More impactful programming planned for winter and spring 2026

The mission of the Center for Faith, Mission, and Catholic Education (CFMCE) is to cultivate an authentic Catholic culture throughout Thomas More University by serving as a catalyst for transformative faith experiences, intentional mission integration, and creative Catholic educational programs – both on campus and in the wider community. The CFMCE hosted a dynamic slate of panels, lectures, film screenings, and other interactive events throughout the fall, bringing this mission to life.

The CFMCE’s first event of the 2025-26 academic year was “A Heart of Service,” a presentation by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow held on Sept. 11. MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, returned to campus for this event just as his nonprofit reached an extraordinary milestone – feeding three million children every school day across 16 countries. MacFarlane-Barrow demonstrated how small acts of love, by anyone, can create profound change.

This event was followed in October by a visit from renowned artist Holly Schapker. Members of the Thomas More University community gathered in prayer as Schapker’s portrait of St. Carlo Acutis was installed and dedicated on the second floor of the Academic Center. After the dedication, Schapker gave an inspiring presentation about the creation of the portrait and her once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Vatican in September for the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. A screening of “Roadmap to Reality,” a film that offers a reflection on the life and message of St. Carlo Acutis for modern youth and young adults, followed Schapker’s presentation.

Another film screening was held in November, in tandem with Veterans’ Day. “Fighting Spirit,” which was presented by the Angelico Project, honors combat chaplains as unsung heroes who bring courage and comfort to the front lines and highlights Servant of God Emil Kapaun, who bravely served as an Army chaplain during the Korean War. Following the film screening, Scott Carter, who is leading the cause for Fr. Kapaun’s canonization, led a Q&A session, and Fr. Ray Enzweiler, Ph.D., gave a blessing to all veterans and active-duty military personnel.

The final event of 2025 was presented by Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III ’67 Institute for Religious Liberty (IRL), which is a part of the CFMCE. The IRL hosted its keynote event on Nov. 19, honoring the 10 years since its founding and celebrating its mission to advance the American concept of religious freedom as an inalienable right. This special anniversary event featured Rabbi David Saperstein, the former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom and the first guest speaker for the IRL a decade ago, together with Monsignor William Cleves in conversation about the present condition of religious freedom both domestically and around the world.

As the calendar turns to 2026, the CFMCE seeks to present even more engaging programming, with an impactful lineup of events scheduled for the winter and spring. “It is wonderful to see, and to share with our students, how faith in Christ touches every aspect of reality – from politics to world hunger, to art and beauty, to our use of technology,” says Hannah Keegan, director of the CFMCE. “I am excited to continue this event series to try and keep shedding light on the fact of Christ alive in our midst, inviting us to live in the world in whatever way we are called with a new horizon.”

A significant spring event planned is a panel on civic engagement entitled: “Humble Conviction: True Engagement in a Polarized World.” This event will take place on March 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Zeigler Auditorium and will feature Justin Giboney and Fr. Aaron Wessman. Gibony is a founder of the AND Campaign, dedicated to educating and organizing Christians for civic and cultural engagement, and Fr. Wessman is the director of Glenmary Home Missionaries. Their contributions will focus on what Christian engagement looks like in this polarized world and what it means to be called to serve and work for the common good. This event will be free and open to the public to attend.

Two additional events affiliated with the CFMCE in the 2025-26 academic year will be presented by the Angelico Project. On Feb. 26, Ziegler Auditorium will host “The Way of Beauty: Seeking God through Art and Music,” featuring David Clayton. Creator of “The Way of Beauty,” Clayton will share a powerful vision for spiritual and artistic renewal. And on April 23, author and poet Sally Read will present “Poetry: The Language of God,” highlighting poetry as a pathway to God, based on her own experiences. Both Angelico Project events are ticketed, and those interested in attending can visit angelicoproject.org to RSVP.

“Welcoming the Angelico Project on campus and supporting our community’s attendance at their events has been a huge gift,” Keegan says, adding: “Their work to introduce these encounters with what is True, Good, and Beautiful in our local community is essential for the renewal of a Catholic culture – beginning from a renewal of our own faith and affection for Christ.”

For more information about the Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education (CFMCE), upcoming events, and ways to get involved, please visit the Center’s web page at tmuky.us/cfmce.