Parish Events
Archived Posts from this Category
A Mostly Medieval Christmas
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 18 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
Theology in the City - November 17
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 17 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
St. Albert’s Day Lecture a Great Success
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 15 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Lectures, Parish Events
On 
Thursday, November 13, over 100 people gathered at St. Vincent Ferrer to hear Professor Stephen Barr deliver the parish’s second annual St. Albert’s Day Lecture. His topic was “Modern Physics and Ancient Faith.” The lecture was excellent in both content and delivery. Prof. Barr argued, among other things, that 20th-century discoveries in physics have overturned, seemingly definitively, the materialist assumptions that shaped scientific thinking throughout the bulk of the modern period. It is this materialist understanding of science, and not science itself, that is often at odds with religion. In his talk, Prof. Barr identified the figures and topics instrumental to this recent change of fortune for materialism.
Prof. Barr’s conclusions suggest that the 20th century has actually opened the door, not closed it, to a more sympathetic reading among scientists of the medieval claim made famous by St. Albert and his student St. Thomas, that there can exist no contradiction between the truth of science and the truth of revelation. To be sure, at any given time it may not be clear as to how all of the points of faith and science intersect, but both the scientist and the theologian can proceed with confidence knowing that what is genuinely true in one realm of study is equally true for the other.
Copies of Prof. Barr’s book, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith, may be purchased here. It’s an excellent read.
In addition to his book, Prof. Barr has written numerous articles on faith and science, many of which have been published in First Things. Click here for a listing of these articles.
Below you can listen to Prof. Barr’s address in full. The first clip contains the audio of the lecture itself, and the second includes the Q & A session held afterwards.
2008 St. Albert's Day Lecture: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (370) Questions at St. Albert's Day Lecture: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (123)St. Albert’s Day Lecture - November 13
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 04 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Lectures, Parish Events
The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer is happy to announce that its second annual St. Albert’s Day Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Stephen Barr, a professor of physics at the University of Delaware. Dr. Barr will deliver an address entitled “Modern Physics and Ancient Faith.” He has published a book by the same title.
The lecture will be held on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public.
The publisher’s synopsis of Dr. Barr’s book offers us glimpse of his thesis:
A considerable amount of public debate and media print has been devoted to the “war between science and religion.” In his accessible and eminently readable new book, Stephen M. Barr demonstrates that what is really at war with religion is not science itself, but a philosophy called scientific materialism. Modern Physics and Ancient Faith argues that the great discoveries of modern physics are more compatible with the central teachings of Christianity and Judaism about God, the cosmos, and the human soul than with the atheistic viewpoint of scientific materialism. Scientific discoveries from the time of Copernicus to the beginning of the twentieth century have led many thoughtful people to the conclusion that the universe has no cause or purpose, that the human race is an accidental by-product of blind material forces, and that the ultimate reality is matter itself. Barr contends that the revolutionary discoveries of the twentieth century run counter to this line of thought. He uses five of these discoveries — the Big Bang theory, unified field theories, anthropic coincidences, Godel’s Theorem in mathematics, and quantum theory — to cast serious doubt on the materialist’s view of the world and to give greater credence to Judeo-Christian claims about God and the universe. Barr’s clear and elegant writing is in the best tradition of science for the non-physicist or non-mathematician and will appeal to anyone interested in science and religion.
In addition to his book, Dr. Barr has written numerous articles on faith and science, many of which have been published in First Things. Click here for a listing of these articles.
Theology in the City - November 3
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 02 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
All Souls Concert - November 2
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 02 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: Music, Parish Events
On All Souls Day, November 2, Dr. Mark Bani and the St. Vincent Ferrer Chorale will perform a late Renaissance choral masterpiece, Missa pro defunctis by the Portuguese composer Manuel Cardoso. The evening’s program will also include anthems for All Souls Day.
The concert begins at 7:00 PM. A free will offering will be taken.
“The Jeweler’s Shop” Photos
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 29 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
On the weekend of October 17-19, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer hosted George Gordon and Carolyn Rossi Copeland’s production of “The Jeweler’s Shop,” a play about love and marriage written by Pope John Paul II. Funded in part by a generous grant from Kaufmann de Suisse Jewelers, the off-Broadway production was a big hit.
Enjoy the following shots taken at the Sunday afternoon performance.
Parish Day Trip to Connecticut
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 23 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
On October 15, the parish’s Hospitality Committee hosted a fall foliage excursion to Essex. As these photos reveal, Connecticut’s beautiful scenery drew out equally beautiful New York smiles.
Theology in the City - October 20
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 19 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Lectures, Parish Events
Coverage of Humanae Vitae Conference
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 18 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events, Parish News
In 
its October 9th edition, the Catholic New York published front page coverage of the “Humanae Vitae at 40″ conference held here at St. Vincent’s two weeks ago. Click here for the excellent article by John Woods.
Dominican Lectures - October 20
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 15 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Lectures, Parish Events, Parish News
So many talks, so little time . . .
Yesterday I posted the announcement for next Monday’s health care lecture at St. Catherine’s. It begins at 1:30.
As it turns out, two other Dominican events will take place later in the day. First, at 7:00 here at St. Vincent’s, we’ll have the second lecture of our new “Theology in the City” series. The topic will be “The Meaning of Creation.”
And later in the evening up at Columbia University, the Columbia Catholic Ministry (run by Dominican friars from Poland) will hold its annual Merton Lecture. This year’s speaker will be Dr. Eleonore Stump, an analytic Thomist philospher who teaches at St. Louis University. Professor Stump will address “The Problem of Evil in the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.” The lecture will begin at 8:30.
Let’s see . . . 1:30, 7:00, and 8:30. Will anyone attend all three talks?
Organ Recital - October 14
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 14 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Music, Parish Events
The 2008-2009 St. Vincent Ferrer music season opens this evening with an organ recital by Dr. Mark Bani, the parish’s music director and organist. Dr. Bani will perform works by Bach and Gigout, as well as the acclaimed Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Reubke. The recital begins at 7:00 PM. A free will offering will be requested.
Click here for a detailed description of the church’s famous 86-rank Schantz organ pipe organ.
Theology in the City - October 6
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 06 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
Humanae Vitae at 40 - October 4
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 03 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events, Parish News
Fall Foliage in Essex, CT
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 30 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events, Parish News
On Wednesday, October 15, the parish’s Hospitality Committee will lead a daylong excursion through Connecticut’s fall foliage country. In the beautiful town of Essex (pictured above), participants will enjoy a steam train ride, a riverboat cruise, and lunch at the historic Griswold Inn.
The cost of the day trip is $115 a person. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, October 1. Please call the parish office for more information.
Day Trip to Westpoint
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 26 Aug 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
On July 15, Father Jones and several members of the Hospitality Committee took a day trip to Westpoint. While touring the storied Army campus, they visited the famous Cadet Chapel, which is a sister church to St. Vincent Ferrer. They share the same architect, Bertram Goodhue. After lunch, the parish’s “pilgrims” enjoyed a leisurely boat ride on the Hudson.
Check after the break for pictures of their trip.
Saint Pius X
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 21 Aug 2008 | Tagged as: Liturgical Feasts, Parish Events
Since St. Pius V, who died in 1572, only one other pope has been raised to the altars, St. Pius X, whose feast we celebrate today.
Born Giuseppe Melchiore Sarto in the northern Italian town of Riese, the future pope and saint was ordained a priest in 1858 for the Diocese of Treviso. After several pastoral assignments, Pius became rector of the seminary and eventually vicar general of the diocese. In the midst of his active service, the young Pius made time for study and contemplation. Throughout his priesthood, he developed his understanding of the doctrines of St. Thomas Aquinas. He also fostered his devotion to the liturgical traditions of the Church, particularly her heritage of Gregorian Chant.
In 1884, Pius was elected Bishop of Mantua. Five years later, he was created a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII and made Patriarch of Venice. As shepherd of these two local churches, Pius effected growth and renewal, especially by reforming the doctrinal and liturgical lives of his priests and seminarians. Pius would carry this same zeal for renewal to the See of Peter, to which he was elected in 1903.
Holy Father Dominic
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 07 Aug 2008 | Tagged as: Dominican Saints, Liturgical Feasts, Parish Events
Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of St. Dominic, our founder, which we will observe with particular solemnity at the 5:30 evening Mass. We will be joined by Dominicans and Franciscans from around the city. All are welcome to attend.
Tradition has it that St. Dominic and St. Francis of Assisi met each other in Rome in 1215 while observing the deliberations of the Fourth Lateran Council. Because the Council Fathers were creating legislation governing new religious orders, the two founders were particularly interested in the outcome. According to one legend, Dominic and Francis met and fell immediately into mutual esteem for each other’s grace and charism. As a sign of their friendship in the Lord, they exchanged belts. Francis took Dominic’s leather belt, characteristic of a preaching canon, while Dominic took Francis’s rope cincture, the symbol of his poverty.
In honor of the friendship between Dominic and Francis, a noble tradition has developed among their disciples. Dominicans and Franciscans celebrate the feasts of their founders together. Franciscans join Dominicans on August 8, and Dominicans join Franciscans on October 4. At the Mass of St. Dominic, a Franciscan preaches, and at the Mass of St. Francis a Dominican delivers the homily. In keeping with this ancient tradition, Fr. Dominic Monti, OFM, the Vicar Provincial of the Holy Name Province, will preach at tomorrow’s Mass.
Lord, let the holiness and teaching of St. Dominic come to the aid of your Church. May he help us now with his prayers as he once inspired people by his preaching.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
What Did Pope Benedict Say to America?
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 09 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Parish Events
On June 18, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer hosted a public forum entitled “What Did Pope Benedict Say to America?” Over 100 people gathered to hear three presenters reflect on the speeches and homilies delivered by the Holy Father during his recent visit to the United States.
First, Fr. John Farren, OP, the Advancement Director for the Province of St. Joseph, focused on Pope Benedict’s words to American Catholics. Then, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, editor of First Things, covered his exchanges with American non-Catholics. Finally, Angelo Matera, editor of Godspy.com, highlighted the Pope’s counsel for American culture.
Click below for video of the forum.
Music Series 2008-2009
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 02 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Music, Parish Events
Beginning in October, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer will begin its 2008-2009 music season. As you can see, Dr. Mark Bani, the parish organist and music director, has put together another fantastic program. Look over this year’s concerts and mark your calendars!
Dr. Mark Bani, Organist
Season-Opening Organ Recital
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Music by Bach, Gigout, and Reubke
Dr. Mark Bani, in his 16th year as Director of Music and Organist at The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, opens the new season with a recital on the church’s acclaimed 86-rank Schantz pipe organ. His program will include Reubke’s monumental Sonata on the 94th Psalm. (free will offering)
Third Annual All Souls Commemoration Concert
Missa pro defunctis (1625) by Manuel Cardoso
Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
The St. Vincent Ferrer Chorale and Soloists present a late renaissance choral masterpiece by Portuguese composer Manuel Cardoso. The program will also include anthems for All Souls Day. (free will offering)
Opening of the Year of St. Paul
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 30 Jun 2008 | Tagged as: Homilies, Lectures, Liturgical Feasts, Music, Parish Events
Over 100 people attended yesterday’s opening of the Year of St. Paul here at St. Vincent Ferrer. Fr. Peter John Cameron, OP, editor-in-chief of Magnificat, began our afternoon program with an excellent lecture entitled “How St. Paul Prayed the Our Father.” For those of you who missed it . . . stay tuned. Fr. Cameron promises that his talk will appear in an upcoming edition of Magnificat.
After the lecture, Dr. Mark Bani, the parish music director and organist, along with Elizabeth Sniffen, one of the parish’s cantors, offered a short concert of sacred music inspired by the Scriptural texts of St. Paul. As always, the music was beautiful and much appreciated.
Fr. Cameron then celebrated and preached the parish’s evening Mass. Click below to hear Fr. Cameron’s homily for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Year of St. Paul
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 29 Jun 2008 | Tagged as: Lectures, Music, Parish Events
In a homily delivered last year at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict XVI called the Church Universal to observe a “Year of St. Paul” in commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle’s birth.
Dear brothers and sisters, as in early times, today too Christ needs apostles ready to sacrifice themselves. He needs witnesses and martyrs like St Paul. Paul, a former violent persecutor of Christians, when he fell to the ground dazzled by the divine light on the road to Damascus, did not hesitate to change sides to the Crucified One and followed him without second thoughts. He lived and worked for Christ, for him he suffered and died. How timely his example is today!
And for this very reason I am pleased to announce officially that we shall be dedicating a special Jubilee Year to the Apostle Paul from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009, on the occasion of the bimillennium of his birth, which historians have placed between the years 7 and 10 A.D.
On Sunday, June 29, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer will mark the opening of this Jubilee Year with a special afternoon of reflection. Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P., editor-in-chief of Magnificat, will deliver a spiritual conference at 4:00 entitled: “How St. Paul Prayed the Our Father.” Following the conference, the parish choir will offer a short program of sacred music inspired by various Pauline texts from Scripture. Then Fr. Cameron will celebrate and preach the 5:30 Mass. All are welcome to attend.
Golden Jubilee
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 28 Jun 2008 | Tagged as: Homilies, Parish Events
At the Noon Mass on Sunday, June 1, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Br. Damian McCarthy, OP, the parish sacristan. A native of the Bronx, Br. Damian has spent over half of his religious life here at St. Vincent’s. Click below to hear the homily delivered at the Jubilee Mass by Fr. William Holt, OP, prior of the community.
Corpus Christi
Posted by Fr. Aquinas on 24 Jun 2008 | Tagged as: Liturgical Feasts, Parish Events
On May 25, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord, the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer hosted Blackfriars Repertory Theater for the debut of Fr. Peter John Cameron’s Via Eucharistiae. Drawn from the Scriptures and styled after the Stations of the Cross, fourteen Eucharistic meditations were delivered with simple drama and music. After the last meditation, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and processed throughout the church.
Click below to view the entire service. The video may take a moment to load.
