The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies

The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies was established at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in 2010 as a tribute to the life’s work in Catholic-Jewish relations of Dr. Richard Lux, Professor of Biblical Studies at Sacred Heart over the course of thirty-seven years. Dr. Lux emerged as an important national voice in promoting understanding and respect between Catholics and Jews. The Lux Center at SHSST is honored to continue his legacy and to do so as the only such center in the world working within the Catholic seminary context of priestly formation.

Our Vision

To strengthen the living relationship between Catholics and the Jewish people.

 

Our Mission

The Lux Center works to strengthen the living relationship between Catholics and the Jewish people by equipping seminarians with tools and knowledge they need to present an accurate understanding of Judaism, promote a positive understanding of Catholic-Jewish relations, and engage in interreligious activities in their congregations after ordination. We also offer programs, lectures, and study materials to promote understanding and dialogue among scholars, with the people of southeastern Wisconsin, and beyond.

What We Do

The Lux Center — as a program within a seminary — is uniquely positioned to improve interreligious understanding:

– Dedicated faculty position in Jewish studies
– Seminarian study trips in Israel
– Public lectures, seminars and discussions with renowned scholars
– Annual seminary-hosted symposium on Catholic-Jewish relations
– Seminary events recognizing Jewish holidays, liturgy and history
– Speakers’ bureau for churches and synagogues
– Provide specialty classes on topics of interest
– Opportunities for interreligious dialogue
– Library with extensive Judaica and interreligious studies collection
– Holocaust resources and commemoration events

Recent Webinars

“Why Catholics Need to Know about the Holocaust: Implications for Today’s World”

Jewish Studies Seminar for Christians: The Jewish People and the Church Webinar Series

On Wednesday, January 19, The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies invited Tim Crain, Ph.D. to speak on the topic “Why Catholics Need to Know about the Holocaust: Implications for Today’s World” at the first session of the winter webinar series. Dr. Crain is a well-known historian and speaker and was a professor and director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education at Seton Hill University.