Aquinas Spotlight: Shea Lanaghan Aspires to Build Bridges

Shea Lanaghan graduates from Aquinas Institute of Theology this May, with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and “a passion for helping others on their journey to attain spiritual and mental healing.”

After her graduation, Shea plans to continue her current ministry and implement her schooling in her day-to-day.

“I am currently working at Chestnut Health Systems, a mental health social service agency, providing counseling to kids ages 5-18,” she said. “I plan to incorporate spirituality and spiritual direction into my practice, and I hope to one day work together with leaders of my parish or diocese to integrate mental health services into Church community life.”

In addition to integrating mental health services into the Church, Shea also strives to bridge the gaps between Church, and the rest of the world.

“I have learned that the Church and the world are two entities striving for the same goal: justice and grace for humanity,” she says.  “These two entities may look different in their efforts to carry out this goal, but they are two sides of the same coin. It takes compassion, humility, and a willingness to understand to be able to reach both sides. However, once that bridge is built, miracles happen… God-willing, I hope to be a great bridge builder one day!”

At a time when both the world and the Church are divided, Shea strives for further unity to bring about positive and miraculous change.

Part of the worldwide Order of Preachers, Aquinas Institute of Theology is a Catholic, Dominican-sponsored graduate school of theology offering multiple graduate degree and certificate programs on its campus in Midtown St. Louis, MO.