ACME

Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education

What can modern astronomy tell us about creation—and its Creator?

Astronomy for Catholics in Ministry and Education (ACME) is a four day workshop sponsored by the Vatican Observatory Foundation, designed to bring those working in Catholic schools and parishes an up-to-date overview of the universe: from the Big Bang, to the search for life in the universe, to our exploration of the planets…as seen through the eyes of the Jesuits priests and brothers who work at the Vatican’s own astronomical observatory.

The workshop is designed for people working in education in Catholic schools and parishes. This includes priests and deacons, science teachers in parochial schools, and educators in CCD and RCIA programs.

Our hope is that the participants will not only experience astronomy in a Catholic setting, but also come away with materials and ideas to share in their parishes when they return home.

The program will include lectures, lab exercises, and field trips to a number of astronomical sites in the area around Tucson, Arizona, home of the Vatican Observatory Research Group and the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope.

Nadin Rosemarie and Rob

Program Itinerary

  • Each morning will include an hour talk, an hour of a lab exercise, and an hour of discussion of the issues about astronomy and religion that participants find are most of interest and concern to them and the people they work with.
  • Each afternoon will have a field trip.
  • The evenings, after Mass and dinner, will be given over to observing with several small telescopes on site at the Redemptorist Renewal Center, which is located in a beautiful dark desert setting well outside of city lights.

Application

The next ACME program will take place on:
January 2026
Redemptorist Renewal Center in
Tucson, Arizona

Applications are currently closed. 

Applicants must currently work in some form of Catholic education, including parish work.

The fee of $1,000 per person covers four nights in a modest but comfortable en-suite room at the Redemptorist Renewal Center, including board from Monday evening through Friday morning; transportation and admission fees for the field trips; and assorted books and other materials that the participants can take back with them to their home parishes and schools.

Scholarship aid is available: some or all of this fee may be waived for participants who request assistance.

 

Applications are currently closed.