The Book of Job: Where Ethics and Aesthetics Clash

Presented by Michael Kolarcik, SJ

Third Saturdays of the Month, September to March (excluding December) | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Livestream & recording

The Book of Job belongs to the third section of the TaNaK תַּנַ״ךְ, the writings of the Old Testament. It is a challenging book from the point of view of ethics and spirituality. Why, because we see here a righteous person who having been blessed by God sees everything precious in his life taken away. And the question is, can this man still praise God for the gifts he has received and lost? It is a question each and everyone of us will face in our lives. And so the response of Job in this book is one we need to grapple with.

“Up till now I have known you by the hearing of the ear, and now my eye sees you” — Job 42:5

Michael Kolarcik, SJ, is an Associate Professor of Old Testament studies at Regis College and serves as Rector of the Regis Jesuit Community. He was appointed Rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute by Pope Francis from 2014-2023.

Please read the additional info and terms of enrolment before registration.

St. Francis of Assisi as Image of Christ: In Word, Painting, and Music – A Lenten Meditation

Presented by Dr. Christina Labriola, ThD

Wednesdays, February 17 to March 24, 2027 | 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM

In person (St. Joseph Chapel), livestream, & recording

To speak of art in connection with St. Francis of Assisi comes naturally. With his characteristic freshness, creativity, and high idealism coupled with a depth of feeling, his life sings and shines with joyful reverence for the created world, passionate love for God, and compassion for humanity. Francis himself may be considered an artist who sought to make of his life a work of art – but he is also the artwork itself, imprinted by the Living God through his conformity to Christ.

This course provides an opportunity for reflection on the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi through theologically resonant works of art.

Engaging with portraits of St. Francis in word, visual art, and music, we will imaginatively encounter St. Francis as an icon of Christ, an approach appealing and refreshing to sense and spirit alike.

Dr. Christina Labriola holds graduate degrees in sacred music and in pastoral theology from the University of Toronto. As a musical theologian in the Roman Catholic tradition, her academic work focuses on the intersection of music and the arts with Christian spirituality, theological aesthetics, and liturgy. In addition to her engagement in liturgical music ministry and lecturing, Christina is Director of Music at St. Michael’s College Campus Ministry.

Please read the additional info and terms of enrolment before registration.

Rekindling the Common Good: Foundations for Trust in a Time of Suspicion

Presented by John Dalla Costa, MDiv

Wednesdays, March 31 to May 5, 2027 | 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM

Livestream, & recording

The greatest threat to the common good is not our differences, but the suspicion that prevents us from addressing them. Yet many solutions to today’s challenges remain within reach if we can rebuild trust.

This six-week course explores the social, ethical, and spiritual foundations of trust amid the interlocking crises shaping our world. Drawing on Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, the Synod on Synodality, and Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, we will examine how trust can be renewed in ourselves, communities, institutions, and public life. Each session combines theological reflection with practical frameworks drawn from experiences with business, government, and Church leaders. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the common good and practical tools for rebuilding trust in the midst of today’s polarization.

John Dalla Costa, MDiv, is an alumnus of Regis College and a member of Alpha Sigma Nu. He is the author of five books and Founding Director of the Centre for Ethical Orientation. A Canadian now residing in Italy, he is currently involved in Catholic Social Teaching initiatives with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation at the Vatican.

Please read the additional info and terms of enrolment before registration.

Additional Information

Regis College is located at 100 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, near the corner of Queen’s Park Crescent East. Regis College is on the 94 Wellesley TTC bus route and a short walk (south) from the Museum subway station. Public parking is available in the University of St. Michael’s College parking lot on St. Joseph Street, one block north of Regis College. The venue is accessible.

For more information about the Windows on Theology Continuous Learning Series, please contact regis.communications@utoronto.ca or call 416-922-5474.

Conditions of Enrolment

Before registering, please read the conditions of enrolment:

• Windows on Theology courses are non-credit courses. No record of attendance or payment receipt will be issued.
• Participation in each course is restricted to registrants only.
• Cancellation must be requested in writing prior to the course. Only completed forms with full payment will be processed. Confirmation will be emailed to applicants.
• Regis College reserves the right to cancel or change the course offered.
• Privacy Notice: Contact information provided in the registration process will be retained and used by Regis College in accordance with its privacy policy.

For assistance in registering, please contact regis.communications@utoronto.ca or call 416-922-5474.