UPCOMING LECTURES IN ADULT FAITH FORMATION SERIES AT ST. PAUL SEMINARY AUDITORIUM

PITTSBURGH – Adult stem cell research and John Paul II’s theology of the body will be the topics for Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk and Christopher West in the two remaining lectures March 8 and April 5 for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, now in the fifth year of its popular adult series at Saint Paul Seminary, 2900 Noblestown Road, in the Crafton/Greentree area of Pittsburgh.

“The focus of these talks is ‘Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Faith.’ As believers, we are challenged to infuse our faith into every aspect of life. This is particularly urgent today as the secularists push to eradicate faith from the public square. How do believers see the world and what can our faith bring to the issues facing our society?,” said Father Kris Stubna, Secretary for Education for the diocese , and whose Department for Religious Education sponsors the lectures, which are:

The Radical Breakthrough of Adult Stem Cell Research

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.
Wednesday, March 8, 2006 7:30 p.m.
In his presentation, Fr. Pacholczyk will examine both the science and ethics of stem cell research and cloning. Embryonic stem cell research will be considered in the light of morally acceptable alternatives, and a careful consideration of the various media myths surrounding this area of science will be presented. Therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning will be examined both scientifically and morally through easily accessible concepts and with familiar language. Fr. Pacholczyk will stress and highlight the essential importance of carefully protecting and safeguarding embryonic humans.

Rev. Dr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA. He has earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Yale University and has studied for 5 years in Rome, where he did advanced work in dogmatic theology and in bioethics, examining the question of delayed ensoulment of the human embryo. He has done numerous media commentaries, including appearances on CNN International, ABC World News Tonight, and National Public Radio. He is Director of Education for The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

God, Sex and the Meaning of Life:
An Introduction to Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body

Christopher West
Wednesday, April 5, 2006 7:30 p.m.
Many think they understand what the church teaches about the body and the relationship between man and woman. However, the deeper reasons - the why of these teachings - are not well understood. The human body is meant to be a sign of God’s own life and love in the world. Join Christopher West for a thought provoking presentation that will enrich your understanding of human sexuality and the spiritual power it contains.

Christopher West teaches the theology of the body at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver and at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Melbourne, Australia. He also serves as the Theology of the Body Staff Advisor for the GIFT Foundation. His books, extensive lecturing, numerous tapes, and his radio and TV appearances have sparked an international groundswell of interest in John Paul II’s theology of the body. He is married to Wendy and has three children.