Richard R. Gaillardetz will present his lecture, "A New Council: Reflections on the Future of the Church" at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, in Jones Auditorium," as part of the Most Reverend Bishop John McCarthy Lecture Series on the Catholic Church in the 21st century. The event is free and open to the public.

In this lecture, Gaillardetz will discuss how the church has implemented Vatican II and what direction further church renewal might take. Is it time to consider Vatican III?

This presentation will assess the state of the church's current implementation of Vatican II, explore some of the important disagreements regarding the proper interpretation of the council and, looking to the future of the church, consider what direction further church renewal might take.

Gaillardetz is the Margaret and Thomas Murray and James J. Bacik Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Toledo. He has published more than 80 articles and has authored seven books including, Ecclesiology for a Global church: A People Called and Sent, The Church in the Making, A Daring Promise: A Spirituality of Christian Marriage and By What Authority? A primer on Scripture, the Magisterium and the Sense of the Faithful.

St. Edward's created the lecture series to honor Bishop McCarthy, who led the Diocese of Austin from 1985 to 2001, and to underscore the university's commitment to its Catholic roots and Holy Cross Heritage.

Location: St. Edward's University, Jones Auditorium, Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center

• Free and open to the public
• Reception immediately following
• Valet parking provided

For more information, contact the Center for Ethics and Leadership at 464-8871 or kater@stedwards.edu