If great books cannot be your friends, let them at least be your acquaintances. If they cannot enter the circle of your life, do not deny them at least a nod of recognition.
Sir Winston Churchill
Overview
At Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Victory, our students read great books that introduce them to great ideas. These works have the power to shape the mind, deepen the soul, and, in many cases, change the course of a life. It is common to hear parents say, “I wish a Chesterton Academy education had been available to me when I was my son or daughter’s age.”
With that in mind, you are invited to join our Headmaster, Randy Aust, for an evening where you will taste the riches of the great books our students read every year. Each gathering offers a guided reflection on a classic text, along with a lively look at why it has endured, what a busy parent might profit from knowing, and how it can spark conversations that bring truth and wonder into your home. No preparation needed; just bring your curiosity.
Bourbon, wine, and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Next Fireside Classics Event
Topic: Homer’s Odyssey
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Summary: The Odyssey follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces divine hostility, seductive temptations, and deadly monsters, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus endure pressure from unruly suitors who have taken over his household in Ithaca. Through cunning, endurance, and loyalty, Odysseus finally reclaims his home, restoring order and reuniting his family. Students at OLV read The Odyssey in the 9th grade.
Resources for Parents
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Summary:
Augustine recounts how his restless search for truth led him through ambition, pleasure, and philosophical error before God drew him toward conversion. He describes his baptism, his growing desire for holiness, and the peace he found when he surrendered his pride. The work closes with reflections on memory, time, and creation, showing how every part of his story points back to God’s steady guidance.Resources:
