishment and the question of the church's authority in granting indulgences is analyzed.
Dr. Joshua C. Benson Publishes Article in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly
Dr. Joshua Benson published an article entitled, "Bonaventure's De reductione artium ad theologiam and Its Early Reception as an Inaugural Sermon," in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly 85:1 (2011) pp. 7-24. Dr. Benson argues that an inaugural sermon of a master of theology at Paris from last third of the thirteenth century knew the Reduction of the Arts when it still functioned as part of an inaugural sermon and had not yet become an independent text.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti Publishes Article in Seminary Journal
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti recently published an article entitled, "The Psychological Health of Priests Today: Myths and Facts." It is in Seminary Journal Vol 15:3 pp. 69-77. The article discusses a number of popular myths about the psychological health of Catholic priests in the United States and counters them with statistics from his eight year survey research project on priestly health and well being.
Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin Speaks at National Convention
Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, former Dean of STRS, spoke this week at the National Association of Pastoral Musicians convention in Louisville, Kentucky. On Monday, August 18, 2011, he delivered a lecture in memory of Rev. Robert Hovda entitled, "A New Translation of the Missal of Paul VI." On Tuesday, August 19, 2011, he delivered the plenary address to over three thousand participants on "A New Missal and a New Translation: How Did We Get Here?"
Rev. Christopher Begg Delivers Invited Paper in Budapest, Hungary
Rev. Dr. Christopher Begg attended the International Conference on the Phenomenon of "Rewritten Bible" held at the Theological Faculty of the Caspar Karol: Reformed University, Budapest, Hungary from July 10-13, 2011. He also delivered an invited paper, "Josephus' Rewriting of Genesis 24 in Ant. 1. 242-255."
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti Named Associate Dean for Seminary and Ministerial Programs
Rev. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti has graciously accepted to serve as the Associate Dean for Seminary and Ministerial Studies. His broad expertise in pastoral formation and training plus his extensive administrative experience will be of great service to The School of Theology and Religious Studies and to the University. "His many talents and gifts will enrich our seminary and ministerial programs," says Rev. Morozowich. "I personally look forward to collaborating with him."
President Garvey Appoints Rev. Mark Morozowich Acting Theology Dean
John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, has appointed Rev. Mark Morozowich as acting dean of The School of Theology and Religious Studies, effective July 1, 2011 and until the appointment of a permanent dean.
Rev. Morozowich joined the theology and religious studies faculty in 2003 as an assistant professor of liturgical studies and sacramental theology. He also served as associate dean of seminary and ministerial programs, a position he held since July 2006. Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, who served as dean of The School of Theology and Religious Studies since August 2005, stepped down from the position on June 30, 2011.
"Catholic Univeristy is pleased that Fr. Morozowich has accepted the postion of acting dean," says Provost James Brennan. "Please join me in expressing our gratitude for his willingness to serve the University in this capacity."
STRS Graduate Student has Paper Published
Squires, Stuart Squires, a doctoral candidate in historical theology published: "Contra Academicos as Autobiography: a Critique of the Historiography on Augustine's First Extant Dialogue." Scottish Journal of Theology 63, no. 3 [2011]: 251-264.
Rev. John Ford Publishes (2) Articles on John Henry Newman
- "Newman's Reasonable Approach to Faith," Newman Studies Journal 8/1 (Spring 2011): 56-66.
- "John Henry Newman, Life" in New Catholic Encyclopedia: Supplement 2011, 2:601-608. Edited by Robert L. Fastiggi, Detroit: Gale, 2011.
Rev. John Ford Presents Papers on John Henry Newman
- "Newman's Apologia as a Journal of his Conversions" at the convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America on Friday, June 10, 2011 in San José, CA.
- Workshop Presentations (June 20-24, 2011): "Newman Spirituality for Today," St. Vincent Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL.
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti publishes New Article in Origins Journal
Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti gave the keynote address at the National Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Coordinators Conference in Burlington, VT on May 2, 2011. His talk was entitled: "Making Children and Young People our Priority." The talk was subsequently published in Origins, June 9, 2011, Vol 41:5, pp. 74-80. The link is: originsplus.catholicnews.com/databases/origins/41/05/4105.pdf.
Msgr. Paul McPartlan Speaking to Ordinariate Clergy
Rev. Msgr. Paul McPartlan is giving a presentation on the Eucharist to the clergy of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham on June 21, 2011 at Allen Hall, Chelsea, London. Approximately sixty former Anglican clergy were ordained as Catholic priests in a number of English dioceses around Pentecost.
Appointment of New St. Anselm's Abbot
On Thursday, June 16, 2011, the monks of St. Anselm Abbey (Washington, D.C.) elected our colleague James Wiseman STD, Ordinary Professor of Spirituality, as their new abbot. Abbot James will continue to teach at CUA for fall 2011, but will resign from the faculty effective Dec. 31st. Congratulations to Abbot James and our deepest thanks for his service to STRS spanning over a quarter of a century. Ad multos annos!
Dean to Participate in RC - Methodist Dialogue
Msgr. Kevin Irwin will participate in the next round of semi-annual discussions by the Roman Catholic - United Methodist Dialogue on Eucharist and Ecology from Tuesday, June 21-Thursday, June 23rd at St. Paul's College, Washington, D.C. The participants will discuss the draft of a proposed final agreed statement tentatively entitled, "Heaven And Earth Are Full of Your Glory."
CUA STRS Members Featured in Eucharist Article
Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Fr. Jude De Angelo, and Brett Garlend (STRS major) were featured in a recent article on eucharistic adoration by the Religious News Service. The link is: http://t.co/xQTUINH.
Dr. White Presented Papers, Published Article
STRS Professor Joseph M. White presented a paper at the Mariological Society of America annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ, on May 18, titled "Mary Immaculate as National Patroness: A New Perspective on the Decision of the Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore, (1846)" and a paper titled "Indiana's Catholic Print Culture and Anti-Catholic Movements of the 1920s" at the annual meeting of the American Catholic Historical Association, January 7, 2011 in Boston. His article "Path to Sainthood and Episcopal Leadership: Mother Theodore Guérin and Bishop Célestin de la Hailandière in History and Memory" was published in U.S. Catholic Historian (Winter, 2011).
Msgr McPartlan in Crete for Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue
Msgr Paul McPartlan is in Rethymno, Crete, from 13-18 June, for the meeting of a subcommission of the international Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. As decided at the last plenary meeting of the dialogue in Vienna in September 2010, the subcommission will consider theological and ecclesiological aspects of primacy in relation to synodality.
Dr. Pecknold Presented Paper at Summer Institute
STRS Professor Chad C. Pecknold presented a paper titled "Catholic Social Thought as Trinitarian Theology: Person, Communion and Gift" at The Summer Institute on Catholic Social Thought on June 6, 2011.
Fr. Witczak talks on Eucharistic Spirituality and the Ars Celebrandi
Assistant Professor Michael Witczak gave a keynote address on June 9, 2011, at the Ministry Days convocation of the Diocese of Winona, "Eucharistic Spirituality and the Ars Celebrandi." He also addressed the priests of Winona later that same day, "The Ars Celebrandi and the Spirituality of Priests."
Dean Lectures in the United Kingdom
After meetings last week in Rome with officials in the Sacred Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith and Divine Worship, Msgr. Kevin Irwin is now in the UK to deliver lectures for the clergy at the invitation of Archbishop Vincent Nichols of the Archdiocese of Westminster and Bishop Arthur Roache of the Diocese of Leeds. The theme for the series of talks about the sacred liturgy is Mediated Immediacy: Sacramentality and The Matter of Words.
Dr. Pecknold Elected as Member of the Academy of Catholic Theology
STRS Professor Chad C. Pecknold attended the annual Academy of Catholic Theology conference in Washington, DC from May 24-26, where he was also elected as a member.
STRS celebrates 2011 Commencement Excercises
The 2011 Commencement Excersises was one of the largest ones in the School's history, with over twenty five students receiving the Ph.D. degree. Follow the link above to see a list of graduates and a slideshow of the ceremony.
Dr. Grabowski attends Academy of Catholic Theology Conference
STRS Professor John Grabowski attended the fourth annual Academy of Catholic Theology conference in Washington, DC from May 24-26.
STRS Alum presents Papers at two Conferences
Matthew Halbach, a PhD candidate in RE/ Catechetics, will be presenting a paper titled: "Suffering and the Divine Paideia in the Christian Anthropologies of St. Augustine and John Paul II" at the 46th annual Medieval Congress held at Western Michigan University, and another paper titled: "Transforming Violence into Love: Compassionate Suffering in the Thought of Simone Weil" at the College Theology Society conference.
STRS Alum to Join the SEIA Staff
Dr. Anthony Cirelli, who earned his PhD from STRS, joins The Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs as an Associate Director. Dr. Cirelli was at St. John's University in New York, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology. Dr. Cirelli has published various book reviews, articles and conference presentations, and received the Center for Teaching and Learning Fellowship award at St. John's University. His particular areas of research include: Theological Anthropology, Hans Urs von Balthasar, 20th century Catholic thought and Patristics. Among other responsibilities he will staff the Reform-Catholic Dialogue and Muslim-Catholic Relations. Dr. Cirelli begins his new position in September.
Dr. Jones publishes new Journal Article
Jones, Charles B. "Pì xiè jí: Collected Refutations of Heterodoxy by Ouyi Zhixu (1599–1655)," in Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. 3rd series, no. 11 (2011), p. 351-407.
Dr. Miller publishes article on Method in Biblical Scholarship
Dr. Miller published an article entitled, "Once More: Minimalism, Maximalism, and Objectivity," in the open-access journal Bible and Interpretation, online at http://www.bibleinterp.com/opeds/miller358004.shtml.
Msgr. Irwin publishes New Article in Origins Journal
Msgr. Kevin Irwin has published an article titled, "Toward a New Liturgical Movement" in the April 2011 issue of Origins journal, Volume 40 Number 46.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin to Step-Down as Dean of STRS
Msgr. Irwin will leave his post this June after serving two terms as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies. All in STRS extend their gratitude to Msgr. Irwin for his dedicated service to the School. For more details, click here.
Fr. Heil publishes chapter in The Blackwell Companion to Paul
Fr. Heil published a chapter entitled "Paul and the Believers of Western Asia" in The Blackwell Companion to Paul, edited by Stephen Westerholm (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011), pp. 79-92.
Fr. Morozowich publishes article on the Mystery of the Resurrection
Fr. Morozowich published an article entitled, "The Mystery of the Resurrection: Lent - Easter – Pentecost," Assembly: A Journal of Liturgical Theology 37:3 (2011) 34-41.
STRS Congratulates 2011 Fellowship Winners
Congratulations to both Amy Tiilikainen (Church History) who has been awarded a Hubbard Dissertation Fellowship for 2011-2012, and to Kelly M. Wilson (Biblical Studies) who has been awarded a Doheny Dissertation Fellowship for 2011.
Dr. Wessel publishes New Book on St. Leo of Catania
STRS Professor, Dr. Susan Wessel, has published a new book, The Greek Life of St. Leo bishop of Catania (BHG 981b), Text and Notes by Alexander Alexakis. Translation by Susan Wessel (Société des Bollandistes: Brussels, 2011).
Msgr. Rossetti publishes Presentation in Origins
Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti PhD DMin, clinical associate professor in STRS, gave a presentation at the clergy convocation of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on February 25th. The talk was republished in Origins, April 14, 2011 Vol 40 (44), pp. 713-723.
Msgr. Irwin publishes New Article in Origins Journal
Msgr. Kevin Irwin has published an article titled, "Toward a New Liturgical Movement" in the April 2011 issue of Origins journal, Volume 40 Number 46.
Fr. Heil publishes chapter in The Blackwell Companion to Paul
Fr. Heil published a chapter entitled "Paul and the Believers of Western Asia" in The Blackwell Companion to Paul, edited by Stephen Westerholm (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011), pp. 79-92.
Fr. Wiseman speaks on the Last Words of Christ
Fr. James Wiseman spoke on the Seven Last Words of Christ at a noon service on Good Friday at St. Matthew's Cathedral here in Washington, DC.
Fr. Morozowich publishes article on the Mystery of the Resurrection
Fr. Morozowich published an article entitled, "The Mystery of the Resurrection: Lent - Easter – Pentecost," Assembly: A Journal of Liturgical Theology 37:3 (2011) 34-41.
Dissertation Defense: Joseph Sladky
Final Examination of Joseph F. X. Sladky for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 27, 2011 at 9:00 am in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: James Addison
Final Examination of James Ridgeway Addison for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Daesup Kim
Final Examination of Rev. Daesup Kim for the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology on April 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: John Romanowsky
Final Examination of John Romanowsky for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Todd Scribner
Final Examination of Todd Scribner for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 15, 2011 at 3:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Dan Hoang
Final Examination of Dan Hoang for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm in Caldwell Hall room 125.
Dissertation Defense: SunAe Lee-Koo
Final Examination of SunAe Lee-Koo for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 15, 2011 at 10:00 am in Caldwell Hall room 331.
Dissertation Defense: Adam Plescia
Final Examination of Adam V. Plescia for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 14, 2011 at 2:30 pm in Caldwell Hall room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Geertruida de Moor
Final Examination of Geertruida de Moor for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 14, 2011 at 1:30 pm in Caldwell Hall room 331.
Msgr. Kevin Irwin to Step-Down as Dean of STRS
Msgr. Irwin will leave his post this June after serving two terms as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies. All in STRS extend their gratitude to Msgr. Irwin for his dedicated service to the School. For more details, click here.
STRS Congratulates 2011 Fellowship Winners
Congratulations to both Amy Tiilikainen (Church History) who has been awarded a Hubbard Dissertation Fellowship for 2011-2012, and to Kelly M. Wilson (Biblical Studies) who has been awarded a Doheny Dissertation Fellowship for 2011.
Dr. Wessel publishes New Book on St. Leo of Catania
STRS Professor, Dr. Susan Wessel, has published a new book, The Greek Life of St. Leo bishop of Catania (BHG 981b), Text and Notes by Alexander Alexakis. Translation by Susan Wessel (Société des Bollandistes: Brussels, 2011).
Msgr. Rossetti publishes Presentation in Origins
Msgr Stephen J. Rossetti PhD DMin, clinical associate professor in STRS, gave a presentation at the clergy convocation of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on February 25th. The talk was republished in Origins, April 14, 2011 Vol 40 (44), pp. 713-723.
Fr. Morozowich publishes article on First Millennium Jerusalem Holy Week
Fr. Morozowich published an article entitled, "Jerusalem Celebration of Great Week Evening Services from Monday to Wednesday in the First Millennium," Studi sull'Oriente Cristiano 14 (2010) 99-126.
Dr. Pecknold speaks at DePaul University's "World Catholicism Week," April 11-14th
The theme for World Catholicism Week 2011 is the unity and diversity of Catholic faith throughout the globe. Dr. Pecknold spoke on the contribution of Augustine to contemporary discourse on "catholicity" as a mark of the church.
STRS Student publishes Paper in Journal of Ecumenical Studies
Anastacia Wooden, a graduate student in STRS, has recently published the article, "Eucharistic Ecclesiology of Nicolas Afanasiev and Its Ecumenical Significance" in the Journal of Ecumenical Studies 45, 4 (2010): 543-560.
Dr. Ruddy gives Lecture at Bellarmine University
Christopher Ruddy delivered the Rev. Vernon Robertson Annual Lecture at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky on March 31st; the title of his lecture was "Truth vs. Love?: Yves Congar and Hans Küng on Reforming the Church." He then gave two conferences--on church reform and on the ordained priesthood--to the monastic community at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky on April 1-2.
Fr. Wiseman Interviewed for TV Special
Fr. James Wiseman is among the scholars interviewed in a new two-hour documentary titled The Asian and Abrahamic Religions: A Divine Encounter in America. The film will be shown on public television nationwide this month (airing on WETA in the Washington, DC, area on Sunday, April 3, from 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m.).
Dissertation Defense: Kristin Witte
Final Examination of Kristin Witte for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on April 13, 2011 at 3:30 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Todd Scribner
Final Examination of Todd Scribner for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 15, 2011 at 3:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Simon Kim
Final Examination of Rev. Simon Kim for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 13, 2011 at 10:00 am in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Chris Born
Final Examination of Christopher James Born for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 18, 2011 at 10:00 am in Caldwell Hall room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Dan Hoang
Final Examination of Dan Hoang for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm in Caldwell Hall room 125.
Dissertation Defense: SunAe Lee-Koo
Final Examination of SunAe Lee-Koo for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 15, 2011 at 10:00 am in Caldwell Hall room 331.
Dissertation Defense: Adam Plescia
Final Examination of Adam V. Plescia for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 14, 2011 at 2:30 pm in Caldwell Hall room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Geertruida de Moor
Final Examination of Geertruida de Moor for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 14, 2011 at 1:30 pm in Caldwell Hall room 331.
Dissertation Defense: Gary Selin
Final Examination of Rev. Gary B. Selin for the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology on April 11, 2011 at 11:00 am in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Julie Burkey
Final Examination of Julie V. Burkey for the degree of Doctor of Ministry on April 13, 2011 at 1:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Pastoral Studies hosts Technology-Theology Roundtable Discussion
Please follow the link above for a synopsis of the discussion.
STRS Alumnus has book Published
The doctoral dissertation of Timothy Milinovich, Now Is the Day of Salvation: An Audience-Oriented Study of 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2, has recently been published by Wipf and Stock in their Pickwick series. Dr. Milinovich graduated from STRS and was directed by Rev. Dr. John Paul Heil.
Dissertation Defense: Clare Wilde
Final Examination of Clare Elena Wilde for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on April 6, 2011 at 2:00 pm in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dr. Grabowski gives Presentation as Part of CUA's Dialogue on Demand Series
STRS Professor John Grabowski gave a presentation at Dialogue on Demand, a program sponsored by CUA's Office of Campus Activities, titled, "Food, Sex, and Drink: Recovering Temperance in a Culture of Excess," at The Catholic University of America on March 29, 2011. Follow the link above for more information on the series.
STRS Doctoral Students publish in Newman Studies Journal
Two STRS doctoral students in historical/systematic theology published essays in a recent issue of the Newman Studies Journal (Volume 8, Number 1, Spring 2011). Mr. Lawrence J. King's article, "Newman and Gasser on Infallibility: Vatican I and Vatican II," (pages 27-39) and Sr. Chau Nguyen's article, "Encountering Truth: Newman's Theological Method in An Essay on the Development of Doctrine," (pages 40-55).
Dissertation Defense: Yolanda Brown
Final Examination of Yoland S. Brown for the degreee of Doctor of Ministry on April 7, 2011 at 9:30 am in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dr. Capizzi presents at Loyola Marymount University
Dr. Joseph Capizzi was part of the event, "War and Peace: An Orthodox-Catholic Conversation," which took place March 25-26. Dr. Capizzi's talk was titled, "On the Structural Coherence of Just War Theory." Follow the link above for more details.
Dr. Jones at International Conference on Buddhism
Dr. Charles B. Jones attended the first international conference "Spreading Buddha's Words in China: the Formation and Transformation of the Chinese Buddhist Canon" at the University of Arizona, Tucson, March 26-27, 2011.
Dr. Grabowski gives Lectures at Assumption College and Steubenville University
Dr. Grabowski recently gave the lecture, "Caught in a Bad Romance? Reexamining Allegations of Romanticization in the Theology of the Body's Account of Sex and Gender," at Assumption College, Worcester, MA on March 21st, then gave a lecture titled, "The Luminous Excess of the Acting Person: Assessing Venerable Pope John Paul II's Impact on American Catholic Moral Theology." at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH on March 22nd.
Fr. Heil Publishes New Book on Paul's Letters
STRS Professor John Paul Heil's new book entitled The Letters of Paul as Rituals of Worship has recently been published by Wipf and Stock in the Cascade Books series. This book focuses on worship in the letters of Paul in an effort to shed some light upon this key theme and bring the various dimensions of its significance into the foreground of Pauline studies. Each of the thirteen New Testament letters attributed to Paul is treated exclusively from the aspect of worship, as understood in its most comprehensive sense in the biblical tradition, with the liturgical and the ethical facets of worship held in dynamic interrelationship. The result is a fresh way of reading and listening to the letters of Paul for a deeper appreciation of their original purpose and message.
STRS Alumnus appointed Director of Huffinton Ecumenical Institute
Former STRS PhD student, Dr. Nicholas Denysenko, has been appointed as the new Director of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute. Dr. Denysenko has taught at The Catholic University of America, George Washington University, and at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He is an ordained deacon of the Orthodox Church in America. His areas of current research include the Blessing of Waters in the Byzantine Rite; Orthodox Ecclesiology in Ordination Rites; Contemporary Pastoral Liturgy; Heortology; The Christmas and Lenten Liturgical cycles; Mariology in Liturgy; the Ukrainian famine of 1932-33 and Faith. He has published many articles in such prestigious journals as Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, Studia Liturgica, Theological Studies, and St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly.
Dissertation Defense: Robert Anello
Final Examination of Rev. Robert L. Anello for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on March 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dissertation Defense: Heidi Yoder
Final Examination of Heidi Miller Yoder for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on March 21, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall, room 125.
Dean Irwin gives Lecture on Liturgy
Msgr. Kevin Irwin, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, will present a lecture this Wednesday, March 16th at 4:30 in the Pryzbyla Center, Great Room A. The lecture is titled: "What We Have Done, What We Have Failed to Do: Toward a New Liturgical Movement." The lecture is free and open to the public.
STRS Graduate Student has Paper published
Jeffrey Lewis, an MA seminarian in the Theological College, recently published the article: "The Use of Milk and Honey in Early Christian Initiation Rites." Catechumenate: A Journal of Christian Initiation 32, 5 (2010): 16-26
STRS Graduate Student elected as the Provincial Minister of Tanzanian Capuchins
Fr. Wolfgang Pisa, OFM Cap, a PhD student at CUA in Moral Theology/Ethics, was recently elected as the Provincial Minister of his Capuchin Province of Tanzania. He was elected by an overwhelming majority on the first ballot. Established by two Swiss Capuchins in 1921, the mission was established as a province entrusted to the Tanzanian friars in 1996, and now has more than 200 Tanzanian friars whom Fr. Wolfgang, pictured center below, will serve in their spiritual and ministerial lives.
Dr. Jones gives Lecture at Regis College, Toronto
Dr. Charles B. Jones gave the lecture "The Lord of Heaven or the Great Ultimate? Chinese Responses to the Jesuits' Proposition of a Primordial Chinese Monotheism" at Regis College, University of Toronto, on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Dr. John Meehan, S.J., provided the response.
Lectures from Retreat for Bishops led by Msgr. Rossetti available on CD
Alba House has published a series of four CDs by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, Clinical Associate Professor in STRS, entitled: "Called to a Deeper Relationship to God." The CDs come from a retreat given to the Bishops of Region V (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana) in January 2011. They include 8 talks and 3 homilies on the theme of fostering a deeper personal relationship to God.
Dissertation Defense: George Nursey
Final Examination of George A. Nursey for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on March 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., Caldwell Hall, Room 125.
Dr. Miller named to Consultative Positions
Dr. Robert Miller, Associate Professor of Old Testament, has been appointed an Affiliate of the Capitol Archaeological Institute at the George Washington University and, separately, Affiliated Faculty of the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies at The University of Maryland.
Dr. Miller appointed Learned Society Officer
The board of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Society of Biblical Literature voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Robert Miller, Associate Professor of Old Testament, to a three-year term as the next MAR-SBL Regional Coordinator.
STRS welcomes Visiting Scholar, Rev. Juan Rego
The STRS is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Juan Rego, a visiting scholar in Liturgical Studies, from February to September 2011. Fr. Rego is a Professor of Liturgy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. He is the author of many publications on the liturgy, including last year's "Signo-Símbolo-Acción simbólica". Reflexión sobre el fundamento de la celebración sacramental, Pontificio Instituto Sant'Anselmo (Excerptum ex Dissertatione ad Doctoratum), Roma 2010.
Dr. Miller presents at Chaos Conference.
Dr. Robert Miller, Associate Professor of Old Testament, presented a paper on gentiles in the Psalms at the symposium, "Creation and Chaos: Reconsideration of Hermann Gunkel's ChaoskampfHypothesis," held February 11-13 at Olivet Nazarene University, in Bourbonnais, ILL. His paper was entitled, "What are the nations doing in the Chaoskampf?"
Dr. Ekeh recieves Tenure-Track Teaching Position
Dr. Ono Ekeh, Clinical Assistant Professor, has accepted a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, beginning Fall 2011. Dr. Ekeh received his PhD from CUA in 2009 (Historical and Systematic Theology). Sacred Heart University is the second-largest Catholic university in New England and has a Bachelors and a Masters program in Religious Studies.
Book Published by Biblical Studies Alum
Roberto Martinez has just published the book, The Question of John the Baptist and Jesus' Indictment of the Religious Leaders: A Critical Analysis of Luke 7:18-35. A Pickwick publication from Wipf and Stock Publications. Dr. Martinez graduated from STRS and was directed by Rev. Dr. Frank Matera.
Dean Delivers Keynote Lectures
Msgr. Kevin Irwin delivered two lectures for a Study Day on the Roman Missal for the diocese of Youngstown, Ohio on Saturday Feb. 5 entitled: "From the Missale Romanum to the Sacramentary for Mass to The Roman Missal" and "What We Pray, What We Believe, How We Live."
Quasten Award and Lecture: "Liturgy Characterized by Logos: Romans 12: 1-2 in Paul, Patristics, and Liturgy Today."
Rev. Jeremy Driscoll, O.S.B. of the Pontificio Ateneo Sant' Anselmo in Rome and Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, O.R., received The School of Theology and Religious Studies' Johannes Quasten Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Leadership in Religious Studies on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 4:30 PM in the Msgr. Stephen Happel Room. Afterward Rev. Driscoll delivered a lecture entitled, "Liturgy Characterized by Logos: Romans 12: 1-2 in Paul, Patristics, and Liturgy Today."
Dr. Toom has Four Articles and an Essay published in The Encyclopedia of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
STRS Professor, Tarmo Toom recently published four articles and an essay ("Orthodox Church in Estonia") in The Encyclopedia of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, ed. J. McGuckin. London: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
Fr. Armstrong receives Honorary Doctorate
Rev. Regis J. Armstrong, O.F.M. Cap., the John C. and Gertrude P. Hubbard Professor of Religious Studies, received an Honorary Doctorate for a Lifetime of Contributions to Franciscan Literature from Felician College in Lodi, N.J., on Jan. 27, 2011.
CUA's School of Theology and Religious Studies has Strong Presence at Recent Meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy
Twenty of CUA's faculty, students, and former students participated in the annual meeting of the NAAL in San Francisco from January 7 to 9. Papers were presented by Michael Witczak, James Sabak, Jason McFarland, Stephen Wilbricht, and Nicholas Denysenko. Other participants in the discussion of scholarly papers included Mark Morozowich, Dominic Serra, Margaret Schreiber, Margaret Mary Kelleher, Gabriel Pivarnik, James Hadley, Richard McCarron, Rodica Stoicoiu, Richard Hilgartner, and Michael Flynn. The Catholic Academy of Liturgy met the day before NAAL and Michael Witczak served as respondent to three papers on various aspects of the new translation of the latest edition of the Missal of Vatican II. Sixteen participants with CUA connections including Judith Kubicki, and retired professors Jerry Austin and Mary Collins gathered for lunch on Friday while alumna, Catherine Vincie, prepared to deliver her vice-presidential address to the assembly and to take up her new role as president of the NAAL.
Annual John Tracy Ellis Lecture given by Fr. Paul Kollman
The annual John Tracy Ellis Church History Lecture was given Wednesday, January 12th, by Father Paul Kollman, CSC, Assistant Professor of Theology at Notre Dame. In his lecture entitled, "The Future of Church History (If it Has a Future): Understanding the World's Emerging Christians" Fr. Kollman suggested some methods for understanding the complex history of African Christianity, and called on Church historians to follow Msgr. Ellis in his call neither to turn a blind eye to any negative history of the Church, nor to turn away from a deep engagement with and loyalty to the Christian faith. The lecture can be viewed by following the link above.
CUA's School of Theology and Religious Studies has Strong Presence at Recent Meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy
Twenty of CUA's faculty, students, and former students participated in the annual meeting of the NAAL in San Francisco from January 7 to 9. Papers were presented by Michael Witczak, James Sabak, Jason McFarland, Stephen Wilbricht, and Nicholas Denysenko. Other participants in the discussion of scholarly papers included Mark Morozowich, Dominic Serra, Margaret Schreiber, Margaret Mary Kelleher, Gabriel Pivarnik, James Hadley, Richard McCarron, Rodica Stoicoiu, Richard Hilgartner, and Michael Flynn. The Catholic Academy of Liturgy met the day before NAAL and Michael Witczak served as respondent to three papers on various aspects of the new translation of the latest edition of the Missal of Vatican II. Sixteen participants with CUA connections including Judith Kubicki, and retired professors Jerry Austin and Mary Collins gathered for lunch on Friday while alumna, Catherine Vincie, prepared to deliver her vice-presidential address to the assembly and to take up her new role as president of the NAAL.
Dr. Toom publishes New Book on Augustine's Confessions
Dr. Tarmo Toom, associate professor of Latin Patristics, has recently published a new book, "Sest Sinu silmale pole suletud süda kättesaamatu" : Saateks Augustinuse Pihtimustele" ["The Closed Heart Does Not Shut Out Your Eye" (conf. 5.1.1): A Companion to Augustine's Confessions]. Tallinn: Allika, 2010 (Pp. 318).
Dr. Charles B. Jones participates in Conference on Jesuit Missions to China at Penn State
Dr. Jones presented the concluding remarks at the conference "The World of Matteo Ricci: an International Colloquium" on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at Penn State University.
Fr. Witczak speaks at North American Academy of Liturgy Meeting
Assistant Professor Michael Witczak participated in the annual meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy in San Francisco, Jan. 6-9, 2011. During the meeting he spoke as part of a panel on the Implementation of the New Roman Missal, responding to presentations by Edward Foley, OFM, Cap; Joyce Zimmermann; and Stephen Janco. He presented an short paper updating his work on a forthcoming edition of the ordo missae in the Saint Gall manuscript 354, and participated in a reception hosted by The Liturgical Press announcing his new bookThe Sacrament of Baptism, part of the Lex Orandi series (appearing March 2011).
Dean Irwin's article published.Dean Kevin Irwin's address from the international Symposium at hisalma mater Sant'Anselmo has been published under the title "Sacramentality: The Fundamental Language for Liturgy and the Sacraments" in Per Ritus et Praeces. Sacramentality della Liturgia.Edited by Pietrto Angelo Muroni. (Rome: Studia Anselmiana 2010, no. 150) 131-162. This article continues the Dean's recent research interest in the foundations for Christian sacrament based on the principles of mediation and sacramentality.
Fr. Armstrong gives Presentation to Capuchin Novices from USA, Canada, and Australia
STRS professor, Fr. Regis Armstrong, offered a three day presentation on The Contemplative Foundations of Franciscan Gospel Life to the Capuchin Novices from the United States, Canada, and Australia from January 2nd to 5th.
Msgr. Rossetti leads Retreat for South-Eastern Bishops
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti PhD DMin gave the annual retreat to 19 Catholic Bishops of Region V in Covington LA from January 2-6, 2011. Region V includes dioceses in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The theme was: "Developing A Closer Relationship with God." The 11 talks were taped by Alba House Communications and will be commercially available for purchase in the Spring of 2011.
Dissertation Defense: Diana Dudoit Raiche
Final Examination of Diana Dudoit Raiche for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on January 12, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., Caldwell Room 125.
Dissertation Defense: James Jay Carney
Final Examination of James Jay Carney for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on January 12, 2011 at 10:30 a.m., Caldwell Room 125.
STRS teams with faculty from the National Catholic Bioethics Center
This Spring the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) continues its tradition of pursuing excellence in bioethics teaching by teaming with faculty from the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). Beginning in January 2011, faculty from the Center, led by Marie T. Hilliard, Ph., J.C.L., and including Edward J. Furton, Ph.D., and Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk Ph.D, will be teaching students in the Nursing program at Catholic University. The collaboration of the STRS and the NCBC promises to inaugurate an exciting relationship of unparalleled service to the Church's mission in the areas of bioethics and healthcare.
Fr. Galvin Publishes article in The Blackwell Companion to Jesus
Professor John P. Galvin's article, "Modern Western Christology," has recently been published in: Delbert Burkett, ed., The Blackwell Companion to Jesus (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011), 357-374.
Dr. Miller Publishes Article on the Virgin Mary
Professor Robert Miller has recently published an article entitled "Handmaid of the Lord; Slave of Yahweh," in Theoforum 40 (2010) 209-220.


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|San Jose, Calif.
|High School:
|Branham HS
WCC Pitcher of the Week the first week of May
SOPHOMORE (2011): Appeared in 20 games, starting 10 contests with a record of 3-6 and a 5.62 ERA … tied for second on the team with three wins … picked up one save … pitched a total of 57.2 innings and struck out 36 batters … pitched 5.0 innings in his season debut at South Carolina on Feb. 20 … pitched 6.0 one-hit innings vs. Albany to pick up his first win of the season on Feb. 27 … struck out three in 4.1 innings at San Jose State on Mar. 6 … pitched 0.2 innings at Stanford on Mar. 22 … pitched 7.0 innings and allowed four hits to pick up the win on Mar. 27 vs. Brown … started and went 4.2 innings, while striking out one vs. CSU Bakersfield on Apr. 3 … on Apr. 10 vs. LMU pitched 1.2 shutout innings in relief … pitched 3.1 innings in a start vs. Cal Poly on Apr. 12 … gave up zero earned runs in a two-inning relief outing on Apr. 17 vat Saint Mary's … on Apr. 19 vs. Stanford, pitched 2.0 shutout innings in relief and recorded a strikeout … struck out two in a 3.0 inning start at San Francisco on Apr. 23 … gave up one hit in 1.0 relief inning vs. Pacific on Apr. 26 … on May 1 vs. Gonzaga struck out one in an inning of relief … pitched 2.0 innings of shut-out relief on May 3 vs. Cal … pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief in the series at Pepperdine from May 6 -8 … pitched 0.1 innings in relief at UC Davis on May 11 … started and got a no-decision vs. San Diego on May 21 … on May 29 at Portland, started and struck out one in 2.2 innings.
FRESHMAN (2010): Made 16 appearances as a true freshman … started 11 games, winning four … won his first two collegiate starts against San Diego State (3/23) and Princeton (3/28) … pitched a total of 66.1 innings, striking out 33 batters.
HIGH SCHOOL: Established new school records in career wins, single-season wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and ERA at San Jose's Branham High School ... four-year letterman who was twice named a First Team All-Valley Athletic League performer ... 2009 ESPN Rise All-Bay Area honoree ... South Bay representative and All-Star at the 2008 Rawlings NorCal World Series ... A 2008 San Jose Mercury News All-Area Honorable Mention ... in 2007, Mendoza was named the San Jose Mercury News 'Sophomore of the Year' ... served as team captain as a senior.
PERSONAL: Born March 20, 1991 in San Jose, Calif. ... son of Art and Shelly Mendoza ... majoring in Business ... scholar athlete in high school; choose to attend Santa Clara because of its academic reputation ... enjoys anything sports related.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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NAFEMS Advanced Workbook of Examples - Volume 1
In various surveys of NAFEMS members, Education and Training always comes very high on the list of priorities. In discussions at NAFEMS Education and Training Working Group (ETWG) it became apparent that there is a large gap between what is conventionally taught in an undergraduate engineering degree and the capability of finite element programs. Consequently, the ETWG has commissioned many documents for which the intended reader is the '1 year graduate'. This has been defined as a student who has graduated with a degree in engineering and spent one year doing linear elastic finite element calculations. Examples of such documents include: How to Undertake a Contact and Friction Analysis and How to Undertake a Finite Element Based Thermal Analysis.
In addition to these documents, the ETWG is also aware that there are many pitfalls in undertaking finite element analyses. Accomplished analysts have learned to avoid many of these problematic areas through experience accumulated over a number of years. Few if any analysis, who have reflected on the outcome of their projects, would be able to say that they had not, either, made significant mistakes, or, if failed to take account of some natural phenomenon in their analyses.
Modelling Adhesively Bonded Joints
Terry Dickerson, The Welding Institute
Adequate Mesh Refinement for Accurate Stresses
Keith A. Honakala, Honakala Engineer
The Importance of Mesh Density in the Limit load Analysis of Elastoplastic Frames.
V. Souza Jr., G.J. Creus, CEMACOM/UFRGS
The Elastic Analysis of a Pipe Bend
T K Hellen, Engineering Consultant
Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Lateral Buckling Load of Thin Beams.
B.F. Oliveria, G.J. Creus, CEMACOM/UFRGS
Purchasing Details
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Order Ref: R0078
First Published - February 2001
Softback, 39 Pages


text:
The Wrap's Lucas Show reports that Warner Brothers has purchased the movie rights to Stephan Zlotescu's "True Skin,"based on a four-minute video posted online just a week ago. The video, now to be a film, is set in a "Blade Runner"-ish not-too-distant future. That is a world of extremes--great power, but also great squalor.
In particular, it shows a world of manufactured body parts, coupled with the advances in medical technology and therapy to to make all those parts work properly on a human body. Yet at least some of that technology seems only to be available on the black market; hence the film, at least the four minutes we have seen, is set in Bangkok.
Thus we see a sign in front of what seems likely to be a strip joint, declaring, "Seriously, not hiring naturals." As in, only the bodily enhanced need apply.
And at the risk of reading too much into just a snippet, the large point seems to be this: Be part of the body revolution, or be left behind. As the central character, in need of a total physical remake, says, "This trend is here to stay. I mean, let's face it... no one wants to be entirely organic. No one wants to get sick and old and die. My only choice was to enhance."
And so that's what he does--that's him, below, taking his face apart and getting a new one:
Yet at the same time, remaking the human body is also what modern medicine is about. After all, what are prosthetic devices if not remanufactures of a kind? And devices such as pacemakers? Or, for that matter, false teeth? Or even eyeglasses? Or, to take a more ambitious view of bodily remaking, any kind of surgery, or even vitamins. All of these interventions are remakings of a kind--and we should all be thankful for them.
The advance of technology will not stop. And so blanket governmental efforts to control healthcare research-- in the name of either moral restrictions or monetary limitations--are often destined to fail. Why? Because of the basic life force that animates all of us. Being healthy is a powerful human goal. And so people will find ways--perhaps only in semi-outlaw places such as Bangkok, but in places nevertheless--to use technology to better themselves and their health.
Once again, the challenge is to enable medical progress while also preserving ethical standards. The debate over stem cell research is an example; there is much opposition to the use of embryonic stem cells, but little or no opposition to the use of umbilical and pluripotent stem cells. Interestingly, the 2012 Republican Party Platform strongly endorses research on those non-embryonic stem cells.
Still, looking ahead, if law or government policy--including such issues as regulation, litigation, price controls, or simple lack of interest--comes down against medical progress, then, over time, such research will go overseas--or it will go rogue.
And such going rogue is the essence of the "cyberpunk" genre of science fiction--and "True Skin" is obviously in that tradition. In the cyberpunk world, going all the way back to William Gibson's Neuromancer in 1984, the driving idea is that techno-forces--most notably, the internet and digital technology--are tearing the old society apart, for better and for worse. In the cyberpunk vision, it's often too late to preserve the old order. And that won't be easy; as Gibson, author of Neuromancer, once put it, "The future is already here: It's just not evenly distributed."
Also, we might note that the sudden attention paid to "True Skin" is an interesting development; after all, as a genre, science fiction is generally seen as somewhat out of fashion. Half a century ago, sci-fi writers such as Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert Heinlein all seemed to be well within the mainstream of fiction, and a TV show such as "Star Trek" could run on network TV. But in the subsequent decades, sci-fi has been marginalized; the Sci-Fi channel, for example, changed its name to the more omnidirectional "Syfy."
To be sure, there was "science fiction," such as "Star Wars," but there was certainly no science in that movie. In truth, it was more of a fantasy film--a "Lord of the Rings" with lasers. It had plenty of imagination, to be sure, but it contained no speculations about the future. Indeed, it was set "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away"--so much for the future.
But while "True Skin" is fiction, the trendlines it points to are very real. And thus the question is how to advance them in an ethical manner. Science and its benefits--including medical benefits--ought to be the commonwealth of humanity.
Yet "True Skin" puts on notice: The future is coming, whether we are ready or not. So it's best to be ready. Because the dream of science-based physical and medical transcendence will never be denied, for as long as people are human--and probably after that, too.


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Well, since I have jumped off the cliff with the "Medicare for all" explication, I might as well continue the theme and talk about my fave-of-the-day policy fix for the American Health Care Debacle. If you're bored by the whole discussion and want me to get back to posting freak-show medical tales, check back in later this week -- I'm working a couple of shifts and may have something interesting to talk about.
I am comfortable admitting that I am a relative neophyte in the field of health policy analysis. And maybe it is typical of newbies in any field to fall in love too quickly with the first Big Idea which comes across their field of vision, and maybe I have fallen victim to this tendency. So take the forthcoming enthusiasm with a grain of salt.
Senator Wyden of Oregon recently proposed the "Healthy Americans Act." (HAA) (snark: I thought all major bills were required to have either a catchy title or an acronym that spells something cool. "Healthy Americans Act" sounds like a joint resolution that all Americans should eat more vegetables. Geez, you'd think for such an ambitious proposal, they could have found a better title.) I have not read the entire text of the Act. It's quite long (166 pages) and written in dense legal-ese and I was more interested in watching the Bears crush New Orleans. But like any good upper-level executive, I did browse through an Executive Summary generated by the Lewin Group. It turned out to also be long and complicated. But I will attempt to summarize the executive summary for your benefit, only without taking 30 pages and using colorful graphs.
This is a sweeping proposal which would dissolve the employer-based health insurance system and replace it with a system of universal coverage, at lesser expense, which includes cost containment mechanisms, increased reimbursement for providers, eliminates Medicaid, preserves patients' rights to choose a plan and doctor, and reserves a role for the private insurance industry. Modest, eh? But I like the "vision thing."
- All employers are obligated to terminate their current health plan, if they offer one, and redirect their current health care costs into payroll.
- Statewide agencies called "Health Help Agencies" (HHAs) are established, which administer the enrollment of beneficiaries into plans, disbursement of premiums, and certification of participating health insurance plans.
- Insurance companies are invited to develop plans which are community rated (i.e. no underwriting or adverse selection of those with health conditions) and have benefits at least as good as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program(FEHBP) (the plan used by members of Congress), or better if desired.
- Consumers may choose among the plans offered in their states. If no plan is chosen, they are randomly enrolled in a low-cost plan.
- Premiums are collected by the IRS at the time consumers file their federal income tax. New and increased deductions offset any increase in taxable income due to increased payroll (bullet #1). New withholdings are created to spread out the collection of premiums over the course of the year.
- Premiums are subsidized on a sliding scale for those with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level. Medicaid is eliminated due to redundancy.
- Medicare and VA/CHAMPUS programs remain unchanged.
Unlike some compromises which leave nobody satisfied and have something for everybody to hate (see: ArnoldCare ), HAA takes the opposite approach and tries to include a sweetener for every stakeholder in the current system:
The big winners. Universal health coverage, guaranteed insurance that is not employer-dependent and can never be taken away. No pre-existing conditions screening. Flexibility and Security. Automatic enrollment and collection of premiums. Discounts for participating in wellness programs.
Also big winners. The risk of rising health care costs is taken from their shoulders and, in essence, all the extant health insurance plans are changed from defined-benefit to defined-contribution.
Doctors and Hospitals.
Ostensibly reimbursement will increase due to the elimination in care provided to the uninsured and the elimination of low-reimbursed Medicaid patients, all of whom will now be reimbursed at higher commercially insured rates. The multitude of payers ensures competition for providers to joins networks, which should keep reimbursement levels reasonably high (compared to the monopsony power of a single-payer system). Also promises increased reimbursement to Primary Care Providers. Also includes some weak incentives for malpractice reform.
Realize cost savings from elimination of underwriting and premium collection. Profit margins will be built in to the system to encourage plans to participate, and well-managed plans will prosper.
State Governments
Benefit from the elimination of Medicaid, a large and escalating drain on most state budgets. Contributions from the states are still required, however, though to a lesser degree.
The actuarial analysis promises that this plan will reduce overall health care expenditures by almost $1.5 Trillion over a decade. This is done through competition and engaging consumers in the decision-making process. According to the analysis of the non-partisan Lewin Group, this plan achieves near-universal enrollment at no additional cost.
There are some bitter pills to swallow, though most are not deal-breakers.
For consumers -- The FEHBP is something of a high deductible, plan, and is still expensive, so consumers are exposed to the full cost of health care. The theory is that this will sensitize consumers to price, inducing them to reduce unnecessary spending and carefully choose the cheapest plan that works for their needs. This is one of the key elements in the cost containment strategy. Also, if your current employer doesn't offer you health insurance, and you earn more than 400% the federal poverty line, you will have to cover the full cost out of pocket with no increase in pay to offset. If you want to choose a plan which has more generous benefits, the excess cost (above the average plan's cost) will be paid for with post-tax dollars.
For taxpayers -- The health insurance market remains highly fragmented, though some functions are taken over by HHAs, and this plan will not reach the level of efficiency and cost savings associated with a single-payer system.
For insurers -- They will probably fight this more than any other group. They are forced to accept a much higher degree of governmental regulation, community rating of enrollees, and lower profit margins. We'll see Harry and Louise again.
Will it work?
It seems to have a good chance. There are some enviable efficiencies in the plan -- I personally like the idea of dovetailing the premium collection with filing for taxes, and nobody will mourn the death of Medicaid. The claim of universal (or near-universal) coverage seems pretty likely to be fulfilled. Forcing insurers to provide community-rated plans should guarantee the availability of affordable plans. There is portability of plans, and the entry-level plans are still decent coverage. The means-tested subsidies make good sense. The funding appears adequate. The big question is whether the promises of cost savings are exaggerated or unrealistic. I don't have the analytical chops to make a judgment on that one, though the Lewin actuaries make the case that the cost savings are real.
I do not know whether this bill has a chance of becoming law -- certainly the odds are stacked against it. But it is the first proposal for health care reform I am familiar with, which does not seem to contain any lethal flaws. It achieves much of the goals of a single payer system without threatening to impose a socialized healthcare system. It is not perfect, but, more importantly, it is attainable. It has attracted much positive attention from health policy wonks out there. It is more comprehensive, more generous, and less divisive than Arnold's California Health Reform proposal. You can learn more by visiting Wyden's advocacy site, Stand Tall for America. (What is it with this guy and the lame names?) I think it is worthy of qualified support, absent alternative plans. Write your senators today and urge them to support S 334; I already have.


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THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
After a great time at the PASS Summit in Seattle I'll be once again presenting on PowerShell for SQL Server at SQL Saturday #173 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. On Friday, December 7 I'll be presenting my full day session Automate and Manage SQL Server with PowerShell. Here's the abstract:
This soup-to-nuts all day session will first introduce you to PowerShell, after which you'll learn the basic SMO object model, how to manipulate data with PowerShell and how to use SMO to manage objects. We'll then move on to creating Policy-Based Management policies, work with the Central Management Server, manage your system inventory and gather performance data with PowerShell. We'll wrap up with a look at the new PowerShell cmdlets introduced for SQL Server 2012 and how you can use PowerShell to manage SQL Server 2012 in server environments including the new Always On technology and Windows Server Core. After this one day you'll be ready to go to work and able to use PowerShell to make you truly effective.
On Saturday, for those who can't make Friday's session I'll present PowerShell 101 for the SQL Server DBA, the introductory module from the all day session.
If you've taken a look at Windows Server 2012 - and if you haven't yet, you should - you know that PowerShell is the tool Microsoft has chosen to allow you to manage hundreds, even thousands, of servers. Using the graphical tools available will only slow you down, making you more easily replaceable. Learning how to automate and manage lots of servers improves your efficiency and your value to your company. There's a real advantage to understanding how to use PowerShell to get things done quickly.
So I look forward to seeing you on Friday, December 7 and Saturday December 8 in Chevy Chase, for SQL Saturday #173!
I look forward to seeing you there, good sir.


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Bob Rosebrock and I sat under a tree on the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs property, discussing his pet peeve: How the country is failing its veterans. There was plenty to talk about.
Nearby was the gleaming $253-million California Veterans Home, opened with great fanfare more than two years ago, with local politicians lining up to take bows. But today, in a region with an estimated 8,000 homeless veterans, many of whom can't get access to care, roughly four-fifths of the 396 rooms are empty.
Yes, four-fifths.
The federally financed, state-run Veterans Home will soon begin adding 10 to 15 veterans a month until it's full, a California Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson said, telling me that a gradual rollout was the plan all along. The place should be full by 2014, she added. By then we may be fighting yet another war.
It's this kind of grinding bureaucracy that brings Rosebrock and a small band of demonstrators out to the VA property every Sunday.


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(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is visiting the Middle East and Europe this week pursuing diplomacy and dialogue, trying to renew faith in America.
A customer looks at a new car in a GM showroom -- but GM sales are down 30 percent this year.
After visits in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, he heads today to Germany and France.
Then what he really needs to do is sell some cars back home.
His administration has decided to essentially nationalize General Motors in the U.S., making a $50 billion attempt to save the bankrupt automaker.
GM is a century-old icon of American free enterprise. It was once the largest employer in the country and the largest manufacturing company in the world.
By now, though, so many Americans have given up on its cars that only about one in five American drivers still buys GM vehicles and coincidentally, only about one in five Americans supports the government bailout.
The president says he took the decision to reluctantly.
"Our goal is to get GM back on its feet, take a hands-off approach and get out quickly."
Experts doubt it will be that simple and ordinary Americans have heard that kind of talk before. Remember, the administration has already spent hundreds of billions of dollars rescuing banks, mortgage lenders and the global insurance giant AIG.
Republican lawmaker John Boehner says "the government is firmly in the business of running companies using taxpayer dollars."
He may be right but so far the Republicans haven't offered a clear set of alternatives, Americans have no where else to put their faith, and Obama has to do something.
This week's outreach to the Muslim world is an important gesture internationally but it's hardly the thing that U.S. voters want most from their president. Obama has to deliver jobs, growth and economic security.
GM car sales are down 30 percent this year and they may now be one of the most important measures of Obama's presidency in the years to come.
If Buicks, Cadillacs and Chevrolets don't start filling American roads again soon, voters won't care very much about the how he was greeted by the crowds in Cairo.
They real indicator will be in American highways and parking lots. Obama needs to sell cars.


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The DNA typing of grape varieties is something way above my pay grade...I'm just a simple little ole country computational physicist...to channel SamErvin. When I try to read some of the literature, it leaves my head swimming and my heart pounding.....I break out into a cold sweat & develop tremors.
I was recently reading RobTebeau's discussion on Favorita grape. He has a rather good discussion in it of DNA typing...DNA Typing for Dummies, if you will. Something I can (almost) understand:
Don't know if it passes muster w/ Carole, but it was something I could (sorta) understand.


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Amid allegations of sexual harassment by Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly, the network's parent company 21st Century Fox has launched an investigation.
The probe comes in response to a complaint lodged last week by Wendy Walsh, a former regular guest on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor."
"21st Century Fox investigates all complaints," the company said in a statement.
As part of the investigation, Walsh and her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, had a two-hour telephone interview with four Fox News lawyers Monday afternoon, Bloom said.
Last week, The New York Times reported that five women had been paid $13 million to settle allegations of sexual harassment or other inappropriate conduct by O'Reilly. He has denied all the allegations. Since the allegations surfaced, dozens of advertisers have pulled their spots from O'Reilly's show.


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At Oglesby: The IVCC women and men both topped Sauk Valley in hoop action on the Hilltop Thursday. Amisha Thomas had 20 points to lead the Lady Eagles to a 68-49 victory with Princeton's C.J. Rhodes adding nine points. St. Bede product Alec Schwab tallied 24 points to lead the IVCC men to a 77-70 victory.
The men's game also saw a reunion between former Princeton High School teammates Michael Murray (five points for IVCC) and Jacob Fisher (two points for Sauk).


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But not necessarily "probable", or "strongly implied", as my previous headline "HOLY SHIT, LIFE ON MARS?!" indicated, regardless of the fact that my blog entry itself stated it was only a possibility. I write this because, in having titled my post as I did, I'm now tangentally related to asshats who declare "life on Mars" like it's absolute canon truth in 72-point font. And I should rightly be chastised for my use of the prophylactic question-mark, a tactic made famous most recently by Fox News. The media has cocked this one up but good, as is the norm when it comes to anything scientific. And the blogosphere, as always, ranges from the near-perfect, in their coverage of this event as with every other event that's come before it, through to actually managing to get it more wrong than The Sun.
I really do hope it turns out to be life, however I will not, under any circumstances, apply my world view to the hypothesis. A real scientist detachedly observes the results of an experiment and learns the truth from them, rather than shoehorning the results into his or her belief system. Science only works if you're objective enough to leave your damn belief systems at the door.
Incidentally, it's why religious folks hate science so much — because they demand that you turn off the credulity for a few minutes, which is obviously a few minutes too long. I will be better than that, at least.