The ninth annual Newman C. Eberhardt, CM Lecture will be held in the Prayer Hall at St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, on Nov. 9 at 7:15 p.m. This yearly event is funded by an endowment established by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in memory of Father Eberhardt's parents for the purpose of supporting continuing education of priests, deacons, and laity of the Roman Catholic Church.

This year's lecture will address "The Catholic Ethic and the Protestant Ethic: Competing or Complementary Conceptions of the Public Good?" It will be presented by John E. Tropman, Ph.D., professor of Social Welfare and Business at the University of Michigan, and the author of "The Catholic Ethic in American Society and The Catholic Ethic and the Spirit of Community."

Dr. Tropman suggests that a religious-based ethic permeates society, going beyond the Protestant ethic that supported the development of capitalism. This ethic he describes as "a Catholic ethic," marked by its sympathy and outreach to the poor and in its emphasis on family and community over economic success.

Father Eberhardt, who died in 1995, was professor of Church History at St. John's Seminary from 1941 to 1995. Priests ordained during those 54 years have the common memory of having been taught by Father Eberhardt, and remember him with respect and fondness.

The Eberhardt Lecture is free to the public and reservations are not required. For information, call (805) 482-2755.