The Term's Events

This term - Previous terms

All public meetings are held in the meeting room of the Old Palace. Members are invited to dine with the speakers and the committee before meetings at a charge of £5. Please inform the Secretary (Patrick Milner) by Monday noon if you wish to dine.

Those who wish are invited to purchase the famous Newman Society Tie (striped: Cardinal's red, Papal gold, Oxford blue), which is available from Walters on the Turl.

Trinity 2008

FIRST WEEK

Tuesday- Drinks Party

The term, as ever, starts with a drinks party. An excellent opportunity to meet the Committee, find out more about the term’s events and forget collections past and exams to come!

SECOND WEEK

Thursday- May Day Gala

Service to begin at two o’clock. In order to commemorate the beginning of the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Newman Society is organising a service of music and readings and involving the Catholic community of Oxford. The service will be held in the Chapel of Mansfield College and followed by a picnic in the grounds of the American Institute.

THIRD WEEK

Tuesday- Ms. Oona Stannard
Catholic Schooling in A Secular Age

The ancient relationship between the Church and education is, in the United Kingdom, manifested today in state schools run in conjunction with the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. The Catholic Education Service is the agency of the Bishops’ Conference that is charged with overseeing and guiding this relationship in conjunction with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Oona Stannard is the Chief Executive and Director of the CES and is charged with ensuring that Catholic Education in England and Wales retains its integrity, relevance and success in an age with many demands placed on it by government and secular society.

FOURTH WEEK

Tuesday- Mr. John Madeley
The dilemmas of Catholic minoritarianism: Roman Catholicism in the UK

Religious tension between the Church and Protestantism in the United Kingdom has, in most places and in most instances, been confined to the history books. And the statute books. Catholics in the United Kingdom are still forbidden by law from marrying an heir to the throne, becoming prime minister and even swearing the Privy Council oath. With some of these now discarded, others seemingly unimportant, yet others appearing relevant, the constitutional status of Catholics in the United Kingdom is a popular and confusing political question. Mr. John Madeley, lecturer in government at the London School of Economics and Political Science, with an interest in Church/state relations across Europe, will inform this important conversation, discuss potential developments and offer comparison with other situations in Europe.

FIFTH WEEK

Tuesday- Mr and Mrs Geoff Dorrit
Faith, Hope and Charity

How best to live out the Christian obligation to charity is a difficult and complex problem in the modern, changing world. How the laity can give- time, money and spirit- in the most effective way is by no means least of these considerations. With so many charities to choose from and so many crises that deserve our attention, it can be disheartening. Mr and Mrs Dorrit have spent their spare time working with the Church and other groups in Eastern Europe and the Holy Land. They are to offer an inspirational account of their current work and charities, especially ‘Bible Lands’, a charity that works across the religious divide in Palestine to aid children in need.

SIXTH WEEK

Tuesday- Mr. John Tabor
Tuitio Fidei, Obsequium Pauperum - The Hospitaller Vocation in the 21st Century

The Knights of Malta are one of the most famous of all Catholic orders. Their longevity and ancient roots, coupled with powerful and wide-ranging charity activities has earned them respect and love from Catholics and non-Catholics alike across the world. In an ever changing world, the Order, which was founded in 1085, is finding new ways to stay true to their motto: ‘Tuitio Fidei, Obsequium Pauperum’ (‘Protection of Faith and Service to the Poor’). Following the election of a new grand master this year, the Order is looking to the future again, grounded in its illustrious past. Mr. John Tabor, a simply professed knight, is to offer an exciting account of how the Order is to implement their vocation in the modern world.

SEVENTH WEEK

Tuesday- Dr. Robert D. Miller III
The Blessed Virgin Mary as Isaiah's 'Servant'

The place of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Faith is one that is unique and often misunderstood by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This place is only properly comprehended in light of the place of Our Lady in the Old Testament and the history of Christianity. After the conclusion of the month of Our Lady, and following the gala service at on the first of May, Dr. Robert Miller of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland (USA) will speak on the role of Mary in sacred scripture, especially Isaiah.

EIGHTH WEEK

Tuesday- HE HRH Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho

The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is a largely Catholic nation. HM King Letsie III, the brother of Prince Lesotho, has presided over a long period of growth and stability in the kingdom since his ascension to the throne in 1996. Prince Seesio also founded, with Prince Harry of Wales, the Sentebale charity that cares for AIDs orphans, abused children and other vulnerable young people in the kingdom. With an unique insight into the operation of a Catholic monarchy in Africa, as well as being at the forefront of fighting some of the greatest problems of our time Prince Seeiso promises to give an exceptional talk.

Thursday- Termly Mass and Dinner at Pembroke College

Previous terms:

Some past termcards:

Other old termcards will be posted here as they become available.