All are welcome to join us for the fourth annual Christmas Lecture with special guest Dr. Michelle Thaller, retired assistant director for Science Communication at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Thaller invites you to explore the invisible universe with the James Webb Space Telescope and to learn about infrared light—and what it's revealed about the lives of stars and our connection to a larger reality.  Following Thaller's presentation, there will be a Q&A with Thaller moderated by Dr. Kate Biberdorf, popularly known as Kate the Chemist.  After the lecture, free cookies from local bakers and a hot chocolate bar will be available for all to enjoy!  This year's Christmas Lecture will be held at the Century Center in downtown South Bend. The lecture is conveniently scheduled to begin following South Bend's Christmas Tree Lighting. Get to know Dr. Thaller in these short NOVA videos from PBS. Read more about Dr. Thaller's career and interests from NASA.  Originally published at science.nd.edu.

A tradition the world over, including at Notre Dame, Alexander Blachly leads the Notre Dame Chorale, Festival Baroque Orchestra, and student soloists in Handel’s beloved masterpiece. Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7. For tickets, call 574-631-2800 or visit performingarts.nd.edu. Originally published at music.nd.edu.

Demi Moore gives a career-defining performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister past her prime and suddenly fired from her fitness TV show by repellent studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid). She is then drawn to the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug: THE SUBSTANCE. All it takes is one injection and she is reborn as the gorgeous, twentysomething Sue (Margaret Qualley). The only rule? Time needs to be split: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. A perfect balance. What could go wrong? GET TICKETS  

Bringing together scholars, activists, and faith leaders with expertise in religion, radicalism, democracy, and depolarization, the 2024 Election Postmortem offers space for interdisciplinary analysis and collaboration at this critical historical moment. All sessions are free and open to the public. Drop-ins are welcome, but advanced registration is appreciated for planning purposes. REGISTER HERE.8:45AM - 9:00AM Opening RemarksLaura Frances Callahan, Asssistant Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Philosophy of Religion, University of Notre DameMichael Rea, Rev. John A. O'Brien Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Philosophy of Religion, University of Notre Dame9:00AM - 10:45AM What Happened: Reflecting on the 2024 Election and How We Got HerePanelists:David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy and the Director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, University of Notre DameRobert P. Jones, President and Founder of the Public Religion Research InstituteKarrie Koesel, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Notre DameChristopher Sebastian Parker, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Santa BarbaraKatherine Stewart, Journalist, Author of The Power Worshippers and Money, Lies, and GodModerator: Michael Rea11:00AM - 12:45PM Remaining Vigilant: What to Watch for in the Days AheadPanelists:Rachel Brown, Founder and Executive Director of Over ZeroKristin Kobes Du Mez, Professor of History and Gender Studies, Calvin UniversityLilliana Mason, SNF Agora Institute Associate Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityElizabeth Neumann, Department of Homeland Security (former)Matthew D. Taylor, Protestant Scholar, Institute for Islamic • Christian • Jewish StudiesModerator: Laura Frances Callahan3:30PM - 5:30PM Strategy Session: Planning, Partnerships, and Practical Steps for the Next Four YearsPanelists:Chris Crawford, Policy Strategist, Free & Fair Elections, at Protect DemocracyAnne Nelson, Research Scholar, Columbia University, and Author of Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical RightAmanda Tyler, Executive Director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious LibertyJim Wallis, Director of the Center on Faith +Justice, Georgetown UniversityTim Whitaker, Creator + Facilitator, The New EvangelicalsModerator: Joel Day, Managing Director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, University of Notre DameFree visitor parking is available in the Stadium, Joyce, Walsh, and Compton lots on campus, located just south of the football stadium. Campus Map Lodging within walking distance of the conference center include The Morris Inn on campus, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame and the Fairfield Inn & Suites South Bend at Notre Dame at Eddy Street Commons. The 2024 Election Postmortem event is hosted by the Center for Philosophy of Religion at the Unversity of Notre Dame. Please contact the Center for Philosophy of Religion with questions.

In this second teaching conference of the Organs and Origins series co-sponsored by the College of Science and the McGrath Institute for Church Life, scientists, philosophers and theologians will come together to consider initial causes in an interdisciplinary approach to “life, the universe and everything.” For more information, click here. Originally published at mcgrath.nd.edu.

A favorite holiday tradition, the Met's abridged, English-language version of Julie Taymor's whimsical production returns with conductor James Levine. Tenor Matthew Polenzani stars in the role of Tamino and Pamina is sung by soprano Ying Huang. The cast also features baritone Nathan Gunn as Papageno, soprano Erika Miklósa as the Queen of the Night, and bass René Pape as Sarastro. GET TICKETS