Fall 2009

Three Things Talks:Year for Priests - "Christ, the High Priest"
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Featured Speaker
Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, CM, Executive Vice President for Mission and Branch Campuses at St. John’s University, has a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (1984) from The Catholic University of America and has taught Scripture at several universities and seminaries.  Most recently, he has been a Professor at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island.

Overview
“Christ the High Priest:”  This talk will focus upon the “Letter to the Hebrews” which is the only document in the New Testament which speaks explicitly about Jesus as High Priest.  Three elements will be highlighted:  Christ as the High Priest who enters the Heavenly Temple with the Perfect Sacrifice.  In this presentation, one will be invited to see how the action of Jesus becomes the model for priesthood and liturgy.

Three Things Talks:Year for Priests - "Ordained Priesthood"
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Featured Speaker
Joseph R. Gibino, STM, Ph.D. Fr. Gibino is a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn.  Ordained in 1981, he has served in a number of capacities in the Diocese.  He holds Masters Degrees in Medieval Literature, Education, Theology, and Anthropology and an earned doctorate in Social Anthropology with a specialty in Mediterranean Religion and Politics.  He is currently Pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Whitestone, NY and an adjunct member of the Theology Department at St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Overview
Fr. Gibino will present the key themes found in Pope Benedict XVI’s homily announcing the Year of the Priest. This homily was delivered on June 19, 2009 and offers both theological concepts and spiritual reflections. Fr. Gibino will consider how both are lived out by priests and God’s People on the parish level.  His hope is to raise meaningful questions that affect Catholic life today.

Three Things Talks:Year for Priests - "Priesthood of Laity"
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Featured Speaker
Dr. Sally A. Kenel is an Associate Professor of Theology who earned her doctorate at Fordham University.  She teaches on St. John’s Staten Island Campus and is the Assistant Chair of the Department.  Currently her research centers on the relation of theology and ecology.

Overview
While his letter, “Proclaiming A Year For Priests,” focuses on the ordained priesthood, Pope Benedict XVI also makes reference to the broader concept of the Church as a priestly people.  This talk will explore the priesthood common to all the baptized as a call to consecration and communion.