The contributions made by the disabled, the frail elderly and the most vulnerable in our society will be explored in a theological and pastoral lecture by Dr. Michael Downey, Nov. 13 at St. John's Seminary, Camarillo.

The lecture --- the 12th annual Newman C. Eberhardt, C.M. Lecture held at St. John's --- is fully titled "Disfigurement and Reconfiguration: The Contribution of Jean Vanier and L'Arche to a Renewed Social Order." The series is named in honor of Vincentian Father Newman C. Eberhardt, professor of Church History at St. John's (1941-95) and is endowed by the Congregation of the Mission, Province of the West, to support the continuing education of priests, deacons, and lay ministers in the Roman Catholic Church.

Downey, author or editor of more than 20 books, was the first layperson to receive the Ph.D. in theology from The Catholic University of America. He is professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology at St. John's, and serves as the Cardinal's Theologian for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

The 7:15 p.m. lecture is free and the public is invited to attend. For information, visit www.stjohnsem.edu, or call (805) 482-2755 x 2037.

New Santa Clara Mortuary is blessed in Oxnard
The blessing of the new Santa Clara Mortuary in Oxnard was celebrated on All Souls Day Nov. 2.

Cardinal Roger Mahony presided at the Mass and blessed the facility at 2370 N. H Street, where Santa Clara Cemetery has served the community since 1873 as the oldest active operating Catholic cemetery in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Santa Clara Mortuary, an 11,000-square-foot facility, includes a chapel that seats 260, and features California Mission-style architecture.

Jim Tixier, archdiocesan director of Catholic Cemeteries and Catholic Mortuaries, said the new mortuary is part of the office's ongoing effort "to expand and enhance the Church's ministry to bereaved Catholic families, and make available mortuary services that fully support Catholic rites and traditions at Santa Clara Cemetery."

Santa Clara Mortuary is an affiliate of Catholic Mortuaries, a subsidiary of Stewart Enterprises Inc.