Catholic Theological
Society of America

Congratulations to CTSA member Judith A. Merkle on the publication of her book The Vows of Religious Life in a Secular Society (Bloomsbury, Sept. 18, 2025). 

This book investigates religious vows, shedding light on the type of faith that can sustain humanity in secular times. It examines the personal impact of religious life as well as its potential to foster a sense of completeness within society at large.

Unbelief in today's society can be partially rooted in the shallowness of the sort of religion that the secular can abandon. Such a religion, characterized as magical, shallow, illusory, or rooted solely in external rituals, lacks the depth required to thrive in a secular society. It fails to address the profound aspects of human existence, the authentic freedom of the spirit, and the enduring obedience of faith.

This study of religious vows uncovers their deeper meanings in light of these challenges. It invites us to consider whether religious life, despite contemporary criticisms, can be seen as "touching wholeness". This book does not only delve into the theological foundations of these vows but also key areas which impact their understanding and living in new contexts. It surveys sociological landscapes and goes beyond to encompass shifts in science, psychology, theology. Religious life in this sense is part of the renewal of the church, as well as an agent in it.

By focusing briefly on each vow, Judtih A. Merkle illustrates how religious life serves as a bridge connecting the secular and the sacred. It is a life focused on love of God and service of others which is a witness to the coming of Kingdom of God, and values which truly matter in contemporary society.

The Funeral Mass of Rev. James Alan Coriden was held on September 6, 2025 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Rockville, MD. The eulogy was given by Jim's dear friend, Johann Klodzen and  Rev. Charles Curran presided and gave the homily. The service was lived streamed on You Tube. You can access it here:

https://www,youtube.com/watch?v=u0808AK0xCY

It was my proud honor to present our Society's John Courtney Murray Award to Jim in 2011 when I was president.  In addition to Jim's valued scholarly and pastoral contribution as a canonist to us and to the Church, he served as a humorous inquisitor for the Treasurers' reports at our annual CTSA Business meetings. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

On Thursday, November 20 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, a memorial service will be held for Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, in the Williams Chapel, Swartz (Andover) Hall, HDS, Cambridge MA. A reception will follow in the Braun Room from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. All are welcome. More information forthcoming, about possible live-streaming of the service, etc.

Congratulations to Elsie Miranda, Cristina Traina and Susan Ross on the publication of their book "The Meaning of Being Human: Synodal Considerations" (Paulist Press, Sept. 2, 2025). Forward by Susan A. Ross.

This collection of essays explores the meaning of being human as beloved creatures of God in the context an ever-evolving creation. As baptized members of the body of Christ the authors of these essays explore themes raised by the global synod, with particular attention to Theological Anthropology, and the capacity of God’s Spirit and Grace to break into our ordinary lives to manifest goodness, beauty, and divine love in the world. (Paulist Press, 2025)

The CTSA remembers and prays for longstanding member William P. Roberts, who died on Friday, July 25.

Eternal rest grant unto Bill, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bill's theological contributions to the CTSA include the following available within the CTSA Proceedings:

• Bernard Cooke's Contribution to Theology (vol. 59) 2004.

Obituary highlighting Bill's life and accomplishments

The CTSA remembers and prays for longstanding member Francis Fiorenza, who died today, Wednesday, July 23.

Francis Fiorenza served as the CTSA's President in 1985 – 1986 and as a member of the CTSA Board of Directors (1975 – 1977).

Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Francis Fiorenza's theological contributions to the CTSA include the following available within the CTSA Proceedings:

• Rahner's Ecclesiology: Jesus and the Foundation of the Church--an Analysis of the hermeneutical Issues (1978, Vol. 33).
• Nineteenth Century Theology (1983, Vol. 38).
• Presidential Address ~ Foundations of Theology: A Community's Tradition of Discourse and Practice(1986, Vol. 41)
• he Security and Insecurity of Faith (1973, Vol. 28)
• The CTSA and the Proposed Schema on Catholic Universities (Correspondence; 1986, Vol. 41)
• Critical Social Theory and Christology (1975, Vol. 30)
• The Jesus of Piety and the Historical Jesus (1994, Vol. 49).
• Political Theology as Foundational Theology (1977, Vol. 32)

Francis Fiorenza on His Esteemed Teaching Career, the Pluralization of Theology, and Studying with the 'Stars of the Stars' (Harvard Divinity School, 7/29/21);  Accessed on 7/28/25 at <<https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2021/07/29/francis-fiorenza-his-esteemed-teaching-career-pluralization-theology-and-studying-stars>>.

Committal Service ~ Thursday, July 31in Cambridge
(See below for local attendance)
Rite of Christian Burial / Interment Service will be live streamed via Zoom at 10:00 a.m.

Jul 31, 10:00 a.m.   https://drew.zoom.us/j/96604452641 
•  View details & RSVP https://calendar.app.google/jzUayZWGatv3W5Yf7

Committal Service - Join Zoom Meeting

https://drew.zoom.us/j/96604452641

Meeting ID: 966 0445 2641

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,96604452641# US

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Local attendees ~ Address of Cambridge Cemetery

Cambridge Cemetery

76 Coolidge Avenue CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138

Invitation to Supporting Migrants and Refugees: Finding Hope in a Time of Peril

In these perilous times for our immigrant brothers and sisters, the Center for Migration Studies will bring together the Catholic and migrant-serving community for our annual 2025 Immigrant Integration Convening from September 14 to 16 at Fordham University. 

View the agenda, speakers, and event information 

Speakers will discuss the immigration challenges of today, as well as how to respond to harsh immigration policies and support immigrant communities. 

Our speakers include thought leaders such as The Rev. James Martin, editor at large at America; Michele R. Pistone, professor of law at Villanova University and the director for the Strategic Initiative for Migrants + Refugees; and Father Bryan N. Massingale, professor of theological and social ethics at Fordham University. 

Register for the 2025 Immigrant Integration Convening

 As guest editor of the journal Religions, CTSA member SimonMary Aihiokhai  invites members to respond to a call for paper for a special issue of the journal.

Click here to access a PDF of the Call for Papers

Piece written by James T. Keane, AmericaMagazine.org "Mission and Vision: Stephen Bevans and Catholic Theology" (June 24, 2025).

Dear colleague in peacemaking and dialogue,

The International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID is pleased to announce a call for applications to its 2026 International Fellows Programme. 

I hope you will consider sharing this among your networks or members.

The KAICIID International Fellows Programme is an international capacity-building and professional development programme designed to bring together religious leaders, educators, and practitioners from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds worldwide. The Programme is designed to connect and cultivate a network of leaders committed to fostering peace in their communities through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. 

Since its launch in 2015, the Programme has equipped more than 550 Fellows from nearly 100 countries with the dialogue skills needed to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between diverse religions and cultures in a global world. We have had Fellows from 17 global religious and faith traditions, and dozens of denominations or movements within those.

In 2026, we are excited to call two international cohorts. 

• The "International Cohort" is open to all applicants globally, with a preference for those in higher education, community or religious leadership, or policy development that impacts religions and religious communities.

• The "Youth-Focused Cohort" specifically invites staff and volunteers of international, regional, or national youth-focused agencies, organizations, and networks. It is not limited to youth applicants.

The deadline for Applications is 31 July. 

Information and the link to the application can be found here: 

KAICIID Fellows Programme | KAICIID 

Frequently Asked Questions are answered here:

International Fellows Programme - Frequently Asked Questions | KAICIID

My team is available for questions from applicants at Fellows@kaiciid.org, and if you have any questions for me please do not hesitate to reach out directly. 

Thank you, 

Andrew

__________

Prof. Andrew (A.J.) BOYD
Senior Programme Manager, Fellows
Programmes Division

 

The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID Rua Castilho 52 1250-071 Lisbon Portugal

 

Mobile: +351 925 238 095

E-Mail: andrew.boyd@kaiciid.org