Back Hilary 2006 FIRST WEEK Drinks Party Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm Newman Drinks is always one of the best ways to start off a great term. Come along and find out more about the society, meet the committee and other fellow-minded individuaals. Membership is free for Catholics who are members of hte University, and there is a small charge for others. All welcome! SECOND WEEK The Truth about Opus Dei - Dr Peter Damian-Grint Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm Dr Peter Damian-Grint, a medieval French scholar at Brasenose, will talk about the now-famous prelature of which he is a member, in light of the recent exposure given by The Da Vinci Code - a novel soon to be released in film form - and the bestselling study of Opus Dei by Vatican-watcher Mr John Allen Jr. THIRD WEEK Has Science Killed God? - Prof. Alister McGrath Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm One of Oxford's most prominent theologians, Prof. Alister McGrath will challenge many of the assumptions made by atheist polemicist Prof. Richard Dawkins in recent writings and television appearances. Prof. McGrath is best-known for his scientific theology project, which aims to use the working methods and assumptions of the natural sciences as a dialogue partner for systematic theology, and is the author of Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life. FOURTH WEEK Managing the Modern Monastery - Abbot Martin Shipperlee Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm Abbott Martin Shipperlee of Ealing Abbey runs a highly successful Benedictine community in London. He will investigate how, despite the seemingly irrepressible tide of secularism in wider society, his community has grown from strength to strength - with the monastery being at the heart of its borough's prosperity. FIFTH WEEK Speed Dating (with Port) Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm To celebrate this day of love and romance, as well as the horrific martyrdom of one of the early church's most inspirational leaders, the Newman Society will take a break from its normal activities and hold a 'Speed Dating' session. This will be a chance to meet good Catholic ladies and gentlemen in a safe and friendly environment - over a glass or two of port! SIXTH WEEK Pilgrimage to Worcester Catholic Chaplaincy, 9.45am (Saturday) The Newman Society will be holding a pilgrimage to Worcester, with Mass celebrated in the crypt of the beautiful and awe-inspiring cathedral. There will then be a pub lunch, and exploration of some local sites of interest. Places in the minibus are limited, so please contact the President (Mr Alexander Stafford, St Benet's Hall) by the beginning of fourth week to book places. SEVENTH WEEK Pancake Evening Catholic Chaplaincy, 7.00pm The Catholic Society will be helping the Newman Society to provide a fun evening in celebration of Shrove Tuesday. Home-made pancakes will be prepared by the societies' officers. Termly Mass and President's Dinner St Benet's Hall, 7.00pm (Thursday) Our termly Mass and black-tie dinner will take place in St Benet's Hall and Porters Restaurant. A photograph will be taken following the Mass, and after dinner (to take place in Porters' private room) there will be port in the Yellow Room of St Benet's. EIGHTH WEEK The State of the Liturgy - Fr Allen Morris Catholic Chaplaincy, 8.30pm Fr Allen Morris, Chairman of the Westminster Liturgy Commission (as well as Secretary to the Department for Christian Life and Worship) will be talking about his experiences in this dynamic field, with emphasis on his work on the new translations which are set to change the way English congregations worship.