AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008

HOW GREAT THOU ART Connecting Science and Theology

ALSO INSIDE

AI Installs New President

A Year of Anniversaries The Story of a Successful Pastoral Partnership AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 SIGNATURES FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS PUBLISHER Aquinas Institute of Theology

Fr. Richard Peddicord, O.P. President NEW AI PRESIDENT ESSAYS EDITOR AFFIRMS THEOLOGY Thomas Barbarak Communications FOR LIFE GOD’S WHISPER CONTRIBUTORS 16 On January 1, Father Richard A. Peddicord, O.P., became the 7th Rev. Seán Charles Martin Aquinas student Chris Associate Professor of Biblical Studies President of Aquinas Institute of Theology. In his inaugural address Kienstra recounts her (see pp 10-13), Father Peddicord reflected on what has become ongoing struggle to Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, O.P. the Institute’s motto – Theology for Life. What a seemingly simple answer God’s call. Professor of Systematic Theology concept. Yet too often, theology has been viewed as a remote and Sr. Patricia Walter, O.P. sometimes elusive discipline TH Assistant Professor of – the domain of thinkers and PAULINE LOURDES 150 HOW GREAT Tom Barbarak Systematic Theology YEAR ANNIVERSARY THOU ART Director of theorists somehow removed Communications from everyday concerns. In Chris Kienstra 2 4 6 Candidate, Master of Arts, his remarks, Father Peddicord During the 2008-09 As we celebrate the Might contemporary Pastoral Studies reminds us that theological Pauline Jubilee, anniversary of Mary’s cosmology have study is intended to move the Church celebrates appearance to Bernadette something to offer DESIGNER beyond the speculative realm to St. Paul of Tarsus Soubirous of Lourdes, to our reflections Susan Webb add richness and meaning to everyday life through a closer relationship as one of theology’s we contemplate the on creation? with God and in service to the human family. most important sources. meaning of Mary’s Theology Signatures is published by the In keeping with its motto – for Life – AI is happy to multiple apparitions that Office of Communications. announce that the popular Aquinas Roundtable has expanded to a are part of our tradition. Send address changes, second location at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. requests for subscriptions or Partnering with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Aquinas Institute is suggestions for stories to: honored and eager to bring the discussion of popular religious topics [email protected] to a new community. Please check the back cover for a listing of all or Roundtable and community events. Signatures This issue of Signatures carries several timely and reflective essays. Aquinas Institute of Theology The Pauline Year considers the significant theological contributions and 23 S. Spring Ave. DEPARTMENTS missionary activity of the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” while The Lady of St. Louis MO 63108 Lourdes reminds us that Mary is a model of the holiness to which every ALUMNI / © Aquinas Institute of Theology person is called. How Great Thou Art explores the links between science All rights reserved and theology. With God’s Whisper, an essay recounting the spiritual STUDENT journey one person followed in answering God’s call, we are happy to NOTES 18 ON THE COVER begin a tradition of presenting an AI student essay in every issue of FACULTY Thousands of young stars Signatures. CREATING A PASTORAL NEWS 19 are nestled within the Be sure to read Creating a Pastoral Partnership. This engaging interview PARTNERSHIP giant nebula NGC 3603 brings you into contact with a successful pastoral team serving a SIGNATURE about 20,000 light-years thriving urban parish community in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. 14 MOMENTS 20 away in this 2007 image And by the way – both members of this team have links to AI. Signatures asks a successful from NASA’s Hubble Each issue of Signatures brings readers updates about faculty, alumni FROM THE PRESIDENT pastoral team, Monsignor James UPCOMING Space Telescope. and life at AI. If you have information that you would like to share 10 Telthorst, and Shawnessey On January 1, 2008 Father Richard A. Peddicord, O.P., Custer, M.Div., about their EVENTS SOURCE: NASA, ESA, AND THE HUBBLE with the Aquinas community, please contact us by mail or e-mail. HERITAGE (STSCI/AURA)-ESA/HUBBLE became the 7th President of Aquinas Institute experience at Our Lady INSIDE & COLLABORATION See you in the next issue of Signatures! of Theology. His inaugural address begins on page 10. of Sorrows parish in St. Louis. BACK COVER

1 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 XXX THE PAULINE YEAR

God, Christ, the Spirit, grace, ••••• Internet that have been devoted to charism, ministry, community and the Pauline Jubilee. Since the site mission because Paul has taught us We can think about God, opened on January 25th, traffic how to do so. to Aquinas Institute’s website has • The Pope’s second purpose in Christ, the Spirit, grace, increased noticeably. proclaiming this 2000th anniversary On October 3, 2008, Aquinas of the birth of Paul is to relight charism, ministry, community Institute will host a Symposium the fires of ecumenism, which on Paul of Tarsus at 2000. burned so brightly in the years and mission because Paul has The symposium will feature immediately before and after presentations from nationally Vatican II, but which lately have taught us how to do so. prominent theologians, both Roman seemed to dampen. For Pope Catholic as well as those from other Benedict, Saint Paul’s effort to ••••• denominations, with responses by preserve the unity of the nascent symposium participants. Interest Christian community, even as he dialogue, and served to inaugurate in this upcoming symposium is sought to widen its boundaries, the Saint Louis region’s observance high and theologians from the remains a perennial task of believers of the Pauline Jubilee. region’s seminaries and faculties of today. Consequently, the Pope’s The Institute has dedicated a theology are already preparing their hope is that our observance of portion of its website to the 2000th presentations. Those presentations this Pauline year be characterized anniversary of the birth of Paul. will eventually be collected, edited by ecumenical dialogue, and by a The website, Paul @ 2000, can be and published as Perspectives on Paul common acknowledgement of the accessed at www.ai.edu/paul, and of Tarsus at 2000. debt that all Christians – Roman includes reflections from the faculty Catholics, members of the ancient of Aquinas Institute on Paul and his Churches of the East, the Anglican impact on Catholic theology. The THE PAULINE YEAR Communion, the Reformed site includes faculty blogs, podcasts Churches, the Free Churches – owe and links to other sites across the About one quarter of the New Testament is attributed to Saint Paul. to Paul. During the 2008-09 Pauline Jubilee, the Church will celebrate Saint Paul Aquinas Institute of Theology is observing the Pauline as one of theology’s most important sources. Jubilee in several different ways. On January 25, 2008, (June 29 was chosen because it Christians are given an opportunity the Institute hosted area Rev. Séán Chapter 1 Charles Martin is the Feast of Saints Peter and to return to one of the most theologians from Kenrick- Romans Paul), much less his birth year, the important sources of theology. Glennon Seminary, from the Associate 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Professor reasonable assumption on the part Of all the important figures of the Department of Theology at of Biblical of Pope Benedict is that Paul was Church in the first century, Paul has Saint Louis University, from Studies gospel to you that are at Rome also. younger than Jesus, but not an left behind the largest collection of Concordia Lutheran Seminary entire generation younger. writings. Roughly speaking, about and from Covenant Seminary 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is ope Benedict XVI has The Pope’s purpose in a quarter of the New Testament at the celebration of Solemn announced that the Church proclaiming this Pauline jubilee is was either written by Paul or Vespers commemorating the the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; P will observe the 2000th two-fold: subsequently attributed to him. conversion of Paul of Tarsus. anniversary of the birth of Saint • The observance of any Consequently, Paul is indispensable This ecumenical gathering of to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Paul of Tarsus, beginning on June anniversary serves to rekindle for theologians. His impact on professors of theology, followed by 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from 29, 2008 and continuing through interest in the original event – or, in figures like Saint Augustine of a wine and cheese reception at the June 29, 2009. While no one can this case, the highly original person Hippo, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Institute’s Ascension Commons, faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. be certain of the actual birthday of – we are commemorating. During Martin Luther or Karl Barth is was undertaken in the spirit of 18 the great Apostle to the Gentiles, the 2008-2009 Pauline Jubilee, immeasurable. We can think about Pope Benedict’s hope of ecumenical For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 2 “ST. PAUL” BY EL GRECO, EARLY 17TH CENTURY; SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA Because that which may be known of God is manifest

in them; for God hath showed it unto them. AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 LOURDES 150TH ANNIVERSARY

the whole body of the Church, of our original face? Is she the one who never forgot…and are we the ones afflicted The LADY with the dementia brought about by sin, both original and actual on our part? Isaac of Stella, an early abbott, of LOURDES tells us that whatever we say of this Lady must also be said in declared the Immaculate Conception some sense of ourselves To find out Sr. Carla Mae how you can Streeter, O.P. to be a matter of universal Catholic and of the Church. Are her Professor of belief. appearances, especially those visit Lourdes and Systematic As we celebrate this event, how approved by the Church, other shrines Theology might we explain it to our friends who Mary’s way of calling us out with Fr. Richard might be interested in what we believe of our forgetfulness? Is this Peddicord, O.P., as Catholics? What is the meaning why she is always asking us this fall, contact he was only a young girl, and of the multiple Marian apparitions “to pray for sinners?” Are Susan Sanner at an asthmatic at that. But the that are a part of our tradition? How we locked in forgetfulness? [email protected]. S one who showed herself to might we explain the Immaculate Do we need a mother’s love Bernadette at Lourdes had once been Conception? to wake up and see the light…that is at a young girl too, in the northern Science today is telling us that our the very depths of our own being? Galilee region of an occupied country. bodies are made from the elements For those who would like to read a The Mother of God seems to have a of stars. When it comes down to it, little more about Lourdes, I offer two penchant for little ones, insignificant we are a form of light energy. If the titles for starters: Lourdes Font of Faith, ones, nobodies. 2008 is the 150th empirical sciences are discovering this, Hope, and Charity by Elizabeth Ficocelli anniversary of the appearances of why do we have such a problem with (Paulist, 2007), and Encountering Mary to Bernadette Soubirous of the risen bodies of the Christ and Mary by Sandra L. Zimdars-Swartz Lourdes, France, a village at the foot his mother? We believe they live and (Avon, 1991). For those who want to of the Pyrenees. that their physicality is transformed to rediscover how significant this Lady Interestingly, the first record radiate the love that has transformed can be for our lives, check out “The we have of these events flowed them. Faith is a way of knowing, Mary We Never Knew: New Light from from the notes of the local police flowing from regard or love. Is it the Syrian Tradition,” by Sally Cunneen commissioner, Jean Dominique not possible for these living persons in the December 21, 2007 issue of Jacomet, who recorded the events to show themselves to us if they so Commonweal. in meticulous detail. Bernadette’s choose? For those who would like to go first experience was on February 11, Our deepest spiritual tradition from to Lourdes in this anniversary year 1858, but it was not until March 25 the Fathers of the Church holds that with Fr. Richard Peddicord, O.P., new that aquerò (“that one” in Bernadette’s our very existence flows from the president of Aquinas Institute, contact dialect) told her she was the Immaculate creative love of God. John’s Gospel Susan Sanner at [email protected]. The Conception. Already fourteen, and assures us that we have been created pilgrimage will take place October 23 judged “quite dull” by the catechism in the Word. There is then a link, a – November 5, 2008, and will include tutor who was trying to prepare point, a tiny area of light in us that Lourdes, other French Marian shrines, her to make her first communion, connects us to the Triune Mystery and trace the footsteps of St. Joan of Bernadette kept mumbling the words that called us into being. At that point Arc, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de all the way to the rectory. Her curé, where we flow from God there can be Marillac, St. Catherine Laboure, and St. Dominique Peyramale, had told her to no sin, for where God is, sin cannot Therese of Liseux. ask the Lady what her name was. Four be. Is Mary then, in her Immaculate years earlier the Vatican had officially Conception, the reminder to us and to

4 STATUE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES; SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA 5 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 HOW GREAT THOU ART

questions about the interrelationships between and among God, human beings and the created world, as well as about the relationship between science and religion, are not moot. In a letter to the Director of the Vatican Observatory, Pope John Paul II addressed the importance of science for theology.

“Theology will have to call on the findings of science to one degree or another as it pursues its primary concern for the human person, the reaches of freedom, the possibilities of Christian community, the nature of belief and the intelligibility of nature and history. The vitality and significance of theology for humanity will in a profound way be reflected in its ability Connecting Science and Theology to incorporate these findings.” These findings are not simply to be exported from science to theology; hroughout the history of the they must be examined carefully for Western and near Eastern world their utility in coming to a deeper there has been a close link understanding of our faith. Yet the Pope T continued with a series of questions, HOW between physics (from the Greek word meaning “nature”; generally speaking, giving examples of scientific discoveries our understanding of the forces of that might hold rich insights for theology. nature), metaphysics (a system of GREAT “Might contemporary cosmology principles held to be true of all of reality, both visible and invisible), and theology have something to offer to our (reflection on the faith of a group of reflections on creation? Does an evolutionary perspective bring any light to people, or reflection on revelation). THOU bear upon theological anthropology, the Cosmology reflects these links, for meaning of the human person as imago it is variously described as: an area of Dei, the problem of Christology—and metaphysics that deals with the universe even upon the development of doctrine ART as an orderly system; a branch of itself? What, if any, are the eschatological astronomy that deals with the origin, implications of contemporary cosmology, Sr. Patricia structure and space-time of the universe; F. Walter, O.P. especially in light of the vast future of Assistant Professor a story of origins involving the natural the universe? (Letter to the Director of Two galaxies perform an intricate dance in this 2007 of Systematic world. The debate over Intelligent the Vatican Observatory, June 1, 1988, in Hubble Space Telescope image. The galaxies swing past Theology Design and the growing interest Origins 18 [1088-89]: 375-378.)” each other in a performance choreographed by gravity. in creation spirituality indicate that CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 SOURCE: NASA, ESA, AND THE HUBBLE HERITAGE TEAM (STSCI/AURA)

6 7 NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope photographed three sections of the Veil Nebula – the shattered remains of a supernova that exploded thousands of years ago – providing details of the delicate structure resulting from this cosmic explosion.

SOURCE: NASA, ESA, AND THE HUBBLE HERITAGE (STSCI/AURA)-ESA/HUBBLE COLLABORATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Scripture remote source of order and stability. explore what we might learn from quantum theory you never end up universe exhibits law and freedom, and capable of consciously praising clearly understands creation as the A vertical dualism began to prevail, some of these discoveries. with ‘things’; you always deal with order and chaos, stability and God. We are that part of creation handiwork of God, as the revelation with a growing split between inner Less than one hundred years interconnections.” Henry Stapp novelty. This God created an charged with stewardship of God’s of God as Creator, as provident, as and outer, private and public, spirit ago Edwin Hubble discovered the put it another way, “An elementary evolutionary universe in which slight multi-billion year work of art. powerful and wise. Jesus frequently and matter, soul and body. Matter Andromeda galaxy. We now know particle is not an independently ‘irregularities’ eventuated in galaxies, There are many other scientific used images drawn from nature to or nature was viewed as inert that there are 125 billion galaxies – existing unanalyzable entity. It is, a cosmos which, had it unfolded discoveries rich in possibility for illuminate the mystery of the Reign and atomistic; for many people each with billions of stars – spread in essence, a set of relationships one trillionth of a trillionth percent theological reflection; they cannot of God. By attending to creation, the its intrinsic or sacramental value across 30 billion light years. The that reach outward to other things.” faster or slower, would have flown be examined in this brief article. Judaeo-Christian tradition assumes, vanished. All that counted was its Hubble telescope now transmits Relationship is elementary; the apart or imploded. The universe can We believe, however, that in the believers can have some insight into usefulness. The whole was simply extraordinary pictures of these universe is not an aggregate of no longer be interpreted through incarnation, God entered history; the person and character of God. the sum of its parts; to understand galaxies. Just 40 years ago scientists individually existing elements but any mechanical image; rather, it is in the resurrection, creation entered Study of nature affords us, then, the parts was to know the whole. came to general agreement that a dynamic whole fashioned of the handiwork of the God of our the divine dimension through Jesus’ both understanding and wisdom. So The modern era brought important the universe originated in a single vast and complex networks of Scripture, who is always faithful and humanity. In the cosmic calendar, St. Albert the Great, philosopher, scientific discoveries, technological event and for 13.7 billion years relationships. yet often unpredictable, a God of understood from the Big Bang theologian, and naturalist, wrote in innovations, and a growing has been expanding and growing Such insights from science promise and the source of newness. until now, the birth of Jesus took his treatise on animals, “The whole insistence on democracy and human in complexity, differentiation and may help us come to a new The Spirit of God moves in and place at 11:59:56 p.m. on December world is theology for us, because rights. It also saw the rise of both consciousness (see www.pbs.org/ appreciation of the Trinitarian God, through every thing that exists, 31st. It is hardly surprising that the heavens proclaim the glory of totalitarianism and individualism as deepspace/timeline). The immensity a dynamic, creative, eternal unity animating it, activating its potential, his teaching and example seem God.” In fact, creation is sometimes well as the development of the most of the cosmos in both space and of relationships. These insights bringing newness for the sake of to have such shallow roots in our referred to as the first book of efficient means of killing and the time can only lead us to an ever may also assist us in overcoming life, uniting all things in its breath. psyches and behavior! We struggle revelation. Thus, according to St. increasing despoliation of the earth. more profound reverence for the individualism: there is nothing that Maximus the Confessor once to believe and live the truth that in Thomas, “Any error about creation Creator, the Source and Ground is not in relationship. Society is not wrote, “God is everywhere and losing our lives we shall find them, leads to an error about God.” ••••• of everything that exists. Images simply a collection of individuals; at all times working out the that in dying to self we shall rise, In the West, the modern era found on such websites as http:// rather, it is a system, a dynamic mystery of [God’s] embodiment.” that authority is service, that God’s witnessed a growing strain between Any error about creation hubblesite.org/gallery/ and http:// whole in which the whole affects Reflecting on the multi-billion deepest desire for us is fullness of faith and reason, culminating in antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod may the parts and the parts, the whole. year process necessary to prepare life in communion, that the work of the relegation of religion to the leads to an error about God.” move us to pray with the psalmist As a Sufi saying observes: “You the conditions for the emergence forgiveness and reconciliation is the private sphere as well as the growth with a new depth of amazement think because you understand one of life, as well as the exact and practice of the Reign of God. The of atheism. The discoveries of – St. Thomas Aquinas and wonder: “The heavens declare you can understand two, because delicate balance required for each work of redemption is intimately Copernicus and Galileo challenged the glory of God; the skies proclaim one and one are two. But you must of those conditions to obtain, and linked with the work of creation. religious understandings of ••••• God’s handiwork” (Ps. 19:1). also understand and.” We can to meditate on the evolution of Paul tells us that all creation creation and the place of humanity Through the work of Albert perhaps understand more fully our life forms and processes necessary groans, hoping for liberation (Rom. within it. Laws of nature were Obviously this is a very broad Einstein and others we come to a tradition’s teaching on the common for human life, evokes ever deeper 8:19-23), and that God wants “to extrapolated from the movement description of an epoch. In the new appreciation of the profound good. In a highly individualistic or resonance in the words of the reconcile everything in [Christ’s] of such large bodies as stars and first decade of the twenty-first interconnectedness of everything in a totalitarian society, individual psalmist: “When I look at your person, both on earth and in the planets; gradually a mechanistic century, however, due in no small that has existed and will ever come and common goods are often heavens, / the work of your heavens” (Col. 1:20). The new and deterministic understanding of measure to discoveries in physics, into being. The “stuff ” of which understood as opposed. If, fingers/ the moon and the stars / cosmology gives us a perspective on the universe supplanted an organic our knowledge of the world has everything is made can be traced however, existence is profoundly that you have established; / what the length and breadth, the depths one. Living organisms, including undergone major shifts, which back to that originating event. Time and ineluctably relational, then the are human beings that you are and heights of God’s aim; in doing human beings, and social entities have ramifications for our self- and space are related, as are energy common good truly is that set of mindful of them, / mortals that so, it may give us a more profound were understood mechanistically. understanding and for our images and matter. The smallest material conditions and relationships in which you care for them?” (Ps. 8:3-4). We realization of the dignity and work God was pictured by some as the of God. Following the suggestions entities are really energy-events. each and every entity can flourish. human beings are that unique part to which we have been called. great clockmaker in the sky, the of Pope John Paul II, let us briefly So Fritjof Capra observed, “In Scientists point out that the of the creation conscious of itself

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through whom the Father’s gift of Pope Honorius, the Lord inspired assiduous study of God’s revelation. the fullness of life is offered to all Dominic and his companions “with Preaching the word of God calls the members of the human family. a holy desire to embrace poverty, for serious wrestling with how one The task of the Church – the Body profess the regular life and commit ought to interpret God’s revelation. of Christ imbued with the power (themselves) to the proclamation Preaching the word of God calls of the Holy Spirit – is to proclaim of the word of God, preaching one to stand in medio Ecclesiae – in by word and deed the abundant life everywhere the name of the Lord the midst of the Church and the that is found in Christ. Jesus Christ” (The Fundamental Church’s theological tradition. It was none other than this Constitution, I). Guided by the mission of the preeminent task that captured the As should be clear, the mission Order of Preachers, we at Aquinas imagination of Saint Dominic at of the Order of Preachers is Institute of Theology are pledged the turn of the 13th century. He inextricably connected with to intelligent preaching, to ministry envisioned a religious family that theology and theological education. that engages head and heart, to would be called and would be an Shortly after the Order received pastoral care that informs as well as Order of Preachers. The members papal approbation, Saint Dominic comforts, to study that captures the On January 1, 2008 of Dominic’s family, through sent the friars out two-by-two to the imagination and helps to transform preaching and teaching, would strive great universities of Europe – to get the world. Father Richard A. Peddicord, O.P., to persuade the world of God’s an education. Within a few years, If you drive by our building became the 7th President gracious promise of the fullness Dominicans were teaching on the after sunset, you will see a small of Aquinas Institute of Theology. of life in Christ Jesus. From the faculties of those same universities. neon sign in the window of the approval of Dominic’s Order by Saint Dominic’s conviction was that President’s Conference Room. The In his inaugural address, he proclaimed . . . Pope Honorius III on December preaching the word of God calls for sign modestly advertises the school’s {} 22, 1216 until this very day, the tagline – “Theology for Life.” mission of the Order of Preachers Opposite page: Mass of installa- “Theology for Life” is a shorthand has been “for preaching and the tion at Saint Pius V Church. way of speaking to some of the salvation of souls” (The Fundamental Below: Fr. Peddicord greets AI deepest convictions of our 800 year THEOLOGY Constitution, II). In the words of staff member Donna Burns. old Dominican CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 FOR LIFE

n chapter ten of Saint John’s gospel, Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell I you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (vv. 7-10). Jesus, who reveals himself to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life, is the one who announces the Father’s promise of abundant life (Jn. 14: 6). He is the Word-made-flesh, the one CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

10 11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 tradition. Installation luncheon at AIs here and now of the supreme Theology – the sustained reflection on the graciousness of God – And it is also a way for us to make Ascension Commons. happiness that awaits us in the at least three specific points: Beatific Vision. makes one zealous for life: one’s life in God and God’s life In the first place, “Theology for zealous for life: one’s life in God The Lord Jesus proclaims: “I { made manifest in the lives of others. } Life” announces our conviction and God’s life made manifest in the came that they might have life, that the study of theology enhances lives of others. and have it abundantly.” The the quality of life of the individuals Finally, “Theology for Life” Faculty, staff, and administration who undertake it. Theology makes includes a basic chronological of Aquinas Institute of Theology, one’s life better! This happens in a sense. The study of theology – and guided by the inspiration of Saint myriad of ways. Serious, concerted putting into practice what one has Dominic and the example of Saint reflection on the Divine Mystery learned – is meant to last a lifetime. Thomas Aquinas, are committed to leads one to even more fervent It is not simply for children, or the proposition that the Catholic prayer. A well-known theologian young adults, or for the time of theological tradition is “for Life.” It once remarked that if the theology our formal training for ministry. enhances the life of the individual, you’re studying isn’t moving you Theology is meant to engage us it leads to greater respect for all to get on your knees in prayer, in life-long learning; it is a never life, and it entails a life-long project you’re probably not really studying finished project. – all of which conduces toward the theology! At the same time, the In all of this, I would call perfect happiness promised by the A bagpiper study of God and God’s ways attention to Saint Thomas Lord. joined with the world leads to an even Aquinas’s teaching on the things the day’s greater love of God and neighbor. that are required for happiness. festivities. Knowledge of God through the Saint Thomas taught that “[s]ince study of God’s revelation in Jesus happiness consists in gaining the Christ moves one’s heart to love its last end, those things that are Creator and to love all those created required for happiness must be in the divine image and likeness. gathered from the way in which This leads to a second sense for man is ordered to an end” (ST, I- “Theology for Life.” The phrase II, q. 4, a. 3, sc). Since the human also states our conviction that the person is ordered to an end partly study of theology leads inexorably through the intellect and partly to respect for all the living. It through the will, knowledge of the reveals the sacred dignity of human end must move the intellect and life; it demands the protection love of the end must move the will. of the weak, the vulnerable, Knowing God through the study of the unborn, the handicapped, God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and the aged and infirm. Theology loving God through the application – the sustained reflection on the of what we know and the gift of graciousness of God – makes one God’s grace is, then, a taste in the Fr. Peddicord greets his father.

12 13 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

As more and more Aquinas Institute Parishioners would ask me, “Is Shawnessey: Don’t forget yoga. what she did was very good and graduates find themselves working as pastoral there any way we can keep her?” Msgr. Telthorst: I remember worthy of further publication. CREATING lay ministers, what can they expect to find in One parishioner thought she was making a hospital call with There is so much that is permitted such a great addition to church Shawnessey. We called on an for her to do. their new assignments? Signatures asked a very life and ministry that he gave me a older lady. I asked, “How are you Shawnessey: I don’t feel successful team, Monsignor James Telthorst, A PASTORAL check for a large part of her salary. doing?” and she’d say, “Fine.” Then constrained; there is plenty that I and Shawnessey Custer, M.Div., about their Signatures: What have you Shawnessey would say something feel I can do in terms of outreach. experience at Our Lady of Sorrows parish in learned in the time Shawnessey has like “Oh, that must have been I have particular talents that can PARTNERSHIP St. Louis. Can they be a model for others? worked with you? strange” and she’d say “I hated it” respond to the needs of the Msgr. Telthorst: There is a and they were off on a conversation. community as a lay minister that an practical reason for lay ministers I would very quietly step back as ordained minister can’t do. Signatures: Shawnessey, how did and eventually was recommended When she got her Certificate in beyond the fact that we don’t have they talked. We work well together. Msgr. Telthorst: Another thing you decide to seek out a vocation in to Sr. Carla Mae Streeter at Aquinas Spiritual Direction from Aquinas I enough clergy. It opens another door What I bring is 40 years of pastoral that I like about Aquinas is their lay ministry? Institute. But, my biggest supporter let her use an empty office for her to ministry other than that done by experience. What she brings are love for the Church and the Shawnessey: That’s a big was Msgr. Telthorst who was then counseling practice. a male clergyman – it affects people pastoral skills. Sometimes we don’t Gospels. They want to prepare their question. First of all, I’m a convert. pastor at the St. Louis Cathedral, Signatures: But, that wasn’t the in new ways. Different genders agree. My experience will say maybe students professionally, personally, I was Baptist and was in a very very close to where my husband end of your study at Aquinas. have different ways of opening to you don’t want to go this route right practically and prayerfully. When supportive community, but I found and I were living. Shawnessey: No. With the help people. The question is, is there away. We are able to talk out our I read their papers and see how something lacking. My spiritual Msgr. Telthorst: I met of my advisor, teachers and my someone who knows how to do differences pretty well. they do theological reflection, I longings were calling for something Shawnessey in 1997. We had own discernment I started the ministry pastorally? You have to Signatures: It sounds like a very am impressed with how serious deeper. In my search I visited the discussions about her search. Her M.Div. program. At that time, the make a pastoral connection; you busy schedule for both of you. they are. There is no sense of theological library at St. Louis U., a questions were very deep and she program called for an internship of have to touch people; you have to Msgr. Telthorst: She is pretty entitlement, that they have a right Benedictine monastery in Colorado, would send me her written thoughts 20 hours, so I called Msgr. Telthorst meet them where they are - it’s not disciplined about her schedule. She to anything. They want to graduate which I sent on to Carla Mae who who had been transferred to Our ministry pro-forma. tries to avoid being here for every because they want to minister well. said “You keep working with her, Lady of Sorrows. Signatures: How have the people need. I did warn her in the contract Signatures: Shawnessey, what something good is happening here.” Msgr. Telthorst: She only needed in the parish received her? that she had better watch her hours. are your personal feelings about a year of internship, and in the Msgr. Telthorst: What I think Church ministry has a way of Aquinas? second half of that year I first she has been for the parish is a gobbling you up. Leadership, like Shawnessey: What I appreciated heard a calling from the parish. Godsend. The people tell me that. I myself, can expect you to take on from Aquinas in my own journey think that it’s more than the women, more and more. She has to tell me was that it gave me a place where Very Rev. James but it is often the women who come when she is exceeding her capacity. I could grow and explore. It was a Telthorst up to me and say, “What a great Signatures: Do you have to prod prayerful environment. The faculty and Shawnessey asset we have.” Parishes can’t afford her to leave? is in love with the Church. They Custer (M.Div. ’05) people to just be business managers. Shawnessey: No, I have to prod helped me fall in love with the She creates a new pastoral outreach, him. Church as well. (Remember, I came she has started a Mom’s support Signatures: How well has there as a Baptist.) I also fell in love group, she works with RCIA Aquinas equipped her for this with the possibilities of my baptism candidates, she handles sacramental ministry? in a whole new way. That was the preparation, she makes communion Msgr. Telthorst: I think that what real illumination at Aquinas for me. calls and hospital calls. I find from Aquinas, I’ve been an They came back to that over and ••••• adjunct professor there, is a pastoral over in all kinds of different ways in edge and reflection on the pastoral all my classes. It all gets back to the Parishioners would ask experience, not just the dogmatic baptismal theology and what it really side. “How does all this work? means. Not just one’s mission to the me,“Is there any way we How do we apply it?” I asked Church, but the Church’s mission to Shawnessey to preach Good Friday; the world. That excites me. can keep her?” that is permitted. She worked hard Signatures: What a great story. ••••• to feel comfortable doing it and Thank you for sharing it with us.

14 15 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 INTERVIEW STUDENT ESSAY

God kept nudging me until Chris Kienstra January 5, 2004. My niece, Katie, finally, during my sophomore year Candidate, six at the time, was diagnosed with GOD’S of college, I became involved with Master of Arts, juvenile diabetes. She was rushed the St. Louis University Community Pastoral Studies straight to the hospital from the Action Program. We did volunteer doctor’s office. Later that frigid night, WHISPER work throughout the city of St. my mom had an aneurysm bleed in Louis every Saturday morning. I her head and she crawled to her bed I needed God to give me Aquinas even went on several spring break after collapsing to the floor. Three service trips. My dad, however, was the courage to let one life die days and three hospitals later her not happy about my working in the aneurysms were diagnosed and she student city because he was worried about and a new one be born. underwent major brain surgery to my safety. He even threatened to It was time to start clamp the artery that was “leaking.” Chris Kienstra cut off my tuition if I did not stop. My two boys and I had agreed Coincidentally, on the Saturday saying “no” to others to move in with Mom and Dad to recounts following this threat, I was scraping so I could say “yes” to God. help with Mom’s recovery. The day paint off the walls of a church in she came home after three weeks her ongoing the city and my parents appeared ••••• in the hospital, my younger son, to attend a wedding at the same Ryan, had to go into the hospital for struggle church. I think my dad began to after I was divorced. I was a single IV treatments to stop a persistent realize then that I was not going to mother of two wonderful children. and debilitating headache. The to answer stop my volunteer work, and yes, he I wanted to spend my free time doctor said he would be in the still paid the rest of my tuition. having fun with my friends but hospital for one day and that this During my senior year of college, God had other plans for me. I tried particular treatment would get rid God’s call. I spent six months researching ignoring God and then arguing, of any headache. Three days later lay volunteer groups and finally but God’s persistence led me to we left the hospital, and although applied to the Daughters of Charity get more involved in my church his headache was not completely Associates in Mission (DC-AIM). community. Over the next fifteen gone it was at least bearable. We I was chosen to join the group and years I participated in and led small lived with my mom and dad for six was to take a position in Chicago. I faith communities, was involved more weeks until Mom could be was so excited, until I was reminded with an ecumenical community safely left on her own. During those

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM by my father that I had promised action group, received women’s few months my grandfather was to work for him for my first year leadership training, sponsored also hospitalized. He relied on me, or me, God’s call has been a whisper, a nudge, multiple for me. In grade school, I went out of college. I was crushed and two people who became Catholic, calling me many times each day. on a “live-in retreat” where young tried to convince him that I really helped spearhead and lead a group After everyone was on the taps on the shoulder, an ambush of illnesses, a longing for F women live with religious sisters felt called to do this, but I also felt for single-again adults, and was “smoother” road of recovery, I deeper meaning in my life and a wellspring of joy. God’s call for a weekend. In college I joined obligated to repay his kindness trained as an advocate for people could not go back to “normal.” has been a persistent invitation to use my unique combination a group of women who gathered for paying my college tuition. seeking annulments. I became very What was normal? Why was I so to discern a calling to religious life. The office was short-staffed and familiar with the prayer of Jabez blessed? Was I living the life God of gifts to let God’s light shine through me for others. My friends thought I was crazy, and summer is our busy season. We throughout this time. ‘Oh, that had created me to live? The longing one person even told me, “People came to a compromise and the You would bless me indeed, and enlarge for deeper meaning in my life Answering God’s call can be Exploring our innermost self is only become nuns because they DC-AIM people agreed to allow my territory, that Your hand would be became overwhelming. I was happy difficult because it challenges uncomfortable because it makes us can’t make it in the real world.” I me to live in community and take a with me, and that You would keep me at my job. I loved my co-workers. I societal norms that measure feel vulnerable felt that I had been searching for part-time position in St. Louis and I from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ (1 was making good money and had success by the amount and cost The quiet whisper began when such a long time yet I never felt “at also helped my father. I really loved Chronicles 4:10). God sure heard flexibility to be involved as a mom. I of material possessions. We are I was seven or eight. I remember home” in these discernment retreats my work. I taught computers at a my prayer and often woke me in the had everything most people wanted rarely encouraged to take the time God calling me to do something even though I greatly admired the Catholic grade school and helped middle of the night to write down in life yet there was an emptiness to look inside ourselves, name our “special.” I had no idea what I was women I met and the works they out at a parish in the city. what He wanted me to do. I just couldn’t fill, a longing I just gifts, identify our call and live it out. to do, but I knew God had plans did. Multiple taps from God began The ambush of illness began on couldn’t name. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

16 17 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 STUDENT/ALUMNI UPDATE FACULTY UPDATE

Rev. Ralph G. Clingan, (MA ’87) Church (USA) and serves as Adjunct published “Life As a Young Chaplain” Harry M. Byrne, O.P., D.Min, June made two presentations on Ph.D., wrote “God’s Lively, Living Professor of Theology for Saint in Plainviews. presented “The Spirituality of the vows and the new cosmology Word” for the November issue of Peter’s College, Jersey City, NJ, and the Director: A Way of Guiding, for the Houston Dominican The Living Pulpit Magazine. Clingan the Jesuit College of New Jersey. Rev. Brendan Moss, O.S.B. of Loving and of Being” to the Sisters. In November, she will has also written a manual on how (D.Min. ‘06) has been appointed regional Spiritual Directors give two lectures on the theology to prepare a sermon quickly for Diane Hans (MAPS ’05), a project director for Saint Meinrad International group. Byrne of religious life for the Institute of The Preaching Academy in Seoul, bereavement counselor at St. School of Theology’s “With One was also a panelist for St. Religious Formation at Catholic Korea; the manual will be published Anthony’s Hospice in South St. Voice,” a grant-funded program Louis University’s School for Theological Union in Chicago. in Korean and English in 2008. His Louis County, has completed a designed to create preaching circles Professional Studies workshop on Walter co-authored, “Complete Action Preaching Manual (published course of study on death, dying within parishes, and to foster dialog New Aquinas Roundtable “Contemporary Adult Spirituality Joy: Theological Reflection in a in 2005) has been translated into and the transformation process between preachers and hearers in at The National Shrine of Conference.” The inter-faith panel Dominican School,” an essay Korean. Clingan led a theological of bereavement offered by the the local church. Our Lady of the Snows members discussed the topic: for a book on education in the conversation for The Institute Association of Death Educators and In January 2008, the “What is holistic spirituality and Dominican tradition and is co- for Theological Studies of The Counselors (ADEC), and in December Rev. Dr. Kay Lynn Northcutt popular Aquinas Roundtable was how do you integrate it into your editor of Parable: Dominican Presbyterian Church in the Republic became a Certified Thanatologist (D.Min. ‘05) has been promoted to expanded to include monthly life.” Byrne also participated Theological Reflections for the of Korea concerning the influence (CT). the rank of associate professor of luncheon lectures at the in and preached at the Apollos 21st Century. of Clayton Powell (1865–1953) preaching and worship at Phillips National Shrine of Our Lady Project Student Retreat at Mercy on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, using his Lauren Ivory, (M.Div. ’04), is a Theological Seminary. of the Snows in Illinois. Center in St. Louis, MO, and Sr. Jeanne Meurer, F.S.M. (Clingan’s) 2002 book, Against staff chaplain at St. Francis Hospital Owned and operated made the presentation “Covenant: (adjunct faculty; MAPS ’98) Cheap Grace in a World Come of Age, in Evanston, IL. She is currently Orvin Kimbrough (MA ‘06) has by the Missionary Oblates Reconciling and Sustaining.” received the Liberty Bell an intellectual biography of Clayton pursuing certification through been promoted to vice president of of Mary Immaculate, the On October 3, 2007 he made a Award from the Missouri Bar Powell, 1865–1953. Rev. Clingan is the Association of Professional major and planned gifts for the St. National Shrine of Our Lady presentation to the SSM Health Association. The Liberty Bell actively retired from the Presbyterian Chaplains. Ivory has recently Louis United Way. of the Snows offers many Care System, Mission and Award is presented to a non- opportunities for spiritual Pastoral Care Leaders, at the lawyer who has engaged in public growth and renewal including SSM corporate office in St. Louis, service activities that significantly retreats, educational events, MO. The topic of the presentation enhance and benefit the local CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 I talked gone well. I gradually cut back on surprised by the faculty. Highly Mass and devotions. The Shrine was “The Role of the Spiritual community. to a priest and spent many hours in my hours and delegated my duties educated, well-trained, and experts encompasses approximately Caregiver: Facilitating God’s prayer asking God to show me His to others in the office and my sisters in their respective fields, faculty two hundred acres that are Revelation for Personal Reflection Catherine Vincie, R.S.H.M., will. Other people’s needs always each took responsibility for one of members truly care about me and beautifully landscaped and and Growth.” Ph.D., has co-authored (with seemed more important and greater our grandpa’s doctors. I attended what I have to say. The curriculum appointed with religious art David N. Power, O.M.I.) the than mine; yet I knew I could no the lay formation program through is challenging and there are times and places for meditation. Ann Garrido, D.Min., co- article “Theological and Pastoral longer say “yes” to others and “no” the Archdiocese of St. Louis and when I doubt my ability to continue, Guests of all faiths are welcome authored “Complete Joy: Reflections“ which is included to God. I needed strength to start eventually, I found myself at Aquinas but through the support of faculty, to come and deepen their Theological Reflection in a in the recently released A this new life God was calling me to Institute surrendering to God’s call. my adviser, my spiritual director, relationship with God and each Dominican School,” an essay Commentary on the General live. I needed God to give me the When I walk through the front fellow students, friends and family, other. Among the Shrine’s many for a book on education in the Instruction of the Roman Missal courage to let one life die and a new doors of Aquinas, I have a sense of I am now on the latter part of my amenities are a restaurant, gift Dominican tradition. from Liturgical Press. life be born. It was time to start being at home. Here in this sacred journey. I have found a wellspring shop, conference center, and saying “no” to others so I could to place, I am surrounded by many of joy in my experiences, the people lodging. Patricia Walter, O.P., Ph.D., say “yes” to God. others who are also responding I have met and the work I am doing. A complete listing of in February, gave the lecture, The hardest “no” was telling to God’s call and taking a journey Each moment is a treasure and I Aquinas Roundtable lectures for “Where Is God? Suffering and my dad I was leaving the family to discover and develop the gifts know my life is better for having 2008 appears on the back cover the Sacred,” at the Margaret business. I feared that separating and skills necessary to serve well. come to Aquinas. I go forth now of this issue of Signatures. Beaufort Institute in Cambridge, from the family business would Each paper has been like the birth as a child of God who once again For more information about England. In May, Walter spoke at a cause a separation between me and of a child. I have gained a deeper hears God’s quiet whisper. the National Shrine of Our symposium celebrating 800 years my family. I had been there for understanding of who I am in Lady of the Snows, visit www. of Dominican life co-sponsored by nearly twenty-five years and the God’s eyes and I feel a great sense snows.org, or call 616.397.6700 the Adrian Dominican Sisters and other two times I left it had not of accomplishment. I was most or toll free at 800.682.2879. Siena Heights University, and in

18 19 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 SIGNATURE MOMENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

Spiritual Director’s Open House Professional Day Oct. 12 & 13, 2008 and Workshop AI will host an open house for prospective students beginning Sixty-five spiritual directors Sunday afternoon October 12 and continuing to Monday afternoon gathered at Aquinas Institute October 13. Prospective students are invited to tour the school, February 8 – 10 for a professional meet faculty, and find out about the many ways that AI can day and workshop conducted by strengthen their faith and enrich their lives. For More information Maureen Conroy, R.S.M., D.Min. about the open house, or to recommend that some one you know The professional day explored be invited to the open house, please call Aquinas Admissions at ways that spiritual directors 314.256.8806. may help directees savor and deepen their relationship Visit Shrines of France with God, while the workshop Oct. 28 – Nov. 5 focused on the relationship that Aquinas President, Fr. Richard A. Peddicord, O.P., will conduct a spiritual directors have with their pilgrimage to France. Fluent in French, Fr. Peddicord looks forward supervisors. to sharing his love and knowledge of France’s spiritual heritage with fellow pilgrims, and will celebrate Mass for the travel group Pursuing a Culture of throughout the trip. Engaged Conversation In honor of the 150th anniversary of Mary’s apparition to at Aquinas Institute Bernadette Soubirous, travelers will visit Lourdes, Toulouse (site ALISE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY AI’s Dominican heritage of of St. Thomas Aquinas’ grave), Carcassonne (fortified city where collaborative learning in pursuit St. Dominic preached against the of truth requires intentional Albigensian heresy), Prouille (where OUR MISSION commitment to learning the A CARDINAL VISITOR Dominicans celebrated their 800th skills of engaged conversation. John Cardinal Foley, former director of communications for the anniversary), Notre Dame (Paris) Thanks to a $20,000 grant from Vatican, visited Aquinas Institute of Theology on January 30, 2008. and Rue de Bac (Paris). Also on Impelled by the the Wabash Center for Teaching After touring the school, Cardinal Foley joined Aquinas President the itinerary are visits to sites and Learning in Theology and Fr. Richard Peddicord, O.P., and Aquinas Vice President Fr. Gregory associated with St. Joan of (Rouen), Religion, AI faculty will be working Heille, O.P., for a brief luncheon meeting; Cardinal Foley also met St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Catholic faith throughout 2008 to promote with members of the St. Louis press to answer questions about his Marillac, St. Catherine Laboure, and an all-school environment experiences as director of communications at the Vatican. St. Therese of Lisieux. to allow moments of conflict To make reservations, or for and disagreement to become more information, contact Susan and the Dominican mission, opportunities for intellectual, Sanner by phone at 314.256.8857 pastoral, and organizational Notre Dame Cathedral or by e-mail at [email protected]. growth and learning. During Aquinas Institute the spring On January 25, theologians semester, AI The from neighboring seminaries faculty and Pauline and university theology educates men and women staff will begin Year departments joined by studying Aquinas faculty to formally a book from recognize the Pauline Year to preach, to teach, the Harvard by commemorating the Negotiation Conversion of Saint Paul Project—Difficult Conversations: with evening vespers. During How to Discuss What Matters the reception after the liturgy, the theologians were invited to submit to minister, Most by Sheila Heen, et al. presentations to a collaborative project recognizing the significance St. Catherine Laboure lies in a glass coffin at 140 Rue du The book is available from of Saint Paul’s contributions to the Church. The presentations will be Bac, Paris, one of the spots where Mary appeared to her. booksellers. published as Perspectives on Paul of Tarsus at 2000. NOTRE DAME, ST. CATHERINE LABOURE PHOTOS; SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA and to lead.

20 23 South Spring Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108 address service requested

AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF THEOLOGY SPRING/SUMMER 2008 CALENDAR

There’s a lot going on at Aquinas, and you’re always welcome to join us.

AQUINAS ROUNDTABLE: Missouri* May 21 • The Spirituality of Investing and Financial Planning June 18 • Do Catholics Have Family Values? Sept. 17 • Are You Prepared to Champion Your Faith? Oct. 15 • Celebrating Saint Paul – The Pauline Year Nov. 19 • Topic to be announced Missouri Roundtables begin at 11:30 a.m. at Pietro’s, 3801 Watson Rd., St. Louis, Mo.

AQUINAS ROUNDTABLE: Illinois* May 27 • There’s Something About Mary: Mary’s Relevance Today June 24 • Amen, It Is So! The Catholic Understanding Of Scripture July 29 • Green With Faith: The Environment As A Faith Issue Aug. 26 • My House Has Many Rooms: A Catholic View Of Other Faiths Sept. 30 • Naming God: Describing Humanity’s Relationship To God Oct. 25 • Voting With A Conscience: Faith In The Political Arena Nov. 25 • Did It Really Snow In Bethlehem? A New Look At Christmas Illinois Roundtables begin at 11:30 a.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S. De Mazenod Dr., Bellville, Ill.

THEOLOGY ON TAP Sept. 22 • Are You Prepared to Champion Your Faith? Oct. 27 • Celebrating Saint Paul: The Pauline Year Nov. 17 • Topic to be announced Dec. 15 • Topic to be announced Theology on Tap begins at 6:30 p.m, at Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis, Mo. For more information contact BUSINESS FORUM* Susan Sanner at 314.256.8857 Sept. 10 • Consumer Finance: Legal Loan Sharking or Financial Lifeline? or [email protected] Oct. 8 • How to Green a Business Nov. 12 • Where Does Prayer Fit into One’s Life? Dec. 10 • Urban Sprawl vs. Urban Choice: Our Cities and the City of God Business Forum Meetings begin at 7:00 a.m at Aquinas Institute of Theology. * Reservations required.