The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies

Our Mission

The Lux Center is dedicated to deepening the understanding, respect, and relationship between the Catholic and Jewish traditions. Founded in the spirit of Nostra Aetate—the groundbreaking 1965 declaration of the Second Vatican Council—the Center seeks to embody the Church’s commitment to dialogue, learning, and reconciliation with the Jewish people.

Through education, encounter, and community engagement, the Lux Center works to form future Catholic leaders who are knowledgeable about Judaism and committed to mutual respect and collaboration between faith communities.

Inspired by Nostra Aetate

Nostra Aetate, Latin for “In Our Time,” marked a profound shift in the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, especially Judaism. It acknowledges the shared spiritual heritage of Christians and Jews and calls for mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Lux Center draws its name, purpose, and guiding vision from this historic document, continuing its work in the 21st century by building meaningful relationships and fostering learning that transcends religious boundaries.

What We Do

The Lux Center offers a diverse and dynamic range of programs for seminarians, faculty, clergy, and the wider community. These include:

• Courses and Guest Lectures
  Focused on Judaism, Jewish history, interfaith dialogue, the Land of Israel, and Hebrew language basics, often led by Jewish scholars and educators.

• Interfaith Dialogues and Events
  Thoughtfully curated gatherings, including panel discussions, community observances, and shared holiday experiences with local Jewish congregations.

• Community Outreach
  Partnerships with synagogues, Jewish organizations, and cultural institutions, fostering relationships rooted in shared values and respect.

• Formation Enrichment
  Helping future Catholic priests and ministers better understand the Jewish roots of Christianity and the relevance of Jewish-Christian relations in pastoral ministry today.

• Pilgrimages and Experiential Learning
  Opportunities to encounter Jewish life locally and globally, and to experience the richness of Jewish tradition firsthand.

For The Lux Center news and updates, please follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LuxCenterforCatholicJewishStudies

Our Partners

The Lux Center’s work is made possible through the generous support and collaboration of our local, national, and international partners. These valued relationships enable us to develop high-quality programming, foster meaningful interfaith dialogue, and expand our impact within the seminary and beyond.

We are deeply grateful to each of our partners for their ongoing commitment to education, dialogue, and mutual understanding.