Events

Explore upcoming lectures, discussions, and gatherings that engage faith, culture, and intellectual inquiry. From thought-provoking dialogues on contemporary issues to explorations of the deep-rooted traditions within Catholic thought, we serve as a hub for fostering meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between spirituality and the modern world.

Catholic Social Thought & Public life 2025-2026 Banner

This year’s theme explores how the principles of Catholic Social Thought —human dignity, solidarity, the common good, and care for creation —inform and inspire engagement in public life. Through dialogue, reflection, and action, the theme invites the Seattle University community to consider how faith and justice intersect in shaping ethical leadership and a more compassionate society.


Our Programming

Catholic Heritage Series

The Catholic Heritage Series engages the community to explore the intersection of Catholicism and culture.

Our Programming

Upcoming Events

 

Flyer of Fall CHL - Background of bolts and digital technology. Speaker headshot and event title, time and location (same as below).

Fall CHL - The Continuing Relevance of Rerum Novarum for a New Industrial Revolution

Eduardo M. Peñalver, Seattle University President and Professor of Law

Tuesday, November 4 at 4:30pm
Public reception following the lecture
Le Roux Room, Student Center 160
Online option available (via Zoom)
Meeting ID: 995 4643 5557
Passcode: 526991

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Some, including the new Pope, have compared our current moment of instability and change to the industrial revolution of the late 19th century. As we grapple with accelerating technological change and its impacts on our society and economy, returning to first principles becomes more important. Reading Pope Leo XIII’s groundbreaking encyclical Rerum Novarum – which was written the same year as Seattle University’s founding – with fresh eyes can provide us with valuable tools as we seek to reconcile innovation with humanity.

Eduardo M. Peñalver became the President of Seattle University on July 1, 2021. From 2014 until 2021, he served as the Dean of Cornell Law School. Peñalver’s legal scholarship focuses on property and land use, as well as law and religion. His work explores the way in which the law mediates the interests of individuals and communities. His writing on property has appeared in numerous leading law journals. His book, Property Outlaws (co-authored with Sonia Katyal), published by Yale University Press in February 2010, explores the vital role of disobedience within the evolution of property law. His most recent book, An Introduction to Property Theory (co-authored with Gregory Alexander), was published by Cambridge University Press in 2011.


Flyer - Holistic Formation. Black, orange red, and cream background. Title and subtitle on the left side, keynote speaker headshot and name on the right side.

Holistic Formation: The Transformative Power & Promise of Catholic Teacher Formation Programs

Michael O’Connor, Ph.D

Wednesday, November 5th, 5-6 pm
Student Center 210

The University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE) consists of 13 Catholic teacher formation programs housed at US Catholic colleges and universities – including the newest program, Seattle University's Catholic Schools Teacher Corps (CSTC). What is distinct about this model of Catholic teacher formation, and what value do these programs add to Catholic school teacher pipelines?

Dr. Michael O'Connor, Program Director of Outreach and Professional Development at Boston College's Roche Center for Catholic Education, will offer a reflection on his time as a program participant (ACE), founding team member (ACESJU), instructional coach (UCTC), and director (PACT) across four university programs, highlighting the transformative power of intentional, holistic formation and the hope and promise of these programs going forward.

This event is co-sponsored by the Catholic Schools Teacher Corps and the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture.