Archive Posts
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St. Thomas Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Community Amid Threat
Faith and MissionA “specific threat of violence” was directed at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park Friday, Sept. 10, just ahead of its Sabbath services. Beth El is the pulpit location of Rabbi Avi Olitzky, one of the new religious leaders serving St. Thomas students, faculty and staff this fall through Campus Ministry and the Office for Mission. “We deplore all acts of violence…
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Rosh Hashanah - The New Jewish Year Celebrates the Beginning of Humanity
Faith and MissionFather Chris Collins, St. Thomas’ new vice president for mission, sat down with Rabbi Avi Olitzky to discuss the meaning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5782. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated in 2021 starting at sundown Monday, Sept. 6, and ending at sundown Wednesday, Sept. 8, coinciding with the start of the new academic… -
In the News: Father Andrew Liaugminas '06 Named to Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
In the NewsFather Andrew Liaugminas '06 has been appointed to serve as an official for the doctrinal section of the Holy See’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Liaugminas, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will start his position in Rome later this summer and serve there for five years. “It came as a surprise… -
Tommie Experts: Father Collins on the Catholic Church’s Pro-Vaccine Stance
Faith and Mission"The Church authoritatively is teaching that it's morally permissible to get the vaccine." St. Thomas’ recently announced COVID-19 vaccine requirement has helped drive up the university’s vaccination rate among students, faculty and staff; as of this week, more than 80% of the community has received at least one dose. With assistance of the Office for Mission,… -
Deepening Faith
Faith and MissionFather Chris Collins '93 seeks to strengthen the community. Father Chris Collins has been eager to start building community at St. Thomas and within the Twin Cities ever since arriving on campus in February ahead of his July 1 appointment as the new vice president for mission. Collins, who stepped into his role after Father… -
Introducing the Monsignor Murphy Digital Archive
Faith and MissionThis story is featured in the spring 2021 issue of Lumen. The impact of Monsignor Terrence J. Murphy, the namesake of the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law and Public Policy, who served as the University of St. Thomas president from 1966-91, will continue to be felt for generations thanks to a generous gift… -
LOGOS Journal Launches New Podcast
Faith and MissionThis story is featured in the spring 2021 issue of Lumen. The St. Thomas Catholic Studies and LOGOS Journal team launched the new podcast “Deep Down Things” in early 2021. It has been developed as a partnership between St. Thomas Catholic Studies friends and supporters, most notably alumnus Father Byron Hagan ’11 and current Habiger Institute… -
Tales from the Archives: Our Lady Queen of Peace
Faith and MissionWhile wandering through campus, St. Thomas community members may have stumbled across the quiet garden at the rear of the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas with a statue of the Virgin Mary as its centerpiece. There’s an interesting story why the garden was placed there and what its meaning was. Following the First World War,… -
Business Guild Offers Spiritual, Material Solidarity
Faith and MissionThis story is featured in the spring 2021 issue of Lumen. Roger Vasko is a parent of four St. Thomas alumni, three of whom were Catholic studies majors. He knows a thing or two about business – at age 28, he and his brother bought his father’s trash hauling company. Over decades, they grew it substantially… -
Lessons in Wood
Faith and MissionEvery woodworker has their favorite species. For Dan Purkapile ’12, it’s a toss-up depending on the project, but walnut and cherry are pretty high in the ranking. “When it comes to walnut or cherry, I never want to stain those woods,” he said, “If you’re going to stain something, use maple! Walnut is so beautiful,…