Talks
I’ve been asked recently if I’m available for talks and discussions with interested groups. The answer is yes (though I do have work and family committments to be attentive to in making such arrangements). I have experience addressing groups of all sizes. The following suggested topics can be adapted to several different formats and lengths.
Catholic Social Teaching and the New Evangelization — JP2 insisted that Catholic social teaching is an essential part of the new evangelization. In fact, it has always been part of the church’s evangelizing work and must continue to be. Why? How do they fit together?
Pope Francis and Catholic Social Teaching — Pope Francis is an apostle of Catholic social teaching, proclaiming it and living it in ways that are bold and challenging. Let’s explore what he’s saying and why it should make us Americans a little uncomfortable.
“The Church’s Dynamite” — (That’s what Peter Maurin called Catholic social teaching.) An overview of modern CST that starts from its two bedrock principles, human dignity and solidarity. Points out its fascinating origins, its development over the decades, some of the more surprising (to some) parts of it, and likely developments on the horizon.
Pro-Life, Consistently — Perhaps surprisingly, there are few issues that have the potential to unite Catholics in a sadly politicized and divisive environment like the issue of abortion. Being anti-abortion implies a preferential option for the poor, the powerless, and the marginalized. And being committed to social justice means being anti-abortion, too. Recent popes have placed the abortion issue decisively in the context of Catholic social teaching. See my comments at these posts. This reviewer’s comments on my book are also quite relevant.
The Eucharist and Social Justice: The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it clearly: “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren.” This talk explores why and how. See my comments here.
The Most Influential American at Vatican II: John Courtney Murray — His story is an amazing and dramatic one. Murray represents America’s distinctive contribution to Vatican II and, more broadly, to the doctrinal patrimony of the Catholic Church. And it’s a story that both “liberals” and “conservatives” can both cheer for and be challenged by. See my comments here.
“We Should Wear Crash Helmets” — An overview of the crucial place of the eucharistic prayer in Catholic life and worship. In a word: it’s at the heart of everything. Considers the 4 main eucharistic prayers of the Roman rite today (where they came from, their unique and fascinating characteristics) and/or the 9 key pieces of the prayer and how Catholics in the pew can pray their way through them.
Other topics are possible. Look over the list of “Categories” in the right hand column of this blog to see the topics that I’m most interested in these days. Email me at barryhudock[at]gmail.com for more information.
