A group of Catholic scientists is organizing an exciting event for high school students, their parents, and teachers. The aim is to show how science and Catholic faith can work hand in hand.
The fourth annual St. Albert Initiative will take place on March 6 at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Around 250 people are expected to attend, including 13 scientists and three theologians who will share their insights and talks.
Stephen Barr, who is the president of the Society of Catholic Scientists and a professor emeritus of physics at the University of Delaware, believes it’s crucial for young people to see the connection between faith and science. He shared, “The St. Albert Initiatives were created to help young Catholics understand that faith and science can coexist. We want them to meet and learn from real scientists who are also believers.” He added that the initiative aims to inspire students considering careers in science and provide a space for their questions.
The St. Albert Initiatives started in 2021 as a collaboration between the Society of Catholic Scientists and the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute. The first event was held at The Catholic University of America, and they have since toured throughout the U.S. to bring together young minds and experienced scientists.
Barr pointed out that many young people have questions about science and faith. They often encounter messages suggesting that the two are at odds, which can shake their beliefs. This has raised concerns among U.S. bishops, who see this as a growing pastoral issue.
To combat this, the initiative educates young attendees and encourages them to engage with scientists directly. Barr emphasized that Catholics shouldn’t shy away from science. He explained, “The Catholic Church has a proud legacy of supporting science, with many notable scientists being believers.” He also mentioned that recent scientific discoveries can actually reinforce belief in God, as shown by various thinkers in both fields.
Kate Bulinski, an associate professor of geosciences at Bellarmine University, will give a talk titled “The History of Life in Deep Time.” She acknowledged that our society often promotes the idea that faith and science conflict. With so much misinformation around, many young Catholics feel confused about their faith and the scientific world.
Bulinski believes the St. Albert Initiative is a great way to tackle misconceptions. It provides an opportunity for young people to hear from Catholic scientists who demonstrate that faith and science can indeed coexist within the Catholic tradition.
Recent surveys from the conferences show positive results. For instance, attendees at the 2022 St. Albert Initiative responded enthusiastically, with nearly 95% agreeing that the event helped them understand that faith and science are not in conflict.
