Archive Posts
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New Graduate Certificate Promotes Interfaith Literacy for Health Professionals
Arts & HumanitiesThe University of St. Thomas in Minnesota is introducing a new graduate program: the Certificate in Interfaith Literacy for Health Professionals, with classes set to begin in summer 2026. The program provides students in healthcare and related fields with the knowledge and resources to support the unique needs of their patients and clients. The certificate's curriculum…
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In the News: Jacob Hornecker on Changes in Catholic Parishes
In the NewsJacob Hornecker, a theology professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about a major restructuring of Catholic parishes in central Minnesota. Hornecker explained that declining numbers of priests, along with broader cultural shifts in religious practice, are contributing to parish mergers and closures across the region. From the article:The… -
In the News: Michael Rota on Renewing Family Faith Formation
In the NewsMichael Rota, professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas and director of the Psychology of Faith project, spoke with the National Catholic Register about the growing movement toward family-focused faith formation as parishes look for new ways to help young Catholics stay connected to the Church. Rota explained how involving parents directly in catechesis… -
Friendships Flourish in Interfaith Spaces
Diversity, Equity and InclusionA nearly filled room at the University of St. Thomas buzzed with conversation as three students sat at a long table in the front. They took turns sharing similarities about the importance of religious diversity at a university rooted in Catholic social teaching. Their only difference was their faith. One was Catholic, one Jewish and… -
In the News: St. Thomas Theologians Reflect on Nostra Aetate in Star Tribune Op-Ed
In the NewsMark DelCogliano, chair of the Department of Theology at the University of St. Thomas, along with Rabbi Ryan Dulkin, director of the university’s Encountering Judaism Initiative, and Hans Gustafson, director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies, co-wrote an op-ed for Minnesota Star Tribune reflecting on the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II… -
Hans Gustafson Pens Chapter in Book on Belonging at Catholic Universities
Professional NotesHans Gustafson, PhD, director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and senior adjunct professor of theology, published the chapter “Engaging Religious Diversity: Radical Hospitality in Catholic Universities for the Common Public Good” in Beneath the Roar and Tumult: Promoting Radical Hospitality and Belonging in College Classrooms (Liturgical Press, 2025). Building on this work, Gustafson delivered the invited… -
In the News: Bernard Brady Explains Where Halloween Originates
In the NewsDr. Bernie Brady, theology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with WCCO-TV about the historical and cultural origins of Halloween. In the interview, he explored how ancient traditions, religious observances and community celebrations evolved into the modern-day spooky holiday we know and love. -
Tommie Experts: Building Bridges with the Orthodox Church
Tommie ExpertsThe year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of a momentous event in the history of Christianity: the Council of Nicaea. In the year 325, Emperor Constantine invited over 300 bishops from around the Roman Empire to attend a church council in a small town called Nicaea in western Asia Minor—known today as Iznik in the… -
A Judge Formed by Faith: Interview With John Sandy '07
Faith and MissionIowa Judge John Sandy ’07, ’10 J.D., a University of St. Thomas Law alum, recently shared with Saint John Vianney his journey and appointment to serve the cause of justice in civil law. What have you done since SJV: Right out of high school, I spent three years at SJV from 2003-2006. The summer after stepping… -
Tales from the Archives: St. Thomas Aquinas in Campus Art
Faith and MissionAs we mark the 800th birthday of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2025, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the many depictions of our university’s namesake that that adorn the St. Thomas campus. Perhaps the most familiar image of St. Thomas is the statue embedded in the university’s campus landmark, the Arches. Installed during the…