Faith & Reason Circle
Forming the Catholic Mind through the great works of theology, philosophy, and literature
What “On Two Wings” Means
The name of this study circle is drawn from the opening words of Saint John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio:
Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.
Faith and reason are not opposed to one another. They belong together. Faith without thought can become thin, and reason without faith can lose sight of its highest end. The Catholic tradition has always insisted that both are necessary if we are to seek the truth well. This study circle takes its inspiration from that conviction.
Raising the Bar
In every generation, the Church is faced with the task of handing on the faith in a way that is both faithful and compelling. In our own time, that task has become more urgent. Many Catholics sense that something has been lost. In an effort to be accessible, faith formation is often presented in a way that does not always equip people to engage the deeper questions that arise over time. When questions arise, when challenges come, what remains is often not enough.
But the Catholic tradition has always been intellectually rich and demanding. For two thousand years, it has produced some of the most profound thinkers in history, men and women who wrestled seriously with truth, reason, and the human condition. This intellectual tradition is not an optional extra. It is part of the life of faith itself.
What This Is
On Two Wings is a parish study circle dedicated to recovering that tradition.
Together, we will read and discuss great works of Christian thought spanning theology, philosophy, and literature, with the goal of forming a deeper, more resilient faith. These are not casual or superficial readings. They are works that demand attention, reward effort, and have the capacity to transform how we see the world.
This is not a lecture series. It is a guided discussion. No one is expected to come as an expert. In many cases, we will be encountering these works for the first time together. What matters is not prior knowledge, but a willingness to read carefully, think seriously, and contribute to a shared pursuit of truth.
Why It Matters
We live in a culture that is increasingly confident in its rejection of Christianity, yet often unfamiliar with what Christianity actually teaches. Many of the strongest arguments against the faith are built on misunderstandings, half-truths, or ideas that have already been answered, sometimes centuries ago.
At the same time, many Catholics have never been introduced to the depth of their own tradition.
The result is a gap: a faith that is sincere, but not yet fully formed.
This study circle exists to help close that gap.
By engaging directly with the great thinkers of the Christian tradition, participants will not only grow in understanding, but also in confidence: the kind of confidence that comes from knowing that the faith is true, reasonable, and deeply human.
What We Will Read
The program will begin with accessible but substantial works of Christian apologetics and philosophical reflection, and gradually move into deeper theological texts.
Authors may include figures such as C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton, along with other modern and classical voices that have shaped the Christian intellectual tradition.
No prior background in theology or philosophy is required, only a willingness to read carefully and think seriously.
Who This Is For
This group is open to anyone who wants to move beyond a surface-level understanding of the faith.
Those who have questions and want real answers.
Those who want to better understand and articulate what they believe.
Those who are looking for something deeper than what is typically offered.
Whether you are new to these ideas or have been thinking about them for years, you are welcome.
This group is intended for adults (18+), including young adults who are looking to engage more deeply with the intellectual tradition of the Church.
What to Expect
Regular meetings with assigned readings.
Structured but open discussion.
A serious but welcoming environment.
A commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth.
Regular participation is encouraged, but this is not an all-or-nothing commitment. Life is busy, and not everyone will be able to attend every session. What matters is steady progress: continuing with the readings and rejoining the discussion when you are able.
Participants are encouraged to complete the readings in whatever format is most effective for them, including audiobooks where available, while engaging seriously with the material.
Light refreshments will be available as we gather.
Join Us
Weekly on Thursday evenings, beginning in late April.
Our first reading will be Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Those who are interested are welcome to obtain a copy and begin reading in advance.
If you are interested in participating, we invite you to register below and be ready to begin.
