The Scholars' Forum Continues with Maria Morrow, Ph.D.  

Maria Morrow, Ph.D. Catholic Studies professor and author.

Inside the Core this week, we are pleased to host another virtual presentation in the Scholars' Forum in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The Scholars' Forum in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition consists of faculty talking about their recently published or soon-to-be published books. It takes place online, usually every other week, on Wednesday, at 4 p.m. It is co-sponsored by the University Core, the Catholic Studies Program, the Catholic Studies Center, the Department of Religion, and Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.

Past presenters have been Dr. Roger Alfani (of Diplomacy and the Core), Prof. Peter Savastano (of Anthropology and Religion), Dr. Jeff Morrow (ICSST), Dr. Patrick Manning (ICSST), Dr. Justin Anderson (ICSST), and Dr. Ines Murzaku (the Catholic Studies Program and Dept. of Religion).

On this Wed., Feb. 24, seventh event in the series will be given by Dr. Maria Morrow, who teaches in the Catholic Studies Program. She will be presenting on her recent (and very timely, given the season) book entitled A Busy Parent's Guide to a Meaningful Lent (OSV Press, 2020). As described online, this useful book is "a quick, easy, Lenten resource that starts your day off with Scripture, reflection and prayer - and achievable ideas to help busy parents make the most of Lent." Dr. Morrow, the mother of seven children, knows that it isn't easy to make time to make Lent meaningful for busy parents or their children. But the book offers some valuable suggestions, again taken from the description:

• A theme for the week
• A brief reflection based on the daily Mass readings- a 5-minute read
• Questions for journaling or meditation
• A one-line aspirational prayer
• And a quick and easy Catholic practice to sanctify the rest of your day.

A passage from the book shows the author's spiritual insight as well as her practical and down-to-earth tone:

As parents, it is easy to procrastinate on our spiritual lives. We seem always to have more pressing matters, from laundry to soccer games, to bedtime routines. For this reason, the liturgical seasons of the church are a great gift to us. Whether we feel ready or not, Lent has begun.

Dr. Morrow goes on to explain various ways to help parents (and their children) make Lent into a meaningful and special time as a family. Dr. Morrow brings to her book her training as a theologian. She earned her Ph.D. in theology at the University of Dayton and is an adjunct professor in the Catholic Studies Department at Seton Hall University. She is also the author of Sin in the Sixties: Catholics and Confession, 1955-1975 (CUA Press, 2016).

Learn more about her book, A Busy Parent's Guide to a Meaningful Lent.

The Scholars' Forum in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition will continue with readings by faculty authors approximately every two weeks through Microsoft Teams. See the schedule for upcoming speakers and topics:

March 10, Wed., 4 p.m. Dr. Gregory Floyd, The Catholic Reception of Continental Philosophy in North America
Learn more about his book: https://www.amazon.com/Floyd-Catholic-Reception-Continental-Philosophy/dp/148750649X

March 24: Romero-King event – no Scholars' Forum this week. Link for this event will be posted separately.

April 7, Wed., 4 p.m. Dr. Chad Thralls, Deep Calls to Deep: Mysticism, Scripture, and Contemplation
Learn more about his book: https://www.orbisbooks.com/deep-calls-to-deep.html

April 21, Wed. 4 p.m. Fr. Paul Haffner and Fr. Joseph Laracy, eds. Stanley Jaki Foundation International Congress 2015.
Learn more about their book: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Jaki-Foundation-International-Congress/dp/0852449364

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education