Reading Groups

Politics and the Common Good

ALTERNATING FRIDAYS, 12:30–2 pm

All students, faculty, staff, and other interested persons—of any faith persuasion or none—are invited to join this group discussion of the new possibilities that the concept of “the Common Good” can open within our polarized political discourse. We will meet on Fridays for lunch and discussion of the issues raised by a chapter in Human Dignity and Liberal Politics: Catholic Possibilities for the Common Good by Patrick Reardon, SJ, an Oxford University professor of Political Philosophy and Catholic Social Thought. Led by assistant chaplain Damon McGraw in collaboration with students.

Contact: damon.mcgraw@yale.edu

Confessions by St. Augustine

WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING OCT. 14, 7–8 pm

All are invited to join this seven-session exploration of one of the most significant works of Christian spirituality and theology ever written, one which has been as massively influential on Western philosophy as on the history of Christianity. Through a vital mix of presentation and discussion, participants will be both guided through St. Augustine’s famous autobiographical reflection and given the opportunity to share their own impressions and questions with one another. Led by assistant chaplain Damon McGraw, PhD, and Kelby Uebelhor, a Yale Div grad and PhD candidate at Fordham University.

Contact: damon.mcgraw@yale.edu

Faith & Poetry

SEPT. 22, OCT. 20 & NOV. 10, 6–7:30 pm

In this student-led group, selected poems (both secular and religious) are discussed through an academic, personal, and faith perspective. We meet once a month over dinner.

Contact: pauline.little@yale.edu

Magnifica Humanitas

SEPT. 28, OCT. 26, & NOV. 30, 6–7:30 pm

Join other students as we read through Pope Leo’s first encyclical on “safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.” Enter into the richness of the Catholic tradition through discussion of this latest encyclical, speaking to the signs of our times. We meet once a month over dinner. 

Contact: pauline.little@yale.edu 

Women Reading Theology

SEPT. 21, OCT. 19, NOV. 9 &DEC. 14, 6–7:30 pm

Read through theological texts and grapple with Church teaching, ecclesiology, and notions of God with this intergenerational group of women. This group meets once a month over dinner and is open to both students and community members.

Contact: pauline.little@yale.edu 

New reading groups form each semester. For more information about one of our groups or how you can join contact Pauline Little, Assistant Chaplain.