The Aquinas Path to Tomorrow
The Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Pathways for Tomorrow grant, “The Aquinas Path to Tomorrow,” focuses on offering continuing education programs for evangelization, serving as a community resource and providing a welcoming and inclusive space for dialogue on relevant social, cultural, and religious issues of our time.
Karen Stiller interviewed Fr. Mark E. Wedig, OP, PhD, President of Aquinas Institute of Theology.
Briefly describe the project.
Our grant is particularly centered on two main objectives. The first is to create a comprehensive continuing education program that meets the unique needs of Aquinas and its stakeholders. That involved an advisory board who conducted ways to investigate ways we could build a robust offering.
The second objective is to develop an inclusive culture of philanthropy within our school. We are committed to involving the entire institution in this effort, ensuring that everyone shares responsibility for the ongoing financial sustainability of our community.
What have you learned so far?
A lifelong learning model for ministry must be rooted in the school’s mission. While there are many approaches, the non-degree experience truly embodies our institution’s purpose. For us, that means drawing on our Dominican heritage and the distinctive spirit of our school.
Our core faculty, who run and support our academic programs, also have to be participants in our continuing education initiatives. Crafting that model and refining how to make it works is important. We believe in mission-driven continuing education, designed to follow the contours of our institution, is key. For us, this includes in person, hybrid, or fully online formats. Finding the best way to do that, using the resources you have in your institution, is a process.
What has surprised you along the way?
We’ve discovered a significant demand for continuing education in preaching among a diverse range of learners. This need has become a central focus for us, especially since we offer the only DMin program in preaching within the Catholic sphere. There is considerable interest in advanced preaching training after ordination – not only among deacons but also among priests and lay leaders. Many are seeking programs that enhance parish life through effective preaching and help cultivate a repertoire of master preachers. Strengthening our preaching resources has been a key part of our efforts.
What have been a few successes?
We've successfully offered several mini courses -- each typically spanning five or six sessions -- that have generated significant interest and robust enrollment. For instance, our course tailored for Dominican laity has attracted 35 participants from across the country, underscoring the widespread demand in this community.
This success is especially gratifying because these mini courses are both accessible and affordable, a benefit made possible by the grant, which has allowed us to offer discounted pricing.
Looking ahead, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives beyond the grant period. To achieve this, we need to establish a financially viable model that enables us to maintain dedicated leadership and fully utilize our institutional resources.
In addition to the mini courses, we're also hosting "lunch and learn" sessions -- one-time events focused on personal enrichment. We currently offer sessions themed around key liturgical periods, including Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost. It has been a pleasant surprise to see such strong interest in these single-session learning opportunities.
What aspects of the project are you hopeful about?
I believe it's sustainable. We're starting to develop a model that ensures mission-driven continuing education not only endures but thrives. By carving out a unique niche, we're enhancing learning and formation for ministers and other church members. I'm optimistic about the educational models we're creating. While our regular theological programs serve about 130 students, we're also committed to leveraging our institution's resources to provide accessible, mission-driven education to a broader audience—a very encouraging development.
What are you learning that could help other schools?
We've applied practical theology throughout this process. Schools can begin by surveying their stakeholders to understand their needs and interests, then work closely with an advisory group to shape ideas and strategies. This approach is key to developing educational models that are truly mission-driven.
At the same time, institutions must remain vigilant against mission drift. It's easy to fall into the trap of imitating others, which can divert focus from your institution's core purpose. Staying true to your mission is essential.
The Aquinas Institute of Theology is part of the world-wide Order of Preachers and following in the footsteps of Saint Dominic, we are a Catholic, Dominican, graduate school of theology in Saint Louis Missouri. We send out graduates, lay and religious, grounded in the teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas, to preach the gospel in word and deed. Visit the school’s website at www.ai.edu/