What We Do

Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary inquiry into the intellectual tradition, history, and culture — both "high" and popular — of the Catholic Christian tradition.

The Center for Catholic Studies at Fairfield University exists to sponsor four related sets of activities. They are:

  • To establish and administer an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor program in Catholic Studies.
  • To work to support the academic component of "mission and identity" education and programming on campus.
  • To promote an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic intellectual tradition on campus.
  • To establish programming for, and outreach to, the local community — especially but not exclusively the local Catholic community.

Upcoming Events

Throughout the year, the Center for Catholic Studies invites nationally recognized scholars to share their expertise on a wide range of topics as they pertain to Catholic Studies. Please join us!

For information contact Mary Crimmins, Administrative Coordinator at mcrimmins@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000 ext. 2097.

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Previous Catholic Studies Events

Below is a listing, by semester, of all Catholic Studies lectures in the past six years. You can view recent lectures and recorded Living Theology Workshops on the University's YouTube channel.

Video Poster

"What Comes from the Holy Spirit Cannot Be Stopped"

The 25th Annual Anne Drummey O'Callaghan Lecture on Women in the Church Presented by Heidi Schlumpf.

Video Poster

Beyond Climate Doom: Hope and Grief as Honest, Vulnerable, and Fierce.

The 18th Commonweal Lecture Presented by Vincent Miller on April 9, 2025.

 

Video Poster

Midpoints: Gender Complimentarity

A Commonweal in Conversation Webinar Presented by Brianne Bell Jackobs on March 26, 2025.

Meet Our Team

Mary Crimmins
Mary Crimmins
Senior Administrative Coordinator, Center for Social Impact
Nancy A. Dallavalle
Director, Center for Catholic Studies | Associate Professor, Religious Studies

Advisory Board

John Berger
Shrewsbury, Mass.

Colleen Connor
Fairfield, Conn.

Nancy A. Dallavalle
Director, Center for Catholic Studies | Associate Professor, Religious Studies

Brian Kelahan
Fairfield, Conn.

Robert Kretzman
Stamford, Conn.

Mary Frances A.H. Malone
New Canaan, Conn.

Melissa Quan
Director, Center for Social Impact

Marice Rose
Professor, Visual & Performing Arts

John Santa
Southport, Conn.

Glenn Sauer
Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs | Associate Professor, Biology

Eleanor Sauers
Fairfield, Conn.

Where to Find Us

Directions to campus and an interactive map of Fairfield University can help you locate the venue of on-campus lecture and workshop events.

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