Previous Newman Night Series
Bioethics
The 3-week series focused on controversial bioethics topics both within the Catholic Church and between the Catholic faith and the secular world. The discussions were facilitated Fr. Mannes who has a background in bioethics. Topics included Genetic Engineering, Embryo Adoption, and Navigating the Abortion Debates.
A more intense bioethic discussion group was held over Intersession in January 2020. The group met 3 times a week, discussing topics pertaining to end-of-life career, infertility and beginning-of-life issues, and the physician-patient relationship.
Faith & Reason
This 4-week discussion series covered diverse topics on the interwoven intellect of the Catholic faith. Talks were led by several notable speakers: our deacon at Ss. Philip & Jame and professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Mark Soloski on Life as a Catholic Scientist, and History of Science graduate student Nuno C.-B. on Catholic Heroes. Additional topics include Catholic Bioethics: Engaging a Secular World and Did Jesus Actually Say That? History & the Bible.
Pope Francis & Ecology
This Newman Night discussion’s speaker was our very own pastor at Ss. Philip & James, Fr. Francis Belanger. This discussion was a joint event with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter at Johns Hopkins University.
Saint John Henry Newman
In honor of his canonization on October 13, 2019, students gathered around our Newman Center to learn of his conversion and contributions to the Catholic faith from the Bishop Robert Barron documentary.
Prayer
A 5-week discussion series on various modes of prayers to nourish the faith. Topics discussed were Deep in Prayer, Praying with the Bible, Getting More out of Mass, Prayer & Action, and Why Pray to Mary?
St. John Paul the Great: Major Influences on His Life and His Five Loves
This 2-week discussion series on the works and writings of St. Pope John Paul II explored major influences and figures on the life of St. John Paul II. Discussion was led by Sara W. ’21 as well as Fr. Hugh Vincent.
C.S. Lewis: The Four Loves
For the month of February (2019) we had be studying C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves, his investigation of love from a Christian and philosophical perspective (storge – affection love, eros – romantic love, philia – friendship love, and agape – divine love). Each week and topic of love was led by different student speakers (Sara W. ’21, Melissa M. ’19, Kelvin A. ’19, and Liam M.-M. ’21) from our very own community!
Hi God It’s Me… Ways to Pray
This 5-part series explores different methods of prayer, each week led by a different own student guest speakers (Kenny V. ’21, Sara W. ’21) as well as our head chaplain, Fr. Hugh Vincent.
IGNITE
A 4-part scripture study series to explore and accept the invitation each one of us receives from Jesus to respond to His call as the Good Shepherd, become fertile soil for His work on Earth, and build our lives around the firm foundation of His teachings. Each week a different student speaker led discussion (Bailey R. ’20, Sara W. ’21, Melissa M. ’19)
The Road to Emmaus: a Story of Change
Inspired by the story of two travelers on the road to Emmaus, each week in this Newman Night series featured two student speakers who shared their stories of how their faith has developed since starting to college, and how they have helped each other on their journeys. Our student speakers, Sharon T. ’21, Maria C. ’21, Karl J. ’18, Jesse R. ’18, Brulinda F. ’18, and Chris M. ’19 led discussion.
Lenten Virtues
During the season of Lent, we discussed the Lenten Virtues of Faith, Prayer, and Almsgiving, in addition to a discussion on Confession.
Faith, Hope, and Love
This was a short Newman Night series delving into our own personal experiences of the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love. We shared and listened to each other’s stories of how these virtues have influenced our spiritual development and everyday lives.
Cultivating Your Faith in College Series
This Newman Night Series explored ways for students of at any stage, from incoming freshmen to graduate students, to delve deeper in their faith while also juggling academics, social obligations, and extracurricular activities. We shared our experiences to find practical ways to grow as Catholics in our everyday lives as Hopkins students.
Human Empowerment
This Newman Night Series was based on the video “Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues” by Father Robert Barron