Spend the 40 days of Lent with the Book of Exodus in preparation for Easter. The McGrath Institute for Church Life is offering a three-part lecture series, one-credit course and reading groups for those interested in deepening their Lenten practice by reading Old Testament Scripture with expert help from Notre Dame theologians.
University of Notre Dame faculty and staff, South Bend community members, and individuals with no current affiliation with the university are encouraged to participate in the reading groups and lectures. The course is limited to current students.
“The Book of Exodus: A Spiritual Journey” expounds on the spiritual, theological and liturgical themes in Exodus. The Book of Exodus recounts the Hebrew people’s delivery from enslavement in Egypt and illumines the journey of the Church and of each Christian through Lent to Easter.
“By reading Exodus as a spiritual journey — patiently, reverently and theologically— we allow the words of Scripture, along with its images and figures, to reveal to us the Savior for whom we long,” said John Cavadini, McGrath-Cavadini Director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. “The lectures will accompany individuals as they contemplate prevalent themes of Exodus as they relate to the spiritual life of each soul and the liturgical life of the Church.”
Individuals are invited to participate in “The Book of Exodus: A Spiritual Journey” in three ways:
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Take a one-credit Theology course: Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross students can register via insideND or by emailing ldeloren@nd.edu. The course number is THEO 30057.
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Join a reading group: Form your own group; or sign up at icl.nd.edu/events/exodus to join groups coordinated by the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Reading groups can be formed in off-campus locations, and anyone interested in a Lenten practice is encouraged to participate. Reading guides will be provided. Please sign up no later than February 28.
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Attend the lectures: All lectures begin at 7 p.m. in the Eck Visitors Center Auditorium at Notre Dame. The lectures can be attended regardless of joining a reading group. They are free and open to the public. See below for the full schedule:
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March 8: “Sin, Mercy, and the Vision of God in the Book of Exodus” by Theology Prof. John Cavadini
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March 22: “What Makes You Beautiful: The Aesthetic Pedagogy of the Book of Exodus” by Theology Prof. Leonard DeLorenzo
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April 5: “Re-Creation and the Exodus: A Pattern of Liturgical Remembering” by Theology Prof. Timothy O’Malley
The McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame partners with Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools to address pastoral challenges with theological depth and rigor. By connecting the Catholic intellectual life at Notre Dame to the life of the Church, the McGrath Institute for Church Life forms faithful Catholic leaders for service to the Church and the world. Visit icl.nd.edu.
Contact: Brett Robinson, director of communications, McGrath Institute for Church Life, 574-631-6109, brobins6@nd.edu