An Evening dedicated to Fr. Augustus Tolton : Jan. 19, 7 p.m.; Joyce Duriga, editor of Chicago Catholic and author of "Augustus Tolton: The Church Is the True Liberator"; panel discussion featuring iconographer Joe Malham; in the Jubilee Hall at St. Ita Church, 5500 N. Broadway; call 773-561-5343 or visit saintita.org for details.
"Thomas Merton — Evil and Why We Suffer: From Purified Soul Theodicy to Zen" : Jan. 20, 2 p.m.; David Orberson on his new book; at the Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott Ave.; hosted by Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society; free-will offering, refreshments; for information visit ccitms.blogspot.com/2018/12/january-20-2019-david-orberson-on.html or call Mike at 773-447-3989.
"I'll Die Laughing" : Jan. 28, 7:30-9 p.m., Fr. Bob Rohrich, CM, speaks on humor at Sacred Heart Ministry Center, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills; call 708-974-3336 for details.
Diane Kennedy, OP, Lecture and Dinner : Jan. 30, lecture at 5 p.m. followed by dinner, with Kathleen Sprows Cummings speaking on Dominican candidates for sainthood; in the Shaffer SIlveri Atrium of Parmer Hall, on Domincan's main campus, 7900 Division St., River Forest; $30; for information, visit events.dom.edu/siena-center or call 708-714-9107.
Book discussion "Saint James the Greater in History, Art and Culture" : Feb. 1; 12:10-1 p.m.; presented by author William Farina; at St. Peter's Church, 110 W. Madison St.; free-will offering; for details contact Jo Ann Bednar at 312-853-2376 or visit stpetersloop.org.
Open Wide Our Hearts - Exploring the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism : Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; 12:10-1 p.m.; different presenter each week; St. Peter's Church, 110 W. Madison St.; free-will offering; for details contact Jo Ann Bednar at 312-853-2376 or visit stpetersloop.org.
Book study: "The 5 Languages of Love" : Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; 12:10-1 p.m.; presented by Sr. Fran Sulzer, FSPA; St. Peter's Church, 110 W. Madison St.; free-will offering; for details, contact Jo Ann Bednar at 312-853-2376 or visit stpetersloop.org.
The Violence and Damage Being Done by a Pornographic Culture and Practical Ways to Counter It for Families and Friends : Feb. 6, 7 p.m., hosted by Archdiocese of Chicago and the Multi Parish Knowledge and Prayer Series at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 15050 Wolf Road, Orland Park; adults only.
“Introduction to Christian Anthropology” : Tuesdays Feb.12 through March 19; 7-8:30 p.m.; six-week course exploring the Christian vision of human nature/persons through an in-depth look at biblical creation stories; taught by Fr. Matthew Bozovsky of Our Lady of Ransom Parish, at St. Catherine Laboure, 3535 Thornwood Ave.; Glenview; $25; register by calling 847-826-4704 or emailing KitchsBest@aol.com.
"The Book of Nature: First Text of the Creator; Holy Way Amid the Modern-day Melee" : Feb. 17, 2 p.m., the February meeting of the Chicago Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society features Barbara Mahany, a Chicago author and journalist; at the Rectory Assembly of Immaculate Conception Parish, 7211 W. Talcott Ave.; free-will donation; refreshments; for information, contact Mike at 773-685-4736.
"Crispina and Her Sisters": Women and Authority in Early Christianity : Feb. 17, 3-4:30 p.m.; presentation and book signing by Sr. Christine Schenk, CSJ; at St. Scholastica Monastery, 7430 N. Ridge Blvd,; for details, visit osbchicago.org/programs; RSVP with Sister Benita Coffey, OSB at 773-764-2413 ext. 327.
“Lazarus, Come Forth”: War, Soul Death, and Homecoming : Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.; part of DePaul University Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology's Spiriual Works of Mercy Series; featuring Robert Emmet Meagher; in room 314B of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave.; free; for more information, visit events.depaul.edu.
Challenges & Hopes: The Catholic Church in Contemporary China : Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.; part of DePaul University Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology's Spiriual Works of Mercy Series; featuring Mary Mee-Yin Yuen; in room 314B of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave.; free; for more information, visit events.depaul.edu.
Dreams and Spirituality Workshop : March 29, 7-9 p.m., and March 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; with Sr. Pat Coughlin, OSB, a spiritual director and licensed psychotherapist who has given dream workshops on five continents; participants are urged to begin recording their dreams as soon as they register in preparation for the workshop; suggested fee of $65 includes lunch; at St. Scholastica Monastery, Oasis Room, 7430 N. Ridge Blvd.; for information, visit osbchicago.org/programs; to RSVP or register, contact Sr. Pat Coughlin at 773-764-2413 est. 374 or pcoughlin@osbchicago.org.