What could happen if Pope Benedict XVI and President Barack Obama were to combine forces to bring about peace in our world? That topic --- to be addressed next Monday in Thousand Oaks by CNN senior Vatican analyst John Allen, Jr. --- is reflective of the 2009 University Series offerings.

Addressing our troubled times through the eyes of faith and hope is a recurrent theme in this year's University adult faith formation and education program, which began Feb. 26 and continues for the next five weeks at 10 Ventura County parishes.

In addition to Allen's March 2 session (at St. Paschal Baylon Church), former television executive Gerry Straub presents "Hope and Joy Amid Pain and Sorrow," an acclaimed multimedia presentation (March 3 at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo) and "Catholic Teaching and Consumer Culture" with Dr. Andrew Youngert (March 10 at St. Peter Claver, Simi Valley).

More than 90 sessions (some in Spanish) are designed to appeal to a variety of interests and needs. More than 30 classes of interest for confirmation students, catechumens and candidates for full initiation are included, as well as courses that appeal specifically to women and parents --- among them, Dr. Rosamond Rodman's "Women in the New Testament" (March 16 at St. Julie Billiart, Newbury Park) and faith and family minister Rhett Young's "The Five Love Languages of Children" (March 18 at St. Jude, Westlake Village).

The sessions on faith and science and prayer include professor and bioethics expert Betty Odello's "Update on Stem Cell Research" (March 16 at St. Paschal Baylon), examining recent scientific advances and how they relate to Catholic teaching. Others will find new insights from current and former Loyola Marymount University professors as they discuss spirituality and Scripture through the writings of C.S. Lewis, St. Paul, St. Mark and St. John.

Father Steve Davoren's "Joseph Said 'Yes' Too" (March 18 at St. Paschal Baylon) will explore Joseph's choice, alongside Mary's, as a model for men's spirituality. This course is one of several that address the needs of men in our community, along with "Building an Immunity to Stress" (March 5 at Holy Cross, Moorpark) by Joe Sikorra, a licensed therapist.

Young adults will enjoy Father David Loftus's new look at an old topic in "Reading the Ten Commandments Again, For the First Time" (March 10 at Blessed Junípero Serra ). He will also present two engaging evenings on "12 Good Reasons to Be Catholic" (March 9 and 30 at St. Maximilian Kolbe, Westlake Village).

St. Paschal Baylon's pastor, Father David Heney, and Temple Etz Chaim's Rabbi Morris Rubinstein will reprise their acclaimed "Catholics and Jews: Common Roots, Current Practice" (March 24 and 31 at Blessed Junípero Serra ). In his session, "Church Leadership for The Future" Cardinal Roger Mahony will offer those attending thought-provoking ideas about the direction of parish life in the 21st Century (March 6 at St. Maximilian Kolbe).

"Penance as God's Gift: Touched by the Compassion of God," presented by Msgr. Craig Cox, rector of St. John's Seminary, will help all to grow in our appreciation of the gift we have been given in the sacrament of penance (March 30 at St. Julie Billiart).

For parents and teachers, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Sister Gretchen Hailer returns with her look at Facebook, YouTube, and the hazards of the internet (March 26 at St. Rose of Lima, Simi Valley). In this important session, the media educator will examine ways that adults can protect children by mentoring youth as they navigate the potential snares of the Worldwide Web.

The University Series also offers courses in Spanish presented by such distinguished presenters as Rudy Finke, Gerardo Gomez, Lourdes Gonzalez-Rubio and Louis Velasquez. The Faith in Music series of concerts provide yet another way of nourishing our souls during Lent and are ideal for the whole family.

While its origins predated the implementation of the archdiocesan Synod, the courses in The University Series address all six of the Synod Initiatives, and its structure is a unique model of Initiative II that urges greater parish collaboration and sharing of resources in today's Church.

It is an excellent growth opportunity for all who desire greater knowledge of their faith and how to live it more fully. The University Series offers something for everyone!

Bob Jordan is an active parishioner at St. Paschal Baylon Church, Thousand Oaks, and assistant director for The University Series. For more information, visit the online catalog at www.theuniversityseries.org or call a participating parish for a printed catalog.