Dominican Theological Formation

An Education for Preaching

In the Order of Preachers, our study is directed to the goal of preaching, which serves as the integrating element for the theological and pastoral formation of our student brothers. During their years at Aquinas, our brothers acquire a life-long love of study, grounded in their understanding of Sacred Scripture and Tradition, their recognition of the importance of philosophy, their clear and articulate grasp of Catholic theology, their appreciation of the teaching and method of our patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, their knowledge of the liturgy and sacraments of the Church, and their ability to reflect theologically on the value of human experience and the questions it raises in our encounters with others.

About the Plan of Study

Dominican brothers  in initial formation follow an academic program determined by the Ratio Studiorum Particularis (RSP) and implemented by the Academic Dean in consultation with their Regents of Studies and the Academic Advisor for the Dominican Brothers. At Aquinas Institute, Dominican brothers fulfill the requirements of the RSP, which for brothers preparing for ordained ministry in the Church ordinarily includes the attainment of the dual Master of Arts in Theology/Master of Divinity degree. 

View the specific course requirements for the Dominican brothers in formation within the Dual MA/MDiv program. 

Aquinas Institute's Role in Dominican Formation

In promoting the preaching mission of the Order of Preachers, Aquinas Institute serves as the Center of Institutional Studies for the Provinces of St. Albert the Great and St. Martin de Porres. The theological formation of our student brothers is at the heart of our mission, and this commitment to a Dominican formation in the intellectual tradition of the Order underlies all of our degree programs. Dominican brothers in formation are guided by the Ratio Studiorum Particularis of our two provinces, an articulation of the Ratio Studiorum Generalis of the Order, a six-year program of theological formation required by Dominican friars throughout the world.

Contact each province's vocation director for further information.