Shane Dempsey, (Academic Coordinator, St. Patrick’s College, Thurles) Reports;
The well-known Catholic commentator and Chairperson of the Catholic Schools Partnership, Rev. Michael Drumm, is due to address an audience in St. Patrick’s College on Friday, 19th April.
Rev. Drumm, a regular contributor to RTÉ’s Late Late Show, will be the keynote speaker at a one-day symposium entitled “The Ethics of Religious Education.”
The place of religious education in Irish society is currently being re-evaluated and its once privileged place in the education system is being called into question. This one-day symposium seeks to explore both the current situation and the possibility of alternative approaches to religious education from a variety of perspectives, including: religious education, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, theology and education as well as the broader humanities and social sciences.
The event is being organised by Thurles native, Dr. Mary Shanahan, who lectures as part of the College’s Religious Studies Department. Speaking regarding this event, Dr. Shanahan commented that “The symposium presents an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in engaging in dialogue about the role of religious education in Irish society. We have been incredibly lucky to secure Rev. Drumm as our keynote speaker. He is a noted academic and well-known public figure who will be delivering what will undoubtedly be an engaging and thought-provoking paper. In addition, we are also very pleased to be collaborating with the Irish Centre for Religious Education on this project.”
College President, Fr. Tom Fogarty said that “As a College of Education with a vibrant Religious Studies department, this symposium affords us a very welcome opportunity to invite academics and the public at large to the College to share in what promises to be a very enlightening and informative occasion.”
The fee to attend Rev. Drumm’s keynote address, which will commence at 9.30am, is €7 (waged) /€5 (unwaged). For those who would like to attend for the full day the fee is €30 (waged) /€20 (unwaged).
Booking enquiries should be directed to Dr. Mary Shanahan, St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, either by email (mshanahan@stpats.ie) or by telephone (0504-21201).
Additional information can be found by visiting the College website, www.stpats.ie.
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