http://www.ai.edu RSS feeds for Aquinas Institute of Theology 60 http://www.ai.edu/AboutUs/PressReleases/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/103/Course-Connecting-Theology-to-Life-Wins-Grant-from-Yale.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.ai.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=69&ModuleID=402&ArticleID=103 http://www.ai.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=103&PortalID=0&TabID=69 http://www.ai.edu/AboutUs/PressReleases/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/103/Course-Connecting-Theology-to-Life-Wins-Grant-from-Yale.aspx Faculty members at Aquinas Institute of Theology want students to accomplish more than mastery of course content. They want them to develop practices that will sustain them after graduation as people who embody what Christians are called to be. Two faculty members in pastoral theology – Celeste Mueller and Ann Garrido, D.Min. – developed a course that first-year students must take. It introduces them to practices necessary for success in academia and beyond. The course so impressed representatives of Yale Divinity School in Connecticut that they awarded Aquinas Institute a $5,000 “Faith as a Way of Life” project grant. Aquinas Institute was among four schools awarded the grant, which seeks to explore and build the relationship between faith and daily life. Garrido and Mueller teach the new course, which is required for first-year students. “Students entering graduate theological studies are entering an ancient and broad conversation,” Garrido said. “It is a conversation that has spanned centuries and continents. We want our students to be full partners in that conversation.” The course focuses on five practices important to preparing students for that dialogue. Garrido and Mueller call on students to achieve excellence in written and spoken communication, read texts closely, analyze social context of readings, reflect theologically, and collaborate. As they read, for example, they should examine their own presuppositions and consider the historical era and culture of the writer. As they conduct themselves in their studies and lives outside of academia, they should reflect theologically, or practice interpreting life’s experiences in light of God’s purpose and applying the Christian story to daily events. “Many of our students will not become preachers from the pulpit,” Garrido said, “but they will preach through speaking, writing or sitting at the bedside of a hospice patient. These practices will make each of them better as they pursue their ministries.” CM Support Tue, 14 Dec 2004 21:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:103 http://www.ai.edu/AboutUs/PressReleases/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/104/Aquinas-Institute-of-Theology-Plans-Move-to-Former-Factory.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.ai.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=69&ModuleID=402&ArticleID=104 http://www.ai.edu/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=104&PortalID=0&TabID=69 http://www.ai.edu/AboutUs/PressReleases/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/104/Aquinas-Institute-of-Theology-Plans-Move-to-Former-Factory.aspx Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate school on the campus of Saint Louis University, has reached a preliminary agreement with a St. Louis developer to rehab an industrial building in Midtown St. Louis. The space at 3701 Forest Park Parkway will become a seminary and graduate school in Fall 2005. Growth at the Dominican-sponsored school makes the move necessary. The 16,000 square feet of space at 3642 Lindell Blvd. is not enough to house the expanding programs and staff at Aquinas Institute. The new site, about an eighth of a mile southwest, contains 38,000 square feet. The board of trustees for Aquinas Institute authorized a capital campaign to finance the new building. Details of the campaign are not yet finalized. The move will not affect the school’s relationship with Saint Louis University. SLU students will be able to cross-register for courses at Aquinas Institute, and Aquinas students will have access to SLU classes as well as services such as the university library, computer center and fitness center. “The ink is not yet on the paper,” said Fr. Charles Bouchard, O.P., president of Aquinas Institute, “but the move is all but a certainty. We’ve outgrown our building.” Aquinas Institute welcomed 96 new students this fall – the largest first-year class in the school’s 79-year history. Among the group were nine first-year student brothers – or Dominican seminarians. They comprised the largest seminarian class in almost 30 years. The Central Province of Dominicans, which sponsors Aquinas Institute, has 18 men preparing for ordination at the school. Total enrollment is 295. Fr. Michael Mascari, O.P., provincial, said the leadership of the Central Province is thrilled with plans to move. “It is central to the Dominican charism to go where the need is great,” he said. “The fact that Aquinas continues to grow is evident that the need is there indeed. The province is delighted to be present in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and provide a sound theological education to the women and men who serve in the archdiocese’s parishes, schools and agencies.” Aquinas Institute moved into its current space – the former SLU law school – in 1981. It expects to make the next move in October 2005. The first occupant of the factory at 3701 Forest Park was Standard Adding Machine in 1903. The building most recently housed Harrison/Williams Fixtures. As the new Aquinas Institute, it will feature a chapel, expanded library, classrooms, offices and a reading/meditation space for students. CM Support Mon, 13 Dec 2004 21:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:104