Partners kickoff set for Thursday

John L. Allen Jr., associate editor at Crux and the Boston Globe and former senior correspondent at the National Catholic Reporter, will be featured speaker Feb. 5 in the St. Vincent Hospital Atrium, 123 Summer St.,  at the kickoff of the 2015 Partners in Charity fund drive.
Mr. Allen’s topic will be the papacy of Pope Francis.
There will be a reception from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., with Mr. Allen’s talk scheduled from 6:15 to 7 p.m., according to Michael P. Gillespie, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development. There is no charge for the event.

On its website, Crux says it “strives to cover the worldwide institution of the Roman Catholic Church, from the papacy to the hierarchy to local dioceses. We’ll explore the theology, doctrine, liturgy, practices, and traditions of Catholicism in the context of the life of modern-day Catholics, giving full voice to disagreements and challenges facing the Church and Catholics. We will examine Catholicism in the context of other religious traditions.
“We also will explore the personal faith and spirituality of Catholics and what it means to live a Catholic life.”
Those wishing more information may call Heather at 508-929-4366 or email at hgrimes@worcesterdiocese.org.