The Lumen Christi Institute plans to host a week-long seminar for recent PhDs interested in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The theme is “The Vocation of the Catholic Scholar,” and the seminar will be led by Fr. Stephen Fields, S.J., Hackett Family Professor of Theology at Georgetown University. The foundation of the seminar will consist of reading and discussing John Henry Newman’s Idea of a University, as a springboard for considering the purpose of the university and of the scholar. Guest lecturers from the region will supplement this discussion and reading.  The seminar is an opportunity to meet 12 to 15 promising scholars working in different academic fields, all with interests tied to Catholicism. There are no seminar fees and reading materials are provided. LCI will cover accommodations and most meals.  Additionally, participants will reimburse travel expenses up to $500. The seminar will begin with Vespers, followed by a welcome dinner on Sunday, August 10 and conclude the evening of Friday, August 15. 

The seminar is by invitation only.

Thank you for participating in our meeting. Please submit your reimbursement request for our best practice seminar here no later than Oct. 31st. 

Please direct any questions to gzokal@lumenchristi.org


The Lumen Christi Fellows are selected from students at the University of Chicago and other area universities. Fellows demonstrate an interest in the Catholic intellectual tradition and in sharing community with peers. They receive invitations to private events, dinners, and seminars, while committing to reasonable participation in Lumen Christi programs. Fellows are invited to focus on key areas relevant to their interests: Scripture, Theology and Philosophy, Political Thought, Science and Religion, Catholic Literature and Culture, the University and Liberal Education. The Fellows’ leadership team coordinates with Lumen Christi staff on vision and programming. Interested students are encouraged to apply.

Direct any further questions to Michael Le Chevallier.

Lumen Christi Institute