1. Centering Prayer 25 Sept.-4 Dec.
Blanaid Gallagher OP 10.30-12.00 noon

Centering Prayer is a method which invites us to consent to God’s presence and action in our lives. This semester we hope to deepen our meditation practice and to explore the Spiritual Journey material developed by Fr Thomas Keating OCSO.
Voluntary contribution at each session.

2. Hatha Yoga 25 Sept.-4 Dec.
Marianne Smulders 10.00-11.30am

Regular yoga practice can impart a number of different physical, mental and emotional benefits. The exercises tone and strengthen the body, increase circulation and oxygen flow, energize for the day and help unwind in the evening. The course is suitable for all levels and ages. Newcomers most welcome!
€120 (10 weeks)

3. French Level 2 (Advanced Beginners) 25 Sept.-4 Dec.

Marie Helène Dolan 10.30-12.00 noon

For students who can produce simple French sentences and can ask and respond to simple French questions. In a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these classes will enable students to communicate with more fluency to feel confident in most everyday situations.
€110 (10 weeks)

4. Intermediate Italian 25 Sept.-4 Dec.
Heather Abrahamson 10.30-12.00 noon

“Vino bianco o vino rosso, signore?” Are you able to book a table, order a meal, ask directions and actually follow them? If you have already studied some Italian and appreciate fun and informality, then this is the class for you.
€110 (10 weeks)

5. What happened to Vatican II? 25 Sept.-23 Oct.

Andrew Pierce, Sabine Schratz OP 10.30-12.00 noon

The Second Vatican Council was undoubtedly the most important religious event of the 20th Century. This module will look at ground- breaking Council documents and trace the development since then. Two generations on, we will discuss whether it is time for Vatican III.
€55 (5 weeks)

6. Jerusalem    6 Nov.-4 Dec.
Jonathan Kearney, Kieran O’Mahony OSA and others
10.30-12.00 noon
Jerusalem, the disputed Holy City of three world religions, is connected with beliefs that bear far-reaching political consequences. This module will consider archaeological, biblical and theological parameters and themes as well as shedding some light on the political situation at present.
€55 (5 weeks)

7. Hatha Yoga 25 Sept.-4 Dec.
Marianne Smulders 8.00-9.30pm

Regular yoga practice can impart a number of different physical, mental and emotional benefits. The exercises tone and strengthen the body, increase circulation and oxygen flow, energize for the day and help unwind in the evening. The class is suitable for all levels and ages. Newcomers are most welcome!
€120 (10 weeks)

8. Women in Church History 6 Nov.-4 Dec.
Amanda Dillon, Sabine Schratz OP 7.00-8.30pm

In March of this year, Mary McAleese pointedly criticized the Catholic Church as an “empire of misogyny”. Women have had very changing roles in the long history of Christianity. The
programme will look at different and divergent cultural, biblical and theological traditions that shaped the image of women and defined their influence in Church and society.
€55 (5 weeks)

9. Silver Swans 26 Sept. – 5 Dec.
Nadia Quick 10.30 – 11.30
Silver Swans is a ballet class for the over 55s. Dance is now considered to be one of the most beneficial ways of improving mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels and imparting a sense of wellbeing and fun. No previous dance experience is necessary!
€75 (10 weeks)

10. A Voyage of Discoveries in Art 26 Sept.-24 Oct.
John O’Riordan 10.30-12.00 noon

For new students we will have a brief introduction to European Art. We will then look at the ‘other world’ of Japanese art, Ireland of the 19th Century as shown in art, life and work of the trailblazing female artists Sofonisba Anguissola, Lavinia Fontana and Artemisia Gentileschi and the marvels of Art Nouveau: art, interior and objects.
€55 (5 weeks)

11. German (Conversation) 26 Sept.-5 Dec.
Ruzica Ruane 10.30-12.00 noon
Immerse yourself in German language and culture in this engaging class. Topical issues, art, literature and Austrian and German traditions are explored in a fun and informative way. The conversational manner is sure to boost both your confidence and fluency.
€100 (9 weeks: no class 17 Oct.)

12. The Gift of Pope Francis:  Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary 26 Sept.-24 Oct.

John Scally 10.30-12.00 noon
The visit of Pope Francis to Ireland again indicates the way he has changed the ‘mood music’ of the Church. This module considers the ways in which he attempts to reimagine our Christianity for today. €55 (5 weeks)

13. After the Eighth Amendment:  Picking up the Pieces 7 Nov.-5 Dec.
John Scally 10.30-12.00 noon
The recent referendum about the 8th Amendment highlighted the deep divisions in Irish society about our understanding of right and wrong. This module considers questions which must be addressed as we seek to find a moral compass.
€55 (5 weeks)

14. Irish (Conversation) 27 Sept.-6 Dec.
Dáire Stevenson 10.30-12.00 noon
This module is designed for students to improve their skills in conversational Irish in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The emphasis will be on giving the student confidence to use the language in everyday situations. A good basic level of Irish is required. Fáilte roimh chách.
€110 (10 weeks)

15. French Level 4 (Advanced) 27 Sept.-6 Dec.
Marie Helène Dolan 10.30-12.00 noon

This course is for students who have a good command of French and would like to keep up to date with cultural, social and political developments in France and increase their fluency and confidence in spoken French. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere guaranteed. Au plaisir de vous voir ou de vous revoir!
€110 (10 weeks)

16. Exploring English Literature 27 Sept.-6 Dec.
Phil Dunne 10.30-12.00 noon
In this class, we read, discuss and share novels, poetry and drama. Our reading material is a mixture of classic and contemporary work written in English and translated writing of both established and emerging writers. No prior knowledge is required. Our emphasis is on enjoyment.
€110 (10 weeks)

17. Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation 27 Sept.-6 Dec.
Jane Bailey IBVM 10.30-12.00 noon

The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi is becoming ever more popular in the West. With its slow, gentle movements, it is an excellent way of promoting physical and mental well-being. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, it helps to foster a “relaxed body, quiet mind, contented spirit.” Beginners and improvers welcome.
€110 (10 weeks)

18. What is it like to think as a philosopher? 8 Nov.-6 Dec.

Patrick Quinn 10.30-12.00 noon
This module explores philosophical thinking by examining what philosophers thought about standing up for one’s beliefs,
dramatic conversations, imprisonment, the human soul, certainty, why there is something rather than nothing and being human.
Discussion is encouraged and handouts supplied.
€55 (5 weeks)

19. Brexit, Trump and International Morality 8 Nov.-6 Dec.

Bill McSweeney 8.00-9.30pm
Two events are currently shaping the world of international relations in a degree that is unprecedented, exciting, and shocking in equal measure. These are Brexit and the phenomenon of Trumpism. They both challenge our assumptions about the place of morality in international affairs.
€55 (5 weeks)

20. Sacred Dance / Dance Meditation 28 Sept.-7 Dec.
Terry Hennessy 10.30am-12.30pm
Experience harmony of body, mind and spirit as you dance to beautiful music. Sacred dance is influenced by the classical and European folk traditions. No previous experience necessary – clear instructions are given. A warm welcome awaits all.
€140 (10 weeks)

21. French Level 3 (Intermediate) 28 Sept.-7 Dec.
Marie Helène Dolan 10.30-12.00 noon In this class, the emphasis is on easing students into conversational French. Learned grammatical concepts are revised and put into a variety of conversation-based exercises that strengthen compre- hension and self-expression. These classes will give you the confidence to converse on many topics. À bientôt!
€110 (10 weeks)

22. Is this all there is? 9 Nov.-7 Dec.
Brian Grogan SJ 10.30-12.00 noon

The module title is taken from G. Lohfink’s recent book. We will explore our doubts about an afterlife, the Christian belief in the resurrection, our ultimate relationship with God, whether there is a resurrection of all creation and if all will be saved.
€55 (5 weeks)

23. Reading the Signs 28 Sept.-26 Oct.
Sean Goan 10.30-12.00 noon
Following the publication of his recent book on John’s Gospel, Sean Goan will explore the signs in the Fourth Gospel as a basis for understanding the person of Jesus and what it means to “believe” in him.
€45 (4 weeks: no class 5 Oct.)

24. The Eucharist: Some Biblical Perspectives 9-30 Nov.
Kieran O’Mahony OSA 10.30-12.00 noon
This short module will explore our practice of the Lord’s Supper in light of the Old Testament background and the New Testament foreground. Historical and ecumenical questions will be kept in mind throughout.
€45 (4 weeks)

HEATHER ABRAHAMSON: BA Mod. (Hons.) Italian and French, TCD, has many years’ experience in adult education.
JANE BAILEY IBVM: is an accredited instructor with the Irish Tai Chi Chuan Association. She has extensive experience in teaching Tai Chi to individuals and groups of all ages and abilities.
AMANDA DILLON: PhD, is a lecturer (TCD, WIT) with expertise in the areas of Scripture, Theology, the Bible and Culture, Spirituality and the Visual Arts.
MARIE HELÈNE DOLAN: BA, French and English, Brest University, is an experienced French teacher, including many years in the Alliance Française, Dublin.
PHIL DUNNE: MA, LGSM is an experienced tutor in English literature, who has worked with students of all ages and abilities.
BLANAID GALLAGHER OP: is an experienced teacher and pastoral worker. She facilitates Centering Prayer groups and works on a retreat team.
SEAN GOAN: BA, BD, LSS is a Scripture scholar who has been involved in adult faith development for many years. He has given courses on Biblical themes and spirituality. He has written commentaries on the Sunday readings for readers in Church.
BRIAN GROGAN SJ: was Associate Professor of Spirituality in the Milltown Institute. He is involved with Adult Faith Formation in the Dublin area and has published widely in theology and spirituality. His most recent book is Finding God in a Leaf: The Mysticism of Laudato Si’.
TERRY HENNESSY: has trained and danced with a number of International Teachers of Sacred Dance. She has a gentle experienced teaching style and brings her own love of the dance to the group.
JONATHAN KEARNEY: lectures in the School of Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies, DCU. His areas of research and teaching are Judaism, Islam, Arabic, Hebrew and the relationship between religion, language and identity.
BILL MCSWEENEY: is Research Fellow in International Peace Studies at TCD. He has published widely in the areas of politics, theology and sociology.
KIERAN O’MAHONY OSA: is a Scripture scholar and author. At present, he is employed by the Archdiocese of Dublin, promoting the biblical ministry in parishes and among those involved in ministry. His books include Do We Still Need St Paul? and Speaking From Within: Towards Better Preaching.
JOHN O’RIORDAN: BA, MA in Art History from UCD. He taught the subject for several years in the BA programme in UCD and was also a visiting lecturer on the Communications Degree course DCU.
ANDREW PIERCE: has a background in historical theology and is an Assistant Professor in the Irish School of Ecumenics, TCD. He is involved in a variety of ecumenical projects – both grassroots and academic – and is particularly interested in how ideas about, and experiences of, place impact on religious self-understanding.

NADIA QUICK: is a Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swans licensed teacher and a registered teacher of the RAD and a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.
PATRICK QUINN: PhD, has taught in third-level and adult education for more than 30 years with extensive publications in philosophy and education and a series of programmes on these topics on RTÉ radio and television.
RUZICA RUANE: is a native German speaker and has many years’ experience of teaching German to adults and students.
JOHN SCALLY: PhD, lectures in Theology in TCD and was a secondary school teacher for 20 years. He is the author of over 40 books.
SABINE SCHRATZ OP: Dr. theol. (University of Münster), MA Medieval and Modern History, is Director of Lumen. She has published in the fields of Church history and liturgical praxis and taught in third-level and adult education.
MARIANNE SMULDERS: Graduate of the Irish Yoga Association, with years of experience in this field.
DÁIRE STEVENSON: BA, Irish and Economics, H.Dip. UCD, is an experienced Irish teacher of both children and adults.