Faith Matters - lecture series on Blessed John Henry Newman

The Blessed John Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) is a figure of immense significance for both the Church and for society. In an age of rapid change his high profile conversion from the Church of England to Roman Catholicism challenged a culture in which scepticism about the value of religious authority was taking hold. On his recent visit to Britain Pope Benedict XVI explained how through the heroic witness of his life and through his powerful thought Newman speaks to us also today. This series of Faith Matters sets out to explain and explore how this man, held up for us as a model by Pope Benedict, really is a man of our times.

Each lecture will be introduced by a facilitator, who will also lead a question and answer session with the audience. There will also be an opportunity to take part in an online discussion forum on the diocesan website. Faith Matters is an initiative of the Agency for Evangelisation in conjunction with the Mount St Jesuit Centre.

First lecture - Tuesday 2 November

Cardinal Newman: a Man for our Times is the title of the first ‘Faith Matters’ lecture, to be given on 2 November by Dr Judith Champ, Director of Studies and Lecturer in Church History at Oscott College, near Birmingham. This introductory lecture is to set Newman in his historical context, and reflect on his enduring significance in our own time. Dr Champ will explore what it meant for Newman to make the choices and decisions he did and what effect that process had on him and on English Catholicism. The lecture will explain some of the ways in which the dramatic developments of Newman's time helped to shape the identity and the place of Catholicism in English society.

All lectures will start at 7pm in Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue, SW1P 1QJ. Faith Matters lectures are open to all, however, registration is required to guarantee the place. You may book your place on line at www.rcdow.org.uk/faithmatters or by e-mail faithmatters@rcdow.org.uk. For more information please contact Ausra Karaliute on 020 7931 6078 or e-mail faithmatters@rcdow.org.uk