HERE EXISTS in New York City an organization devoted to supporting the vocation of artists. Formed in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s 2009 address to a Meeting of Artists, the Catholic Artists Society strives to support artists by encouraging their ongoing spiritual and artistic development. The society addresses the fraternal, spiritual, and intellectual needs of its members.

One of the ways in which the group promotes intellectual development is through an annual lecture series. This year’s lineup of speakers and topics looks excellent.

The 2017-2018 Art of the Beautiful Lecture Series will include:

September 23, 2017 • Mother Dolores Hart, OSB • Dean of Education at the Abbey of Regina Laudis

October 28, 2017 • Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. • Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception (Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC)

December 2, 2017 • Ross Douthat • Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times

February 24, 2018 • Duncan Stroik • Architect, Professor at the University of Notre Dame

March 24, 2018 • Rev. George W. Rutler, STD • Author, Pastor of the Church of St. Michael, NYC

April 28, 2018 • Rev. Innocent Smith, OP • Author, Vicar for Formation at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, NYC

The series is hosted at the Catholic Center at NYU (238 Thompson Street, just south of Washington Square Park). Lectures begin at 7:30 PM and are followed by a reception and the celebration of Compline. Admission is free for members of the society, while a donation is requested of non-members.