Course of Study and Activites

A number of folks have been asking how we will be spending our time...what is invloved... what will we be studying while on Sabbatical.  Today, we received a summary of the schedule for my time in Rome.  Here it is.

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1 - 5
· Welcome to NAC
· Rector's Welcome
· Vice-Rector's Welcome
· Building Tour
· Liturgy Introduction
· Director's Welcome
· Self-Introductions / Happy Hour
· Morning of Recollection
· Travel Agent's presentation
· Mass at the Altar of the Tomb of St. Peter
· Computer Technician Presentation
· Friday evening: optional "hot chocolate" walk
· Saturday optional Walking TOUR of the Roman Forum

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6-12

· The Priest and the Liturgy: An Update: James Moroney (VOX CLARA / Former USCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy)
· Preaching the Lectionary: Craig Morrison, O.Carm. (Pontifical Biblical Institute)
· Christian Art and  Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne and John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· TOUR of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel


WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13 -19
· Following the Lord: John Fuellenbach, SVD (Pontifical Gregorian University / International Lecturer)
· Kingdom Theology: John Fuellenbach, SVD (Pontifical Gregorian University / International Lecturer)
· Preaching the Lectionary: Craig Morrison, O.Carm. (Pontifical Biblical Institute)


WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20 - 26
· Homiletics: Michael Monshau, OP (Angelicum University)
· From Moral Theology to Ethics: Mark Attard, O Carm. (Gregorian, Teresianum, Regina Mundi, Augustinianum)
· Christian Art & Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne & John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· TOUR of Santa Croce and the Basilica of St. John Lateran
· Liturgy & Renewal of Baptismal Promises at St. John Lateran
· Tour of the Baptistery and  Basilica

· ASH WEDNESDAY • Mass at Santa Sabina, First Stational Church

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 4

· Christian Art and  Architecture: Elizabeth Lev (Duquesne & John Cabot University / Tour Guide)
· Biomedical Ethics: Mark Attard, O Carm. (Gregorian, Teresianum, Regina Mundi, Augustinianum)
· Dialogue with Unbelievers: Michael Paul Gallagher, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)
· Liturgy at Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
· TOUR of St. Paul's Basilica
· TOUR of the Catacombs of Santa Priscilla followed by Liturgy


WEEK OF MARCH 5 - 12

· Pauline Theology: Scott Brodeur, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)


WEEK OF MARCH 19 - 25
· Women Doctors of the Church: Donna Orsuto, STD (Gregorian University, Angelicum, Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas)
· Sacred Ministry & Ordination: James Puglisi, SA (S. Anselmo, Director of Centro Pro Unione)
· Canon Law: Robert Geisinger, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University)
· NAC Graduate House: Casa Santa Maria


WEEK OF MARCH 26 - APRIL 1

· Saints: Robert Sarno, Congregation for the Cause of Saints - Vatican
· Law of Grace: Wojciech Giertych, O.P. Theologian of the Papal Household
· General Audience with Pope Benedict XVI

· SUNDAY, April 1 • PALM SUNDAY MASS in St. Peter's Square

WEEK OF APRIL 2 - 8
· Visit the Swiss Guards' Barracks
· TOUR of the Vatican Gardens
· Seven Church Walk

· HOLY THURSDAY, April 5 • Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica
· HOLY THURSDAY, April 5 • Mass of the Lord's Supper -' St. John Lateran's Basilica

· GOOD FRIDAY, April 6 • Celebration of the Lord's Passion - St. Peter's Basilica
· GOOD FRIDAY, April 6 • Stations of the Cross - Coliseum

· HOLY SATURDAY, April 7 • Easter Vigil Mass - St. Peter's Basilica

· EASTER SUNDAY, April 8 • Papal Mass - St. Peter's Square
· EASTER SUNDAY, April 8 • URBI ET ORBI BLESSING - St. Peter's Square

WEEK OF APRIL 9 - 15
· Monday-Friday, April 9-13 • ASSISI RETREAT EXPERIENCE
    Retreat Master: John Harris, OP (Seminary Professor in Dublin)

· Liturgy at the Church of San Paolo at Tre Fontane
· Visit the Sanctuary of "Divino Amore"
· Visit "Fosse Ardeatine", The World War II site and Basilica of San Sebastiana
· "Arrivederci" Banquet at Cecilia Metella Restaurant 

APRIL 16 - 17 · Mass with the Rector
· Closing Reception and Good-Bye-Toasts


· TUESDAY, April 17 • Program Ends

The Word is Out

The announcement to the parish community was made this weekend.  It was a good weekend to do it: folks are back from various vacations and school is up and running.  And, the rumormill was working overtime !

In addition, our parish school was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education.  So, it is a weekend for celebration all around.

Spoke this week with the Director of Continuing Education and Formation who assured me everything was all set.  Need to submit a budget for miscellaneous expenses above the cost of room and board.

It will probably take four months to get ready to go away for four months !

Here is a link to the video that the Institute has produced which explains some of the sabbatical.

Getting Ready ....

Even though it is six months away, I can begin to feel the excitement as more and more family, friends and parishioners find out about my upcoming sabbatical.

My plan is to make an announcement to the parish in the Fall, after the exodus ends and folks come back for the diaspora.