St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville,  is hosting an adult faith formation event, “Reforming a  Challenged Church: Six Lessons From Church History,” March 23 at 7p.m.  Presenter will be Church historian and St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, parishioner, Dr. Christopher M. Bellitto. 

At the dawn of the third millennium, the church is facing serious challenges and scandals. Dr. Bellitto will look back at how the Church has survived – and even renewed herself – during difficult times in history. By discussing six lessons from the history of Church reform, he will put today’s challenges in perspective and explore how the institutional and grass-roots church can move forward together in a constructive and Christian way. The presentation will also explore the outcome of the recent Church’s universal Synod on the Family and the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia in September.

Dr. Bellitto is chair and associate professor of history at Kean University, Union. He is also a frequent public speaker and media commentator on Church history and contemporary Catholicism. He has been quoted in  The Washington Post and has appeared on the History Channel, CNN, MSNBC, PBS News Hour, NPR, and other local radio and TV stations. Dr. Bellitto is well-versed in the areas of Church councils and the papacy.

The event is free and open to the public. St. Ann Parish is located at 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville.

For more information, contact Gary Maccaroni at 882-6491, ext. 116, or email: [email protected].