Due to health and safety requirements, the number of participants in each module is limited. Should this module be booked out please put your name on the waiting list. If there are sufficient numbers we may offer a module twice or divide the participants into two groups. FEES are payable in advance as classes may be cancelled if numbers booking for them are insufficient. Booking forms and cheques, made out to Lumen Dominican Centre, may be posted to the above address. Cash is acceptable if one is registering in person. Electronic Transfers may be made to Lumen Dominican Centre; Bank of Ireland, Dun Laoghaire. IBAN: IE81 BOFI 9011 1611 4718 28; BIC: BOFIIE2D
REDUCTIONS:
A reduction of 10% is applicable to the total if more than one course is booked in the same semester.
TUESDAYS
1. God is Love – The Heart of All Creation
13 Apr – 25 May
Blanaid Gallagher OP
10.45am-12.15pm
This programme is most suitable for all those who have some experience of Centering Prayer. It offers a vision of hope and a view of reality that integrates the sciences, religion and our place in the cosmos as divine in origin.
Voluntary contribution at each session.
2. Chair Yoga
23 Feb.-25 May
Marie Angeline Lascaux
10.00-11.30am
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Hatha Yoga which includes centering, gentle stretching and limbering, breathing techniques and guided meditation. It will assist you in regaining strength, flexibility and confidence in your body, improving posture and releasing tight muscles, enhancing focus and concentration, recovering a sense of connection and developing inner calm. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.
€130 (12 weeks)
3. French Level 2 (Advanced Beginners)
23 Feb.-25 May
Marie Helène Dolan
10.00-11.30am
For students who can produce simple French sentences and can ask and respond to simple French questions. In a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, these classes will enable students to communicate with more fluency to feel confident in most everyday situations.
€130 (12 weeks)
4. Intermediate Plus Italian
23 Feb.-25 May
Heather Abrahamson
10.30-12.00 noon
“Vino bianco o vino rosso, signore?” Are you able to book a table, order a meal, ask directions and actually follow them? If you have already studied some Italian and appreciate fun and informality, then this is the class for you. Newcomers are most welcome.
€130 (12 weeks)
5. Bach and the Bible
[Postponed until the Autumn term]
Kieran O’Mahony OSA
JS Bach has been called the Fifth Evangelist (sharing the title with Isaiah), and he brings to extraordinary expression the Christian faith, as received in the Lutheran tradition. The great attraction of Bach’s music is the interaction of faith, beauty and order. Bach, as researcher and musical scientist, brings a phenomenal mind to bear on the persuasive power of his music, always at the service of God, beauty and faith. The synergy is thrilling and repays close attention. Particular consideration will be given to the St John’s Passion, as well as selected cantatas.
€55 (5 weeks)
6. The Cure of Poetry
13 April-11 May
Úna Agnew SSL
10.30-12.00 noon
“A poet’s life is an experiment in living” (WB Yeats). The poets Patrick Kavanagh and Seamus Heaney were tested by the circumstances in which they found themselves at various junctures of their lives. Poetry gave them a purpose in life. Can we learn from them during this time of pandemic? This short module looks at some of the ways in which Kavanagh’s and Heaney’s poetry offers an alternative mind-set to experiences of political unrest, self-questioning, isolation, failure, and personal loss, while at the same time gifting its readership with perspective, meaning, transcendence and spiritual healing.
€55 (5 weeks)
WEDNESDAYS
7. Silver Swans
24 Feb.-26 May
Nadia Quick
10.30-11.30am
Silver Swans is a ballet class for the over 55s. Dance is now considered to be one of the most beneficial ways of improving mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels and imparting a sense of wellbeing and fun. No previous dance experience is necessary!
€85 (11 weeks)
8. German (Conversation)
24 Feb.-26 May
Yvonne Luven
10.00-11.30am
Immerse yourself in German language and culture in this engaging class. Topical issues, art, literature and Austrian and German traditions are explored in an enjoyable and informative way. The conversational manner is sure to boost both your confidence and fluency.
€120 (11 weeks)
9. [On-Site Cancelled but is available Online Please See Module 24] Inspiration for All Seasons: Celtic Wisdom for Today
24 Feb.-24 March
John Scally
10.15-11.45am
In troubled times Celtic Christianity offers connections, community and common sense. It continues to be as a rich vein to be mined of insight, imagination and inspiration. This series is not a nostalgic portal to a golden age of traditional Irish lyricism with mighty mists lolling lazily about the Celtic landscape but a search for wisdom that can present guidance for some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and society today.
€45 (4 weeks)
This module will also be offered online.
10. The Doctors Dilemmas: Medical Ethics in a fast-changing world
14 April-26 May
John Scally
10.15-11.45am
On virtually a daily basis there is a report of a new case which stretches the boundaries of medicine and raises yet another new moral dilemma. Such cases generate a lot of public anxiety that medical science has gone too far and that humankind has taken on powers hitherto reserved for God. This course considers such questions as: How are we to shield ourselves from the excesses of technical advances in medicine while preserving the benefits of modern health care?
€75 (7 weeks)
This module will also be offered online.
12. Art, Music, Poetry – Reflections for a Time of Pandemic
14 April-12 May
Brian Dooney
10.30-12.00 noon
‘Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.’ (Langston Hughes). This short course looks at what inspires us, feeds our dreams, boosts our sense of hope. It offers a chance to explore, through image and symbol, music and story, the significance of the Covid-19 pandemic for self and society.
€55 (5 weeks)
THURSDAYS
13. Irish (Conversation)
25 Feb.-27 May
Dáire Stevenson
10.30-12.00 noon
This module is designed for students to improve their skills in conversational Irish in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The emphasis will be on giving the student confidence to use the language in everyday situations. A good basic level of Irish is required. Fáilte roimh chách.
€130 (12 weeks)
14. French Level 4 (Advanced)
25 Feb.-27 May
Marie Helène Dolan
10.00-11.30am
This module is for students who have a good command of French and would like to keep up to date with cultural, social and political developments in France and increase their fluency in spoken French. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere guaranteed. Au plaisir de vous voir ou de vous revoir!
€130 (12 weeks)
15. Exploring English Literature
25 Feb.-27 May
Phil Dunne
10.15-11.45am
In this class, we read, discuss and share novels, poetry and drama. Our reading material is a mixture of classic and contemporary work written in English and translated writing of both established and emerging writers. No prior knowledge is required. Our emphasis is on enjoyment.
€130 (12 weeks)
16. Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation
25 Feb.-27 May
Jane Bailey, IBVM
10.30-12.00 noon
The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi is becoming ever more popular in the West. With its slow, gentle movements, it is an excellent way of promoting physical and mental well-being. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Beginners and improvers welcome.
€130 (12 weeks)
FRIDAYS
17. French Level 3 (Intermediate)
26 Feb.-28 May
Marie Helène Dolan
10.00-11.30am
In this module, the emphasis is on easing students into conversational French. Learned grammatical concepts are revised and put into a variety of conversation-based exercises that strengthen comprehension and self-expression. These classes will give you the confidence to converse on a range of topics. À bientôt!
€130 (12 weeks)
18. (Module 18 will now take place as a series of Live Seminars via Zoom)
19. (Module 19 [CANCELLED] – Faith, suffering, silence and happiness: a philosophy for today
16 April-28 May
Patrick Quinn
10.30-12.00 noon
This module will examine what some thinkers and philosophers have said about the following topics: how faith, suffering and silence may change your life (Leo Tolstoy, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Gabriel Marcel), what it means to be a person (Marjorie Greene), escaping from solitude (Mary Midgley), and happiness and being content (Aristotle and Anthony Kenny). Relevant handouts will be given and class discussions and questions are encouraged.
€75 (7 weeks)
20. The Passion Narrative in John
This Module is now Cancelled On-Site – It will be offered online
Kieran O’Mahony OSA
10.15-11.45am
On this module, we will use six lenses (suggested by the Gospel itself) to explore how the evangelists understands cross and resurrection of Jesus. After an introductory session, presenting the six perspectives, we will go through the passion narrative scene by scene. The final lecture will attempt a synthesis of the overall teaching of John with an eye to contemporary approaches to salvation.
€65 (6 weeks)
This module will also be offered online.
21. “Behold I will make a way in the wilderness” (Is 43:19): Towards a biblical spirituality for the times we live in.
23 April-28 May
Seán Goan
10.15-11.45am
The motif of the desert features strongly in the founding story of the Israelites and recurs often in the writing of the prophets as they reflect on the people’s calling. In this course we will focus on “wilderness”texts from both the Old and New Testaments in order to help us situate our own faith journey in today’s uncertain world.
€65 (6 weeks)
This module will also be offered online.
The Centre will be closed on St Patrick’s Day and for an Easter break 29 March – 9 April.