Upcoming Events
EVENTS
Divine Pop and Techno Slop: Theological Discourses on Social Media
September 10, 2026
One “dry run” for the “Age of AI” in which we now find ourselves is found in our experiences with social media—particularly as a venue for debating the high ideas of politics, religion, and culture. This focused colloquium will reflect on the state of "God talk" on social media and features authors of the recent book, Theological Discourses on Social Media.
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EVENTS
Participation, Dignity & Democracy: A Virtual Catholic Theological Conference
September 16–17, 2026
A Zoom Forum hosted by multiple national Academic Centers on the public role of religion in democratic life. Various panels and dialogue include reflections on experiences of ‘democratic’ institutions across American Catholic communities (on the complex history of democracy in America: its gifts, its failures, its enduring promise); the challenge of Catholic preaching amid polarization, democracy, voting rights, immigrant communities and the increased challenges of voter safety; practical strategies of protecting democracy and voter safety; and remaining grounded in Spirit amid cross-cutting polarizations in society and the Church.
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EVENTS
“Let All Who Are Thirsty, Come: Examining the Appeal of Catholicism and Rise in Conversions Among Young Adults”
September 19, 2026
A conference cosponsored by the Hank Center and Mission Integration exploring the increase of inquirers and conversions to the Catholic Church. Panels of practitioners, students, and scholars will discuss enchantment/re-enchantment of the life of faith; media influence; class, gender, and culture in this revival; whether or not this is a revival; and what this means for young people and the Church in 2026.
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Partner Conferences
Catholic Studies Consortium National Conference 2026
September 24–26, 2026
In Ex corde ecclesiae, St. John Paul II calls Catholic universities “to a continuous renewal, both as ‘Universities’ and as ‘Catholic’.” More recently Pope Leo XIV called for greater wisdom to “refocus our gaze on the ‘cosmology of Christian paideia’: a vision that, over the centuries, has been able to renew itself and positively inspire all the multifaceted aspects of education.” This renewal the popes speak about demands from university faculty and leaders the ability to read the signs of the times drawing upon the power of tradition and respond with innovation and creativity.
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EVENTS
Ignatian AI Conference: Exploring Artificial Intelligence Through a Jesuit Lens
October 1–3, 2026
How can we explore the use and development of AI through a Jesuit lens? The Ignatian AI Conference will convene Jesuit scholars, AI experts, and industry professionals to engage this question directly. Participants will develop a shared framework to support reflection, decision-making, and formation at Jesuit institutions worldwide, launching a broader Ignatian AI network.
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Teilhard de Chardin S.J. Lecture
Annual Teilhard de Chardin Lecture featuring Dr. Christiana Zenner
October 21, 2026
The Hank Center welcomes Dr. Christiana Zenner, as our 2026 Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. visiting Fellow in Catholic Studies. Professor Zenner, who specializes in the areas of fresh water values and ethics; religious ecological ethics at the intersection of ecological theory, Laudato Si’, and the ecological turn in Catholic social teaching, will offer this year's Teilhard lecture.
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Jesuit Lecture
Mark Massa, SJ, “Catholic Fundamentalisms”
October 27, 2026
The Hank Center is pleased to welcome Fr. Michael Rozier, SJ for its 2026-2027 Jesuit Lecture. This lecture invites readers, both religious and secular alike, to imagine a future where prevention is prioritized, care is communal, and wellness includes the whole person. With theological insight and public health expertise, Rozier helps us see that health care is not merely an industry; it's a reflection of our deepest values and collective responsibility.
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