Vatican II—Fifty Years After Opening the Windows

6:30 p.m.:  Soup Supper
7-8:15  p.m.:  Speaker

Fifty years ago, when he called the ecumenical council known as Vatican II, John XXIII is reported to have said that he wanted to open the windows of the Church and let in some fresh air.  Ecumenical Councils with all the bishops of the world don’t happen very frequently. In the 2000 year history of our Church, there have been only 22. Church historians tell us that it takes about 100 years for the spirit of an ecumenical council to be fully integrated into the minds and hearts of those who make up the Church.  This series will examine Vatican II’s effects and future challenges 50 years after its beginning. 

Monday, March 4
Vatican II and Sacraments:  Return to Our Roots
Sue Huett
Director of Worship, Diocese of Belleville
Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy called the Church to return to the roots of our sacraments.  We examine the vision of this first Constitution of the Council and explore why we celebrate the sacraments today as we do. 
 
Monday, March 11
Vatican II and Non-Christians--"What? They’re not going to hell?"
Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, OP; Professor Emeritus, Aquinas Institute of Theology
We will first be introduced us to some of the groundwork that led the Vatican II decree on relating to non-Christians. That groundwork happened in our very own area in St Louis.  Sr. Carla Mae will then lead us in a discussion on how to relate to non-Christians, particularly Muslims and Jews.  You are encouraged to bring your non-Christian friends with you for this discussion.

Monday, March 18
Vatican II Decrees on Ecumenism
Fr. Bob Flannery; Promoter for Ecumenical Affairs, Diocese of Belleville and Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church, Carbondale
The restoration of unity among all Christians was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council.  Fr. Bob Flannery will lead a discussion of local Church pastors of several Christian denominations.  We will focus on the common ground that unites as well as come to a better understanding of the faith and worship of other Christian Churches.  Consider bringing one or more friends from other Christian denominations.