The Catholic Cafe

The Catholic Cafe consists of monthly meetings of Regis students, staff, and faculty on topics of importance in developing our understanding of the Catholic faith. This project was born out of conversations between the Director of the Program of Catholic Studies, Dr. Michael Baxter, and students who desire support for traditional Catholic beliefs and practices. The first gathering focused on "The Catholic Thing," a theme derived from G.K. Chesterton's writings on becoming Catholic and elaborated on by Bishop Robert Barron. Future topics include: How to be Catholic in an increasingly secular society; being a Catholic lawyer, doctor, nurse, and business person; maintaining ethnically rooted Catholic identities (Hispanic, Asian) amid the dynamics of immigration and assimilation; the Catholic intellectual vision as regards philosophy, politics, history, literature, and science; Catholic spiritual masters and saints; and Catholic great books, such as Augustine's Confessions, Dante's The Divine Comedy, and (especially) Newman's The Idea of a University.

Speakers will be invited from the Regis community, from Denver and the Front Range, and on occasion (once or twice a year) from around the country. Talks occur in the late afternoon, followed by a meal, and then a post-dinner questions and conversations. The tone of the gatherings is hospitable, humorous, intellectually challenging, and unapologetically Catholic. The purpose is to build up Catholic identity and community on the Regis University campus. Funds for the Catholic Cafe are devoted to publicity; honoraria and travel for speakers; food, drinks, and meals; and costs for purchasing books and articles. This project should be supported by parents aiming to help the University nurture the faith of Catholic students, by alumni aiming to help recover and sustain the Catholic character of Regis; and by others in the area aiming to contribute to Catholic intellectual life in Denver, the Front Range, and around the state of Colorado.