President, Aquinas Institute of Theology, 2008-
Professor of Moral Theology, 1994-
MA, Theology and M.Div., Aquinas Institute of Theology;
S.T.L., Ph.D., and S.T.D., St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada

I began my teaching ministry at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois – an apostolate of the Central Province of Dominican friars. Newly ordained, I taught theology to freshmen and juniors. I also helped out in the language department by regularly teaching a section of French. The curriculum for the juniors called for a focus on the Church’s moral tradition; I found myself with an entire year to delve into practically every conceivable moral issue and dilemma! The experience was invigorating and ultimately set the stage for my going to Ottawa to do a doctorate in moral theology. To this day, reflection on the challenges of Christian discipleship is the most significant aspect of my teaching and learning.

In my study and teaching, I have been drawn to explore the foundations of Catholic moral theology – particularly the relationship between faith and ethics, as well as the relationship between the Church’s social teaching and its sexual morality. Also, I am interested in all things Dominican: Dominican history and spirituality, as well as the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. I’m happy that my book, The Sacred Monster of Thomism, has helped people appreciate the thought of Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

Since becoming president of Aquinas Institute, I am even more convinced of the importance of our mission. We are providing the Church with an invaluable service as we help people appropriate the knowledge and skills they need to serve God’s people in ministry. Likewise, our community of priests, sisters, student brothers, lay men and women is a great model of collaborative Christian community.

I’m also an amateur genealogist. I have mastered the basics of French-Canadian genealogy and belong to the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research and the French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan.