Center for Catholic Studies (University of St. Thomas)

Dedicated to the integration of faith and reason, the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), in St. Paul, Minnesota, hosts undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two research institutes: the John A. Ryan Institute for Catholic Social Thought and the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy, and a theological journal: .

The Catholic Studies undergraduate and graduate programs are interdisciplinary in nature, studying the Catholic intellectual tradition from the lens of theology, philosophy, history, literature, and art. The undergraduate Catholic Studies program began in 1993. The Center was founded in 1996 and the Master of Arts program in Catholic Studies was added in 2001. The Center for Catholic Studies also offers periodic lectures including the Joseph and Edith Habiger artist- and scholar-in-residence program series. The Center for Catholic Studies is housed in Sitzmann Hall on the University of St. Thomas campus.

The undergraduate program in Catholic Studies

Catholic Studies is available as either a major or minor at the University of St. Thomas. The majority of Catholic Studies students have a second major in one of the more than 90 fields of study at UST. Recent students have completed double-majors in business, journalism, education, psychology, and philosophy. Currently there are over 250 Catholic Studies majors and minors on the University of St. Thomas campus.

Study abroad in Rome

As a Catholic Studies major or minor, University of St. Thomas students may study at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, Italy. Students may study for one semester or a full academic year, taking classes (in English) that are especially suited for the interdisciplinary nature of Catholic Studies.

The Bernardi Residence

Students live in community at the St. Thomas Bernardi Residence at Lungotevere delle Armi 16, on the Tiber River. The residence is located in the Prati section of Rome, across from the Borghese Gardens, and is a 20-minute walk to the Vatican and a 40-minute walk to the Angelicum.

Originally built as a residential estate in 1923, the building was purchased by an order of Spanish nuns in the 1950s. The building was again completely restored and refurbished in 1999 when it was purchased by the university.

The Bernardi residence has preserved a uniquely Italian character with its 20-foot ceilings, carved moldings, shuttered windows, granite and marble floors, and wrought-iron fence and gates. The rooftop terrace provides a view of Rome, from the mountains in the northeast to St. Peter’s Basilica in the southwest. .

The Luisa and Dante Seghiere Chapel is on the main floor of the residence. Mass is offered each Wednesday evening in the chapel as part of the weekly community night. A discussion and formal dinner follow. The Catholic Studies program provides a chaplain who offers Mass regularly in the residence chapel. The chaplain is also available for confession and spiritual direction, and leads one weekend retreat each semester at the Casa Divin Maestro retreat house on Lake Albano in Italy.

The Angelicum

In the 18-week program, students take four courses for a total of 16 semester credits. There are three required core courses and students select one additional course offered by the Angelicum. Each course focuses on several aspects of Catholic thought and culture, and include both lectures and site visits around the city. Additionally, students take a non-credit Italian language and culture class.

Service

Students are encouraged to do service work with communities such as the Missionaries of Charity, the Little Sisters of the Poor, or the Community of Sant’Egidio.

Master of Arts Degree in Catholic Studies

The Master of Arts Degree in Catholic Studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of Catholicism and the Catholic Intellectual tradition.

Undergirded by courses in theology, philosophy, and history, the program explores Catholicism's contributions to world literature, art, music, architecture, law, political systems, and the social and natural sciences. It encourages critical reflection and debate on contemporary and cross-cultural issues related to Catholicism, and it promotes the dialogue between faith and reason that leads to a higher synthesis of knowledge.

Students have the opportunity to design a course of study that meets their educational and personal goals. The program welcomes students of any faith background.

Evening and summer courses are available for full-time and part-time students. Graduate students also have the opportunity to study for a semester in Rome, taking courses that apply toward their degree.

Joint degree in law and Catholic Studies

In association with the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Catholic Studies offers a joint JD-MA program that provides additional opportunities for students.

Research institutes at the Center for Catholic Studies

The John A. Ryan Institute for Catholic Social Thought

The purpose of the Ryan Institute is to “examine modern life through the Catholic social tradition in order to foster a deeper integration of faith and work.” The institute primarily focuses on :

1) Catholic social thought and management

This Program offers seminars, conferences, publications, and programs on the relationship between Catholic social thought and management education and practice.

2) Catholic Social Teaching and Education

The Catholic Social Teaching and Education program supports Catholic school teachers (K-12) and Catholic university faculty seeking to integrate the Church's social mission throughout the whole curriculum.

3) Catholic Social Thought and Community Outreach

This program was inspired by Catholic activist Peter Maurin's vision of bridging the gap between workers and scholars. The program offers Latino Leadership Scholarships for Latino students dedicated to serving their community.

The Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought

The Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy is a collaboration between the Center for Catholic Studies and the School of Law at the University of St. Thomas. The institute explores the various interactions between law and Catholic thought on topics ranging from workers' rights to criminal law to marriage and family.

The institute draws from the resources of both programs, other academic disciplines and other faith traditions. The institute's examination of law also is driven by a "vision of the human person and the world that is enlightened by the Gospel" (Pope John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae).

References

* [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB5E43B11D7A14C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM St. Thomas to Establish Campus in Rome: University Buys Residential Estate Near the Vatican] "St. Paul Pioneer Press" (MN), November 19, 1999, Page 4B
* [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62632820.html Couple gives St. Thomas $2.5 million] Pinney, Gregor W. "Star Tribune" (Minneapolis, MN), July 18, 1996
* [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62464413.html St. Thomas branches out - to Rome; Students will be immersed in a scenic, historic setting near the Vatican] , Lonetree, Anthony, "Star Tribune" (Minneapolis, MN), November 19, 1999

External links

* Center for Catholic Studies: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/default.html]
* Catholic Studies Video: [http://ust-pcstream1.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/DeptVideo.wmv]
* Catholic Studies in Rome Video [http://stream.stthomas.edu/view.htm?id=StudyAbroadInRome]
* Undergraduate Program in Catholic Studies: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/undergraduate/default.html]
* Graduate Program in Catholic Studies: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/masters/default.html]
* John A. Ryan Institute for Catholic Social Thought: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/cst/default.html]
* Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/murphyinstitute/default.html]
* Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture: [http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/logos/default.html]
* University of St. Thomas: [http://www.stthomas.edu]