1. Centering Prayer: God is Love – The Heart of All Creation   –  30 Jan.-1 May  
Blanaid Gallagher OP 10.30-12.00 noon
This programme offers a vision of hope and a view of reality that integrates the sciences, religion and our place in the cosmos as divine in origin. It is suitable for those who have some experience of Centering Prayer. Voluntary contribution at each session.

2. Hatha Yoga   30 Jan.-1 May 
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!
€145 (12 weeks)

3. French Level 2 (Advanced Beginners)    30 Jan.-1 May
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 this course, listening and speaking skills are built upon, and revision of main points in French grammar is covered. In a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these classes will enable students to communicate with more fluency to feel confident in most everyday situations. €130 (12 weeks)

4. Italian for Beginners 3      30 Jan.-1 May
Heather Abrahamson     10.30-12.00 noon
For students who can produce simple French sentences and can ask and respond to simple French questions. In this course, listening and speaking skills are built upon, and revision of main points in French grammar is covered. In a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these classes will enable students to communicate with more fluency to feel confident in most everyday situations. €130 (12 weeks)

5. Writing One’s Scriptures       30 Jan.-20 Feb.  
Bill Mathews, SJ     10.30-12.00 noon
Charles Taylor writes about our secular age, Richard Kearney about reimagining the sacred. The sessions will explore these trends by reading excerpts of secular and sacred turning points from different life stories, including Charles Darwin and Edith Stein. Central will be Ira Progoff’s invitation to write our own personal scriptures leading to the question: does everyone have a spiritual life? €45 (4 weeks)

6. The Pope Who Remained Silent?    30 Jan.-6 March     
Andrew Pierce, Sabine Schratz, OP       10.30-12.00 noon
Pius XII (1939-1958) is critically recalled as the pope who remained silent during the Holocaust. What do we know about his motives? And is the accusation justified? The controversy often eclipses other important aspects of this long pontificate in challenging and changing times, including the revaluing of biblical research, a re-engagement with science, a reassessment of church, state and family, and the only use of Papal Infallibility since the proclamation of the dogma in 1870. €65 (6 weeks)

7. Patrick Kavanagh’s Legacy 50 Years    27 Feb.-20 March
Úna Agnew, SSL 10.30-12.00 noon
Over this 4 week course we will study the life and work of Patrick Kavanagh as we trace his time-line from Monaghan to the Grand Canal in Dublin until his death in 1967. Has Kavanagh anything of value to offer, fifty years after his death? How does this South-east Ulster poet transform the local into the universal? Where does his spirituality lie? Is it relevant today? €45 (4 weeks)

8. Fra Angelico’s Colours, Shapes & Sounds         10 April-1 May  
Michael Dunleavy, OP     10.30-12.00 noon
“Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colours, shapes and sounds, which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen“ (John Paul II). Fra Angelico combined selected “fruits of the earth”, and with his brushes translated the radiance of God’s colours into vibrant narratives of celestial beauty. This module will explore Angelico’s choice of colour as means to enhance his artistic preaching vocabulary. €45 (4 weeks)

9. Hatha Yoga    30 Jan.-1 May
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 course is suitable for all levels and ages. Newcomers most welcome! €145 (12 weeks)

10. How to Talk About God in Our Schools     10 April-1 May
Andrew Pierce, John Scally         8.00-9.30pm
Public perceptions of faith-based schools sometimes remain in the realm of the 1950s when more authoritarian attitudes prevailed across all spectrums of Irish society. We live and educate today in accordance with the new realities. Our schools are faith-based schools not of the 1950s but of the twenty first century. The course is an opportunity for all concerned to reflect on the nature of Education and of the values we need to transmit in our schools.    €45 (4 weeks)

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11. Spirituality and Art: Learning to See     31 Jan.-21 Feb.
Amanda Dillon                                      10.30-12.00 noon
Visio Divina is a wonderful spiritual practice engaging with images in a similar way as one might with Scripture in Lectio Divina. During this course we will learn Ways of Seeing; ways of engaging with the world through the sense of sight and the practice of Visio Divina. Artists with a deep spirituality evident in their work, Van Gogh, Chagall, Craighead, and Hildegard of Bingen, among others, will accompany us through their beautiful artworks.            €45 (4 weeks)

12. A Voyage of Discoveries in Art    31 Jan.-21 March 
John O’Riordan                                     10.00-12.00 noon
For new students we will start with a journey through European art from ancient Greece to the 20th century. Then we will have an investigation of Islamic art, and among other interesting topics, we will examine the life and work of Picasso, Jacques Louis David, John Singer Sargent. Students are welcome to request topics for us to examine.                                              €110 (8 weeks)

13. German (Conversation) 31 Jan.-2 May
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. €130 (12 weeks)

14. Spirituality for Change 28 Feb.- 21 March
Stephen Cummins, OP 10.30-12.00 noon
In what way does/could our Christian faith contribute to living in contemporary society? What kind of spirituality is needed in a world where change seems to be the only constant? This brief course will lead us into various reflections using the wisdom of Judaeo-Christian scripture and our Christian tradition on the reality of engaging with our culture. €45 (4 weeks)

15. Can Human Beings Claim to Know God?   11 April-2 May 
Dorrie Balfe, OP 10.30-12.00 noon
This course will explore our human understanding of God. It will examine the role of language (God Talk), of Metaphors, Symbols and Analogy. We will explore healthy and unhealthy God imaging and will probe the possible relationship between such images as may condition human beings in terms of liberation and repression. €45 (4 weeks)

16. Irish (Conversation)    1 Feb – 3 May
Dáire Stevenson    10.30-12.00 noon
This course 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. We will discuss a wide range of topics from current affairs to literature and cinema. A good basic level of Irish is required. Fáilte roimh chách. €130 (12 weeks)

17. French Level 4 (Advanced)   1 Feb – 3 May
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! €130 (12 weeks)

18. Exploring English Literature    1 Feb.-3 May
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. We like to read both established and emerging writers. No prior knowledge of English literature is required. We emphasise enjoyment. €130 (12 weeks)

19. Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation       1 Feb.-3 May 
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.       €130 (12 weeks)

20. I Don’t Believe in Santa Either! 1 Feb.-1 March
Patrick Quinn 10.30-12.00 noon
Faith today is often dismissed as irrational. This judgement overlooks the fact that religion and philosophy were close companions for most of our history. The course will explore what relationship, if any, exists between the two by examining the thoughts in Plato’s dialogue, Laws, followed by the views of St. Paul, Tertullian and Augustine together with David Hume, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Gabriel Marcel and Mary Midgley. Handouts supplied and class discussion encouraged. €55 (5 weeks)

21. Sacred Dance / Dance Meditation 2 Feb – 23 March
Terry Hennessy     10.30am-12.30pm
Experience harmony of body, mind and spirit, joy, peace, community, healing and fun as you dance to beautiful music while being open to yourself, to the group and to what the dance stirs in you. Sacred dance is influenced by the classical and European folk traditions. No previous experience necessary – clear instructions are given. A warm welcome awaits all. €125 (8 weeks

22. French Level 3 (Intermediate) 2 Feb. – 4 May
Marie Helène Dolan    10.30-12.00 noon
In this course, 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 comprehension and self-expression. These classes will help you learn more complex forms and advanced vocabulary, giving you the confidence to converse on many topics. À bientôt! €130 (12 weeks)

23. The Passion of Jesus    2 Feb.-23 Feb.
Sean Goan                                           10.30-12.00 noon
This course will explore the accounts of the death of Jesus in Matthew, Mark and Luke, beginning with a consideration of the historical questions raised by the accounts of the Passion and then moving to a literary and theological reflection on each passion narrative.                                             €45 (4 weeks)

24. The Passion in John’s Gospel    2 March-23 March
Kieran O’Mahony, OSA    10.30-12.00 noon
Pastorally and spiritually we need a new language to talk about salvation and redemption. As always, our starting point must be the Scriptures and in this short course we will conduct a close reading of John 18-19 (the Johannine Passion Narrative). Four lenses will be used to lay bare the distinctive teaching of this Gospel: the Old Testament, the Synoptic traditions, the Jesus of history and the Fourth Gospel as a whole. €45 (4 weeks)

25. The Resurrection of Jesus 13-April-4 May
Sean Goan    10.30-12.00 noon
The resurrections accounts in each of the synoptic gospels will be considered from a literary and theological perspective after an opening class on the idea of resurrection and its place in first century Judaism.             €45 (4 weeks)

HEATHER ABRAHAMSON: BA Mod. (Hons.) Italian & French, Trinity College. Has many years’ experience in Adult Education.

ÚNA AGNEW, SSL: PhD, is the author of The Mystical Imagination of Patrick Kavanagh (1998) and editor of With Wisdom Seeking God (2008), also, articles on various aspects of Spirituality.

JANE BAILEY, IBVM: Accredited instructor with the Irish Tai Chi Chuan Association. She has extensive experience in teaching Tai Chi to individuals and groups of all ages & abilities.

DORRIE BALFE, OP: worked in education in South Africa and in Pastoral Theology at All Hallows College. Main teaching subjects: Creation Theology, Biblical Studies and Feminist Theology.

STEPHEN CUMMINS, OP: is involved in retreat ministry. He is based in Ennismore Retreat Centre, Montenotte, Cork.

AMANDA DILLON: PhD, is a lecturer with expertise in the areas of Scripture, the Bible and Culture, Spirituality and the Visual Arts.

MARIE HELÈNE DOLAN: BA, French & English, Brest University. Experienced French teacher, including many years in the Alliance Française, Dublin.

MICHAEL DUNLEAVY, OP: is currently completing a doctoral dissertation on the Dominican artist Fra Angelico, titled “Epiphanies of Beauty: Music Iconography and its Spiritual Meaning in Selected Paintings of Fra Angelico”.

PHIL DUNNE: MA, LGSM is an experienced tutor in English literature, who has worked with students of all ages & abilities.

BLANAID GALLAGHER, OP: Experienced teacher and pastoral worker. Facilitator of Centering Prayer Groups. Works on a
Retreat Team.

SEAN GOAN: BA, BD, LSS is a teacher and Scripture scholar who has been involved in adult faith development for many years. He has given many courses on biblical themes and spirituality and has also written commentaries on the Sunday readings.

TERRY HENNESSY: Trained and danced with a number of International Teachers of Sacred Dance. Has a gentle experienced teaching style and brings her own love of the dance to the group.

BILL MATHEWS, SJ: Trained in the Ira Progoff Intensive Journal programme and is generally interested in biography and autobiography.

KIERAN O’MAHONY, OSA: Member of the Order of St Augustine and a Scripture scholar. 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 What Does The Bible Say About The Stranger, 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, Trinity College Dublin. 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.

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 RTE radio and television.

RUZICA RUANE: Qualified native German speaker. Many years’ experience of teaching German to adults and students.

JOHN SCALLY: PhD, lectures in Theology in Trinity College Dublin 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. Experienced Irish teacher of both children and adults.