Non-Credit Courses
OPEN TO ALL - REGISTRATION REQUESTED
"GIVING BEAUTY BACK TO BEAUTY'S SELF AND GIVER"
POETRY OF GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS
Tuesdays, 6:30 PM (July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11)
Harvard Catholic Center/St. Paul’s, Cambridge, MA
Group led by Harvard Catholic Forum Graduate Fellow Jordan Vanderpool
Enter the world of Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-89), probably the most original poetic genius of his generation, through a careful reading of his work. Experience an explosive poetic language that captures both visceral emotion and profound awe. Light dinner provided.
This reading group is supported by a grant from the Lumen Christi Institute with funding from the John Templeton Foundation (Grant #63614).
OPEN TO ALL - REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Co-sponsored by the Nova Forum at USC
NEW TESTAMENT GREEK
ST. MARK'S GOSPEL
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Begins September 22*
Zoom
Taught by Classical languages instructor Michael O’Brien and Deacon Tim O’Donnell (Harvard Catholic Forum)
Read and translate St. Mark’s Gospel in Greek, starting at the beginning and reaching the end of Ch. 5 by Christmas – we will continue in the Spring semester. Readings and notes are distributed before each class; extensive study aids are available online. Primary focus is on translation, but theology, history, and rhetoric in Mark will be touched on as well.
Open to all; participants should have completed, and have some recollection of, one year or more of Classical or Koine Greek.
OPEN TO ALL - REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Co-sponsored by the Nova Forum at USC
CHRISTIAN LATIN: THE VULGATE BIBLE
THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH: MATTHEW’S GOSPEL AND THE OLD TESTAMENT
1st and 3rd Mondays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Begins September 21
Zoom
Taught by patristics scholar Christopher McLaughlin and Classical languages instructor Michael O’Brien
Read and translate from the Vulgate Bible, beginning with OT passages that point to the Nativity account in St. Matthew’s Gospel, and then reading that narrative before Christmas. Readings, notes, and study aids will be provided before each class. The primary focus is on translation, but the relation between the Old and New Testament texts will be examined.
Open to all; participants should have completed, and have some recollection of, one year or more of Latin.
OPEN TO ALL - REGISTRATION REQUIRED
LITURGICAL MUSIC WORKSHOP
Summer, Sundays 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Note time change from spring semester)
Begins June 21, runs through August
St. Paul's Campus
Instructor: Adam Ziccardi, Harvard Catholic Forum
This workshop invites participants of various skill levels to learn and sing chants, hymns, and psalms, and learn the history of liturgical music. Weeks will alternate between a Harmony Session and a History & Chant Session. Come to all sessions, or as many as you can!
OPEN TO BOSTON AREA UNDERGRADS - REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Co-sponsored by the Harvard Catholic Center Undergraduate Chaplaincy
CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT:
KEY PAPAL ENCYCLICALS
Mondays, 8 - 9:15 PM
Resumes in September 2026 (Participants welcome to join later!)
Harvard Catholic Center/St. Paul’s, Cambridge, MA
Group led by Harvard Undergraduates John Kipp and Marshall Zhu
This reading group explores key insights from the great Social Encyclicals and examines how their vision and teaching can shape how we respond to contemporary challenges. Reading materials and light refreshments provided.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is required to receive readings in advance.
This reading group is supported by a grant from the Lumen Christi Institute with funding from the John Templeton Foundation (Grant #63614).
OPEN TO UNDERGRAD/GRAD/YOUNG PROFESSIONAL - REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED
Co-presented by the Harvard Catholic Forum
RATZINGER MEMORIAL SOCIETY:
SATURDAY DISCUSSIONS/TUESDAY READING GROUP
Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Weekly Topics & Fellowship (resuming September 2026)
St. Paul's/Harvard Catholic Center, Harvard Square
Led by HCF Graduate Fellow Paul Scheeler
The Ratzinger Memorial Society is rooted in the conviction that theology should form the center of a liberal arts education, and supports an intellectually rigorous exploration of the Catholic tradition. The Saturday morning discussion covers a range of topics, with an opportunity for fellowship. and refreshments provided.