Milestones are best shared in community. This month, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice reaches a remarkable one, publishing the 100th issue of our journal, Working Notes. For decades, this publication has been a vital space for theological reflection on the most pressing social issues facing Ireland. Working Notes continues to be a flagship expression of the Irish Jesuits’ commitment to both the sacred and the secular sciences and their mutually enriching collaboration. The Jesuits who founded JCFJ and launched Working Notes were inspired by the following expression of our mission:

“The mission of the Society of Jesus today is the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement. For
reconciliation with God demands the reconciliation of people with one another.”

On July 29th, as we celebrate this moment, we will also enter a new era for JCFJ. After nearly a decade of leading, teaching, and dedicated service, our Social Theologian, Kevin Hargaden, is moving on. Having accepted a role teaching Moral Theology at the Institute for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame.

As such, we wanted to combine these two momentous occasions. Inviting him to share a vision for how “Social Theology” might have a fruitful role to play in the Irish church and academy in the years ahead. The centrepiece of the evening will thus be a public lecture from him entitled From Moral Monopoly to Faithful Contribution: “Social Theology” in a Post-Secular Ireland.

While the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice will miss Kevin greatly, we wish him all the best in his next steps. Thank you for sharing so much of your mind and heart with JCFJ, and thank you for sharing your parting thoughts before you go!