Dean’s Welcome
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Theology and Ministry I would like to offer a warm and cordial welcome to both our new and returning students. We’re very glad to see you!
Through its undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Theology and Ministry participates in the mission of Saint Thomas University. We are dedicated to offering a quality theological education to every student and to contributing to the intellectual and practical formation of those preparing for a life of service in the church. As a culturally rich and diverse community of learning, we strive to bring the richness of the Roman Catholic tradition to our students while recognizing that interest in, openness to, and respect for the beliefs of other Christians, and those of other faith traditions, are also a part of our Catholic tradition. This exchange of ideas is very important if we hope to live peacefully and productively as members of multi-ethnic and pluralistic societies. In studying about one’s own tradition and dialoguing with those of other traditions, each person has the opportunity to deepen her own faith commitment, learn what is unique about one’s own tradition and recognize that there are really more things that unite us than divide us.
One very important point of unity among people of all faiths is the striving after justice and peace. In our undergraduate classes you will have opportunities for learning through community service that will allow you to experience the pain, poverty and suffering of others. These realities are living textbooks that teach all of us about how life is experienced by the majority of the world’s population and challenge us to use our knowledge and talents to become life-long leaders committed to ensuring that all people enjoy the physical, psychological and material well-being that will allow them to flourish.
In our graduate classes, we strive to combine academic excellence with practical experience to prepare you for dedicated, competent and creative service and leadership in both civil and ecclesial contexts.
As I begin my service to you as Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, I assure you that your STM faculty and staff will continue to work to improve the quality of our programs to better serve and prepare you so you can serve better wherever life takes you.
Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself and let us know how we can better serve you.
Sincerely,
Maria Pascuzzi, SSL, STD
Dean, School of Theology and Ministry