Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz is a leading ecclesial expert and the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College. He is the past president of the Catholic Theological Society of America. He received his Ph.D. in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Gaillardetz has published numerous articles and has authored or edited ten books, including Keys to the Council: Unlocking the Teaching of Vatican II (co-authored with Catherine Clifford, Liturgical Press, 2012), When the Magisterium Intervenes: The Magisterium and Theologians in Today’s Church (editor, Liturgical Press, 2012) and Ecclesiology for a Global Church: A People Called and Sent (Orbis, 2008). In 2000, he received the Sophia Award from the faculty of the Washington Theological Union in recognition of “theological excellence in service to ministry,” and he has received numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association. Dr. Gaillardetz was a delegate on the U.S. Catholic–Methodist Ecumenical Dialogue from 2001 to 2005. He has previously taught at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Theology and the University of Toledo.
Praise for Richard Gaillardetz
“Richard Gaillardetz is one of today’s most important teachers and reliable interpreters of the theology of the Second Vatican Council. He has a remarkable gift for effectively communicating the sometimes complex theological teachings of the council and showing their relevance for people of faith in our day.”– Prof. Catherine Clifford, St. Paul University, Ottawa
“Richard Gaillardetz has that rare ability to translate advanced scholarship into accessible language. He is a great theologian, an undisputed expert on the council, and one of the best teachers I have ever seen in action.”– Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph.D., author of A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II
“Richard Gaillardetz is one of the finest ecclesiologists at work today. He demonstrates learning and clarity in equal measure, and I cannot imagine a better guide through the complexities of Vatican II.”– Paul Lakeland, Aloysius P. Kelley S.J. Professor of Catholic Studies. Director, Center for Catholic Studies, Fairfield University
“One of our premier ecclesiologists, Rick Gaillardetz has mined the documents of the Second Vatican Council to bring to light gems missed by many. Listening to him as he works through the conciliar documents and explores their implications is always an enriching experience.”– Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology, Loyola Marymount University
Rev Douglas J., Australia –
2015 Spring Survey
It helps to understand the Council that has shaped and continues to shape modern Catholicism.
Sister Irene Z., WI –
2015 Spring Survey
D. Richard Gaillarditz gives superb insights in this summary of what went on behind the scenes of Vatican II. His delivery is clear, succinct, interesting.
Sr. Irene –
Superb insights!
Dr. Gaillardetz gives superb insights in this summary of what went on behind the scenes of Vatican II. His delivery is clear, succinct, interesting.
Michael –
Great clarity and theological energy in his presentations.
Gaillardetz offers insights that ground theologically in a profound way the great breakthroughs in the Vatican II documents and theology. Great clarity and theological energy in his presentations. I have recommended these lectures and the excellent study guide to a number of close friends.
Raymond –
Excellent guide
This course is an excellent guide to very significant developments at Vatican II and where they are found in its documents.
Charlie –
Clear content.
This presentation put so much of the Council’s teachings in a clear context which I (age 70) could easily relate to.
Fr. Carroll –
The course gave excellent insight into the Church before Vatican II and the new direction and understanding of the role and function the Church set upon with the Council.
The course gave excellent insight into the Church before Vatican II and the new direction and understanding of the role and function the Church set upon with the Council.
PJ –
Greatly needed
An incredible number of Catholics are uninformed about the issues that led to Vatican II and the breath of fresh air it brought to the church. I have used this series with two groups who have loved it and some of them have borrowed it to share with other groups. I hope to do it again with more people.
Deacon Dan L., CO –
Spring Survey: April 2017
Dr Gaillardetz is an engaging speaker, who leads a very coherent examination of this topic. The 12 lectures are easy to follow, and are a good cross section of the issues that both created the need for the Council and remain issues to be engaged today.
Tom K., WI –
Summer Survey: July 2017
A thoughtful scope of the topic presented in a non-polemical style. Persuasive and enlightening, but not breathlessly enthusiastic.