Michael P. Foley

Michael Foley holds a doctorate in Catholic systematic theology and is an associate professor of Patristics in the Great Texts Program at Baylor University. His articles have appeared in First Things, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Lay Witness, Crisis, The Latin Mass, Touchstone Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal on topics ranging from the four ends of the Mass to tobacco and the soul. Dr. Foley has edited or authored several books including Frank Sheed’s classic translation of St. Augustine’s Confessions (Hackett, 2006), Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Friday? The Catholic Origin to Just About Everything (Palgrave Macmillan, 2005), and Wedding Rites: A Complete Guide to Traditional Vows, Music, Ceremonies, Blessings, and Interfaith Services (Eerdmans, 2008). He and his wife Alexandra home-school their five children: Catherine, Mary, James, Peter, and Monica.

Mike is available for speaking on a number of topics, including but not limited to:

Faith & Culture

1.      “The Catholic Origins to Everyday Things and Why It Matters”

·        or “The Meaning of Lent and the Catholic Origin to Everyday Things” [ideal for Lenten reflections and retreats]

·        or “The Meaning of Advent and the Catholic Origin to Everyday Things” [ideal for Advent reflections and retreats]

2.      “Traditional Wedding Customs and the Future of Civilization”

·        or “Wedding Customs and the Meaning of Marriage”

3.      “Tobacco and the Three Parts of the Soul”

Faith & Film

4.      “Four and a Half Kinds of Catholic Film”

5.      “The Almost Perfect Catholic Allegory: Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day”

6.      “The Christian Vision of The Truman Show  and Other Films by Andrew Niccol”

Theology

7.      “Why Catholics Revere (or Should Revere) the Holy Name of Jesus”

8.      “The Three Parts of the Soul and the Secret to Happiness”

9.      “Sacred Profanities: Risqué Bible Stories and Why They Are Important”

10.  “St. Augustine—The Original Man for All Seasons”

Liturgy

11.  “Pope Benedict and the Liturgy”

12.  “The Mass and the Four Most Important Lessons of Childhood”