STEP logo on banner with stained glass windows in OShaughnessy great hall--photo by Matt Cashore, copyright University of Notre Dame
STEP Update, August 2017
Summer at the MICL 

"The McGrath Institute for Church Life seeks 'to renew the theological, ministerial, pastoral, catechetical, and liturgical traditions of the Church,' a mission which occurs fifty-two weeks a year, but is evident in a particular way during the six weeks of Notre Dame’s summer session. Beginning with the annual Liturgy Symposium in mid-June and continuing up until this current, final week of summer symposia, the MICL offers itself as an intentional space where teachers and students, priests and laity, young and old can gather, to foster reflection and renewal." Read more.
American Catholic Parenting
"The vast majority of children of the millennial generation fall well short of what the Church would consider the most basic requirements for active membership... In such conditions, do Catholic parents who wish to pass on their faith have to steel themselves against a high probability of failure? How exactly is the Catholic household positioned relative to mainstream American culture, and consequently, what is the 'job description' of the contemporary Catholic parent? What can parents do to optimize their  chances of replicating their faith in their children, and how can clergy and pastoral professionals assist them? This report is concerned to provide some answers to these questions. 
Upcoming Conference
The 2018 Vatican synod dedicated to “young people, faith, and vocational discernment” will address “the process by which a person makes fundamental choices in dialogue with the Lord and listening to the voice of the Spirit (Preparatory Document II.2).” As part of the ongoing preparation for the synod, the McGrath Institute for Church Life is hosting an academic and pastoral conference, March 5-7, 2018. Read more. 
STEP Staff Changes

Two members of the STEP staff recently left to pursue new adventures: Lou Weber, our technical support specialist for the past six years and Thomas Cummings, founder and Director of STEP for 18 years. Before Tom's departure, we invited him to reflect and share thoughts about his experiences.