Catholic University Clarifies Speaker Policy

Political candidates can speak on campus with University approval from Rev. David M. O’Connell, according to the University’s newly expanded political activity guidelines for student organizations.

“No candidates running for election are to be invited for anything without express permission of the President,” the policy states. “No politicians who have public positions that run counter to the teachings of the Catholic Church are to be invited for anything without express permission from the President.”

The upcoming election has been influential in the University’s decision to finally state an otherwise unwritten rule about political candidates. “Things have ramped up between 2000-2008,” said Craig Parker, the University’s general counsel, about the political policies. Read more

Professors Receive Canonical Missions, Two Administrators Get Award From Pope

Several University professors received their canonical mission, or imperative to reflect in their teachings the views of the Catholic Church, on Thursday.

The mission, handed to University professors by Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of the diocese of Washington D.C., allowed several teachers to teach here at the University. Non-Catholics received a venia docendi.

Wuerl presented Frank G. Persico, vice president for University Relations and Chief of Staff and Craig W. Parker, associate vice president and general counsel with the Benemerenti Medal.  Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, the Benemerenti Medal is given to those who have excellent service to the Catholic Church. The word itself means “to a well deserving person.”

“In honoring Frank and Craig,” O’Connell said, “Our Holy Father has also honored The Catholic University of America and the lives of so many faculty, staff and students whom they have served over these many years.”
Pope Benedict XVI has also conferred papal honors upon Persico and Parker.

Catholics receiving their canonical mission were Joshua C. Benson, David Alan Bosworth, Sister Mary Ann Clarahan, R.S.M, Helen Margdaga Robert  Miller and Chad C. Pecknold. Tarmo Toom and Michael Rohlf received venia docendi.