A heartfelt approach to faith in service runs deeply in every Dominican priest. Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., Professor of Patristics and Director of the Doctoral Program, a dedicated preacher and Dominican House of Studies alumnus, manifests these traits with every action. His journey to the priesthood, dedication to teaching and pastoral ministry, and reflections on God’s truth and human freedom reveal a life devoted to guiding others toward clarity, purpose, and hope. Through his work, he offers a vision that is both timeless and deeply relevant to contemporary struggles.

Developing Faith

Fr. Hofer’s path to the priesthood was shaped by a deep love for God and a desire to serve. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he recalls how the seeds of his vocation were planted early. “My parents were my first teachers in the faith,” he shared, emphasizing the role of family in nurturing spiritual life. His parents’ example of prayer and devotion created a strong foundation.

They laid a foundation of faith so deeply rooted that he always felt he would ultimately become a priest. Even though the idea of the priesthood was on his mind for as long as he can remember, he never mentioned it to his family for fear that it would become a prideful pursuit.

During his college years, he seriously began to discern his call to the priesthood. The deeper his faith grew through religious study, the more convinced he became that sharing the gospel was his only avenue to find fulfillment.

“There was this sense that God was inviting me to something more,” Fr. Hofer said. Drawn to the Dominican Order, known for its emphasis on preaching and teaching, he found a community where he could fully dedicate himself to God’s work.

Ironically, after telling his family, he learned they had always known he would become a priest, too. Everyone had chosen to allow his decision to be reliant upon God’s hand and free from earthly influence. He learned that his grandmother was a significant influence.

“She prayed for me to become a priest my whole life,” Fr. Hofer said, marveling at her unwavering faith and hope.

His rigorous intellectual and spiritual formation at the Dominican House of Studies further cemented his vocation. Studying philosophy and theology allowed him to deepen his understanding of the faith and prepare for the mission of guiding others.

“The Dominicans’ charism of seeking truth in all things was a perfect fit for me,” he explained.

A Clear Mission

Today, Fr. Hofer is deeply involved in teaching and pastoral ministry. As a professor, he inspires students to engage with the richness of Catholic theology. “Theology is not just an academic exercise,” he said. “It’s a way of growing closer to God.”

He also dedicates himself to pastoral care, walking alongside people in their joys and struggles. Whether offering spiritual direction or celebrating the sacraments, Fr. Hofer’s work reflects his commitment to bringing God’s grace into the lives of others.

In addition to these responsibilities, Fr. Hofer plays a significant role as the Student Master of Deacons at St. Dominic’s Priory, also located in Washington, D.C. Fr. Hofer’s involvement includes teaching, mentoring seminarians, and contributing to the institution’s ongoing mission. “The Dominican House of Studies has been foundational in shaping who I am as a priest and a teacher,” he noted.

The knowledge he acquired here has shaped his unquenchable desire to participate in the vital role of forming future leaders of the Church.

God is the Standard

A central theme in Fr. Hofer’s theology is the contrast between divine objectivity and human subjectivity. He explains, “God knows things, and they come to be. We know things because they are. So God is causative, we are receptive.” This understanding of God as the ultimate standard is liberating, Fr. Hofer argues, because it grounds human life in something greater than individual desires or societal trends.

Fr. Hofer’s perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint in a world where subjectivity often reigns supreme. “Today, there’s such an emphasis on subjectivity that you can choose to be, try to be whatever you want, and that you have some sort of right where everybody then should support you in whatever desire you have,” he observed. “Well, that’s really just not true. That’s not real.”

He warns that this detachment from objective truth can lead to significant struggles. “People can get into terrible binds. People can get into all sorts of difficulties,” he said. By contrast, embracing God as the source of truth and the creator of nature offers clarity and purpose. “God creates nature and saves with the gift of grace,” Fr. Hofer affirmed, emphasizing the harmony between creation and salvation.

Freedom Through Truth

For Fr. Hofer, understanding God as the standard is not about imposing restrictions but discovering true freedom. “It’s freeing for us to recognize that we are not the ultimate arbiters of reality,” he said. This freedom comes from aligning our lives with the objective reality of God’s will and design.

He contrasted this vision with the contemporary culture of self-definition, where individuals often feel pressured to create their own identity and purpose. “When we try to define ourselves apart from God, it’s like building a house on sand,” Fr. Hofer explained. “But when we acknowledge God as the foundation, we find stability and peace.”

A Message of Hope

As a Dominican priest, Fr. Hofer’s mission is ultimately one of hope. Through his teaching, preaching, and pastoral care, he invites others to encounter the transformative power of God’s grace. His reflections on objectivity and freedom resonate deeply in a world searching for meaning.

“God’s truth is not a burden but a gift,” he said. We can live lives of greater authenticity and joy by embracing this truth. Fr. Hofer’s life and ministry are a testament to this reality, offering a beacon of light to those navigating the complexities of modern life.

If contemplating Fr. Hofer’s experiences and teachings compels you to support DHS in our endeavors to help individuals in this confused world find clarity and freedom in God’s word, please click here to support this work.

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The pursuit of faith is a journey, not a destination. Even as we grow spiritually, there is always more knowledge to be had, more charity to be offered, and more Christian works to be performed. Many are content to move forward with sufficient knowledge to confirm their beliefs and to build upon that knowledge as a confirmation of their faithfulness in growing closer to Christ throughout their lives.

For others, like DHS alumnus Jack Boczar, a superficial understanding of God and scripture is not enough. Spiritual and academic pursuits drive him to drink from the deepest fountains of knowledge and base his faithfulness on the solace he finds in the order of the logical thoughts and explanations offered by the most learned philosophers and theologians of the past and present.

His unquenchable quest for knowledge and understanding has guided his life from a Protestant upbringing to a published scholar of the Catholic faith. Reflecting on his past, Jack’s unique narrative highlights embracing God through the relentless pursuit of truth and reminds us that if we remain faithful, God will always lead us to clarity through the fog of doubt.

Embracing Challenges of Faith

Jack’s journey to faith was far from straightforward. Raised in an evangelical Protestant household, he was no stranger to religious teachings. In his family, questioning and seeking deeper understanding were encouraged. This foundation was pivotal in shaping Jack’s approach to faith and philosophy. His parents, particularly his mother, who was well-versed in theological teaching, played a significant role in nurturing his inquisitive mind, as did the other kids around him.

“I would always go back to one time in eighth grade when a classmate asked, ‘If God created everything, then who created God?’ I was stumped. That question haunted me and pushed me into deeper philosophical exploration,” Jack recalled. This relentless questioning, born from one moment in his youth, defined much of his intellectual journey.

During his undergraduate years at the University of Toledo, where he double-majored in economics and philosophy, Jack grappled with existential questions that many avoid. While secular academia challenged and tested his core beliefs, he could never fully let go of the Christian tenets he felt in his heart.

Jack’s academic path took him from the University of Toledo to the University of Georgia, where he began a PhD in Philosophy. Here, he encountered the works of Hegel and other continental philosophers, but also, significantly, the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. His grandmother had once mentioned Aquinas to him, a suggestion he initially laughed off. However, as Jack delved deeper into philosophical studies, Aquinas’ systematic approach began to resonate with him.

Though not confirmed yet, Jack was so intrigued by Aquinas he started a chapter of the Thomistic Institute at the University of Georgia. This endeavor deepened his understanding of Aquinas and connected him with a community of like-minded individuals who were equally committed to exploring the depths of faith and reason.

The knowledge he acquired there, paired with the demonstrable faith of other members of his Thomistic Institute chapter, prompted him to seek a program that would fully immerse him in theology and philosophy from an intentionally spiritual perspective.

The Role of Academic Rigor

Jack ultimately found himself at DHS. Our renowned, rigorous academic programs provided an environment that both challenged and nurtured Jack’s intellectual and spiritual pursuits. Completing a two-year master’s program in theology was no small feat. The program required proficiency in two languages, completing over 36 credit hours, and submitting an extensive master’s thesis. The intellectual rigor of the program forced Jack to confront his lingering doubts about the Catholic faith head-on. It provided a structured framework within which he could foster his personal connections to the teachings more deeply.

In particular, his recurring connection with St. Thomas Aquinas and the greater enlightenment of his works provided by the DHS faculty drew Jack closer and closer to confirmation.

“Reading Aquinas was like finding a clear stream in a dense forest. His method of laying out questions, objections, and arguments in a systematic way was refreshing. It made the complex philosophical debates more accessible and comprehensible,” Jack explained.

The clarity and precision of Aquinas’s writings offered a stark contrast to the often opaque and convoluted texts of other philosophers, such as Hegel and Kant.

A Slow Burn to Conversion

Despite his growing appreciation for Aquinas and medieval philosophy, Jack’s journey to Catholicism was gradual. Continuous doubt and rigorous intellectual scrutiny obscured the path. He engaged deeply with theological issues, particularly those that challenged his faith the most. Given his fairly unique level of analytical curiosity, any doctrinal nuance had the potential to cause uncertainty.

“There were sleepless nights where I doubted everything. I didn’t believe any of it. But then, there were other times when everything made sense, and I felt a deep connection to the faith,” he admitted.

This oscillation between doubt and belief eventually solidified his conviction of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Jack’s approach to these doubts was methodical; he read extensively, engaged in discussions with scholars and theologians, and allowed himself the time to reflect and contemplate.

The Confirmation Process

Even with spiritual and intellectual validation, the journey to the Sacrament of Confirmation was not without its challenges. If Jack uncovered a troubling theological issue, he meticulously pondered it through prayer and study. He read extensively, consulted with scholars, and deeply reflected.

“I didn’t want to have any excuses for myself. I wanted to be sure of my commitment,” Jack explained.

Ultimately, Jack sought confirmation because of a combination of intellectual satisfaction and spiritual conviction. He approached Fr. Gregory Schnakenberg, O.P., a respected church historian and DHS faculty member, who guided him through the final stages of his journey. Father Schnakenberg’s historical perspective complemented the theological insights Jack had gained from other scholars, providing a well-rounded foundation for his faith.

Jack’s confirmation was a significant milestone, marking the culmination of years of searching, questioning, and ultimately finding a home within the Catholic Church.

“It was a gradual process, but by the end of my time at DHS, I was ready. I felt a deep sense of peace and certainty about my decision,” Jack reflected.

Faith as a Lifelong Journey

Jack’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that every person walks a unique path to faithfulness, and the path is as significant as the summit. It’s about the continual search for truth, even when faced with daunting doubts. His experience highlights that questioning and seeking are integral to growing our faith.

Jack’s journey offers a reassuring message for those struggling with belief: it’s okay to doubt, question, and seek. Through persistent inquiry and openness to God’s guidance, one can find the true path illuminated by faith. Jack’s story is a reminder that, amid life’s uncertainties, there is a light that guides those who seek it with a sincere heart.

Jack’s current endeavors reflect his commitment to being a beacon of light for others. With multiple published articles and ongoing research, he aims to provide clarity and guidance to those grappling with similar questions.

Lights are shining brightly in this seemingly dark world. Some will find us, and others we must search deeply for. Most importantly, we must never lose hope. Jack’s journey illustrates that no storm is too heavy and no path too overgrown for us to find our way back to God. The direction may not always be clear, but the pursuit is deeply rewarding and profoundly transformative.

If contemplating Jack’s journey compels you to support DHS in our endeavors to share Christ’s teachings with the world, please click here to support this work.

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“I wasn’t called to be a professor. I wasn’t called to be a teacher. I was called to go know God.”

These are the words of lifelong seeker Adamo Manfra as he summarizes his journey in faith. It is a faith sown while growing up in a Catholic household, fortified throughout his adolescent years, clarified while serving his country, and sharpened at The Dominican House of Studies. Even now, Adamo continually seeks clarity and growth in his professional life, and God continues to provide.

His statement encapsulates the profound essence of his journey through spirituality and the world. The constancy of being drawn to God in his life often appeared as detours, but ultimately, it illuminated the inspired path he was destined to follow. This path has taken him from the familiar pews of his childhood church to impactful roles in faith and public policy.

Roots in Faith and Service

Raised in a devout Catholic household, Adamo’s journey deepened from an early age. Moving from being passively taken to church to actively going marked his first steps toward spiritual autonomy.

“I was always active in my faith,” he stated, recalling how he and a friend initiated a second youth group night, demonstrating his early commitment to community and church leadership. This early engagement laid a strong foundation, embedding a commitment to faith that would guide his life’s trajectory.

Molded by Military Service

His commitment to service was further galvanized when he joined the Marine Corps, where he served for over six years, including a critical deployment to Afghanistan. It was here, amidst the starkness of military chapels and the rigors of duty, that his faith crystallized.

“It was all about Jesus,” he said, reflecting on the simplicity of daily Mass in a war zone. “It was a plywood chapel with plywood pews. Many of the people in attendance had rifles. It was a unique approach to worship for sure.”

With some of the superficial layers of the practice stripped away, the profound centrality of Christ in both the Gospel and Adamo’s life was made clear to him.

Navigating Hurdles: Theological Pursuit

The decision to delve deeper into theology emerged during his time in Afghanistan, encouraged by influential military chaplains and pivotal religious texts. He found himself actively considering ending his military career to pursue theology. During this time, he encountered numerous obstacles.

Each challenge posed the question: Is this a hurdle or a wall?

Through prayerful discernment, what seemed like insurmountable barriers were transformed into manageable hurdles by his steadfast faith and the guidance he received from God.

“God kept saying, yes, you can,” he recalled, acknowledging the divine encouragement that helped him navigate each decision point.

This period of discernment led him to the Dominican House of Studies, renowned for its rigorous academic approach to Catholic theology. Here, he immersed himself in the study of Thomas Aquinas, which proved transformative.

“If you want to see the world differently, to see it through God’s approach, DHS is where you need to be,” he asserted, highlighting how the institution shaped his understanding and equipped him to engage the world through a lens of faith.

Faith in Action: Public Policy and Advocacy

Today, his theological insights fuel his advocacy in public policy, where he champions biblical values in the public arena. This work represents a career shift and a continuation of his mission to live out his faith actively. He approaches complex social issues with a theological perspective, striving to infuse divine truth into public discourse and legislation, advocating for laws that reflect Biblical values and enhance the common good.

Legacy and Continuing Journey

Adamo Manfra’s journey, though somewhat unconventional, underscores a fundamental truth about faith: it is not static but a dynamic, lifelong pursuit. For him, every step is a move towards greater clarity, guided by the teachings of the Church and a steadfast belief in God’s presence in every facet of life.

Adamo Manfra’s collective experiences and receptiveness to God’s calls in their many forms exemplify a profound dedication to understanding and living out the truths of his faith. His story is a testament to the transformative power of spirituality that guides us through personal tempests and empowers us to effect meaningful change in the world.

We may not know where God is calling us or why, but we do know that if we heed His call, He will place us where He needs us most.

If reading Adamo’s story compels you to support our mission of creating highly educated advocates for Christ in a world that so desperately needs to hear Him, you may show your support here.

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When individuals are compelled to heed God’s calling and fulfill His purpose for them, the Dominican House of Studies stands ready to receive, form, and prepare them to bring souls to Christ.

For some of our students and alumni, there was never any doubt they would join the priesthood. Others may have a less linear journey. In their cases, a life experience plants a seed that grows within. In God’s time, that lesson ultimately leads them down the path to serve Him with all their heart, mind, and soul.

For one of our alumni, Father Zachary Sexton, the seed was planted when he was only eight years old after the tragic loss of his father.

The lesson he learned was this: Even in our darkest moments, Christ is with us.

In the last few years of his life, Father Zachary’s dad experienced an intense reversion to the Catholic faith. In His divine providence, God was preparing Mr. Sexton for eternal life while giving him the tools to lay a foundation of faith for his son.

Father Zachary, a self-described “nervous kid,” often had trouble sleeping on Sunday nights, knowing he would have school on Monday. He vividly remembers his dad teaching him to pray the Rosary to calm his fears and find sleep as he toiled with worry and uncertainty about everything that could happen the next day at school.

When young Zachary asked his dad if that would make the Blessed Mary think he found her boring, he replied, “No, son. Think of it as if you are falling asleep in her arms.”

Drawing Closer to God In Tragedy

His dad’s death placed Father Zachary at a profound life crossroads, even while being far too young to know what that meant.

“That was one of these pivotal moments in my life where I could have gone the other way,” Father Zachary says. “I could have decided life is meaningless and done whatever I wanted, or recognized there is something beyond this life and done something about it.”

The lessons his dad taught him ran deep. The Blessed Mother’s calming embrace grew tighter. Through God’s grace, Father Zachary chose hope and faith over despair.

A Journey of Faith and Discovery

“I became the de facto Catholic in my family at age eight,” he recounts. “I was the person people came to for answers, and I learned how to work hard to find them.”

After being tested in the “crucible” that is Western Rhode Island, which he describes as “nominally Catholic in the same way Taco Bell is Mexican food, it has the trappings and much of the flavor profile, but not much authenticity,” Father Zachary informed his mom of his desires to become a priest at age 14.

As he matured, he went to a diocesan vocation weekend and found that he loved the devotion diocesan priests embody, but he was not as intrigued with the solitude that most diocesan priests lived. So, he attended Providence College and earned the credentials to become a high school biology teacher.

Fulfilling A Call

Father Zachary was exposed to the Dominicans while at Providence College, and his priestly desires continued to grow.

“I quote Revelation 9:13,” he said. “Who are these men in white, and whence have they come?”

“I was drawn to the Dominican order because I saw these men who formed, prayed, and taught together,” he continued. “Unlike the diocesans who had to work independently, the Dominicans are more like a Navy SEAL team where everyone has a particular role, and the job gets done precisely and very well.”

After three years as a teacher, Father Zachary looked within himself, prayed for guidance, and felt the call to revisit his youthful desire to become a priest. He entered the novitiate of the Province of St. Joseph.

“Working as a Dominican has taught me to be better,” he said. “It recognizes my strengths and doesn’t press as hard on my weaknesses.”

Father Zachary became keenly aware of recognizing God’s grace in the novitiate, not just in his life but in the lives of others. He came to understand that dependence on God is the key to happiness and freedom, even though it can be challenging for a person to see it that way.

Finding Freedom

“Freedom is not found in the person who can get whatever he wants,” Father Zachary shared, “because ultimately you become bound to those things. True freedom is found in grabbing the only thing that matters: the saving promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. Dependency on God is the ultimate freedom because you don’t need stuff. You can operate in any circumstance because the only thing you need is God.”

At the Dominican House of Studies, friars learn to overcome their natural, worldly desires and develop a close relationship with God. His truth loosens the world’s bonds and empowers men to obtain their eternal rewards.

Truth is light that guides us through the tempests of doubt and insecurity that rage around us and lead us astray.

Father Zachary said, “If people realized how beautiful Heaven was, they would be conformed to the good and chase after it. That’s what we want. It is easier to run towards happiness than run away from sin. We teach people to understand happiness first.”

Gaining an understanding of true happiness is fuel for the soul. Dominicans acquire and share knowledge to fulfill people’s desperate need for this understanding. By bestowing knowledge, Dominicans chart the path to salvation.

Sharing Christ’s Truths

Veritas, which means truth, is the motto of the Dominican Order. St. Dominic’s mission for his order, the mission that lives on today, is to use truth and knowledge to point souls to Jesus Christ. Truth is at the foundation of the curriculum at the Dominican House of Studies.
“That’s ultimately our project,” Father Zachary summarized, “the salvation of every human life we encounter. At the macro level, it can look like directing people and culture and pointing everybody towards the Lord Jesus Christ as the light and the way out of the storm. And it can also look, on the micro level, more individual. It can be more about showing someone how God is working in their own life and how He’s drawing them closer to Him.”

“So, some of our focus is this huge project where we teach the tempted to overcome the tempest of the world, and we magnify all the lights pointing towards the Lord,” he continued. “Or it could be a focus on the tempest of one person’s heart and soul to help them understand their purpose in the world and where they’re going.”

Guiding Souls to Happiness

Ultimately, finding happiness is about finding clarity. Father Zachary and our other alumni light the path so that others may grow to understand that money, power, and possessions pale in value to the bounty that comes with immersing yourself in Christ’s Word.

If you hunger for His grace and His Word, you will never experience physical hunger.

“This is what you actually want, not all those other things you are filling yourself with,” Father Zachary said. “All the good things you think you want are centered on Him. The rewarding thing about being a Dominican is that I can teach people how to get there, and when I light their lamp, they can show countless others how to get there, too.”

Overcoming Challenges of the World

Life provides trials and challenges. We cannot avoid them. We can, however, lessen the blows that come our way by arming ourselves with the Word of God and seeking His grace. All things that are good in our hearts are put there by God.

We must act on the good with more force than we allow lament and sorrow to act upon us. Father Zachary leaned on the tragic loss of his dad as an opportunity to grow closer to God, not move further away.

One path leads to darkness, and one path leads to light. One to sorrow and pain, one to happiness and joy.

Let us pray for the strength to follow Father Zachary’s example. It will lead to salvation and the salvation of countless souls you draw to the Light of Christ. Being a friend to Christ is to make more friends for Him and to increase the population of Heaven as they gain a fuller understanding of all the promises He has made and fulfilled.

The eternal happiness of doing His work is exponentially greater than any worldly happiness we can find in our mortal existence on earth. If you seek God in all your endeavors, you will find true joy in all you do.

If you feel compelled to support our mission in educating and training individuals like Father Zachary, you can do so here.

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In an ever-evolving world where the tempests of life often obscure clarity, college-aged individuals find themselves at a crossroads as they chart their course in the world.

For students like Molly Egilsrud, a current Ph.D. student in moral theology at The Catholic University of America, the path to enlightenment is rarely linear. What seems important at one age can lose its luster as individual experiences and surprise connections turn eyes from a secular professional direction back to an opportunity to shine as a beacon for God.

Molly’s journey from undergraduate studies at Georgetown University to the Dominican House of Studies (DHS) and beyond is certainly unique. What is clear in speaking to her, however, is that the time she spent earning her master’s degree at DHS has had an illuminating impact on both her academic and spiritual life.

A Path Emerges

Georgetown, a Jesuit university, may seem an unlikely precursor to enrollment in a school steeped in the Dominican tradition like DHS. However, Molly’s educational journey illustrates how God is always working in our lives and placing us where we need to be. Her experiences at Georgetown and after graduation sowed seeds that will ultimately yield generations of preachers of God’s Word.

“People are always surprised by how I ended up at DHS,” Molly reflected. She attributes her decision largely to the influence of Dominican friars she met after a friend from her parish invited her to a Bible study while they were both living and working in Washington, DC. Her experiences during those sessions eventually led her to pursue a deeper understanding of her faith and her future role within it.

Molly found her career at a secular company unfulfilling after graduating from Georgetown. This lack of fulfillment prompted a period of introspection and openness to divine guidance.

“I didn’t really see a future with the company I was working for,” she admitted. “So I was just at a place of real openness with the Lord, and I asked. What do I do here? What do I want to do next?”

In that moment of contemplation, God compelled Molly to reflect deeply on her encounters with the Dominican Friars in her parish and the knowledge she was acquiring regularly in Bible study.

“I remember marveling at how they knew so much about the faith and were able to think on their feet and knew so much about everything,” she said.

Their vibrant, intelligent witness to Christ nudged her toward DHS, a decision she credits as being “the right thing.”

The DHS Experience

Reflecting on her time at DHS, Molly emphasized the unique educational approach of the institution, succinctly describing it as an orderly system of thought within a tradition.

This methodology, she observed, is instrumental in forming a cohesive and comprehensive understanding of theological principles. The alignment of thought shared amongst the faculty compounds the interconnectedness of the lessons.

This all-encompassing nature of the curriculum turned philosophy from a subject Molly was reluctant to study into an enjoyable subject that led to an even deeper understanding of theology.

The tight sense of community and shared pursuit of the truth also struck Molly.

“It’s like homeschool slash high school slash seminary,” she described, highlighting the close-knit environment that fosters both academic and spiritual growth.

Even with that analogy in mind, she quickly pointed out how rigorous the studies are, stating, “It’s very intense because it’s driven by the friars, and their whole lives are organized around study.”

The integrated structure of the coursework, along with the repetition and reinforcement of key concepts, prepared her well for the challenges of a Ph. D. program and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Teaching and Evangelization

As she nears the end of her doctoral studies, Molly is looking ahead to a future of teaching and contributing to the academic world through the lens of Thomistic theology. Her aspiration to become a college or seminary professor is rooted in a desire to share the richness of Catholic theology, informed by her experiences and education at DHS.

“DHS is totally foundational for my intellectual life,” she stated, underscoring the profound impact of the school on her approach to teaching and scholarship. “I want to make sure I’m handing down the Thomistic tradition.”

Molly’s journey underscores the transformative power of education deeply embedded in tradition and community. Her story is a testament to the way DHS not only shapes the minds of its students but also prepares them to be luminaries in a world that yearns for clarity and truth. As she continues her academic and spiritual journey, Molly carries the legacy of DHS with her. With that legacy, she is poised to illuminate the path for others with the same light that guided her.

Molly’s story is just one example of how DHS brightens the world with the knowledge of Christ. If reading her story compels you to support our mission, please click here to learn how you can contribute.

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St. Dominic was inspired by the conviction that knowledge is the surest path to Christ. He established his order to ensure that those who understood Christ most deeply could share their understanding with those needing light. Communally, all souls would grow together on God’s enlightened path and enjoy the eternal rewards of faithfulness.

The Dominican House of Studies (DHS) exists to perpetuate the mission of St. Dominic. Our revered institution receives learned individuals seeking to better understand Christ’s role in their lives, increases their knowledge, and then sends them into the world so that they may bring more souls to Him.

Current DHS doctoral student Father Thomas Aquinas Pickett, OP, embodies our mission. A self-described “cradle Catholic,” he was born to faithful parents who ensured he remained mindful of the worth and purpose of his soul.

Coupling the foundations of his parents’ teachings and the spiritual gift of intellectual curiosity bestowed upon him by God, Father Pickett has embarked upon a life’s quest for understanding. Acquiring knowledge is edifying for him, but his greatest desire is to share this knowledge to edify others.

Gaining and Sharing the Light

While spirituality and faithfulness were always present in his home, the world outside those four walls was much different.

“I grew up in an area where there are a lot of non-Catholics,” he recounted, “and they would either ask me questions or challenge me on certain things. It was imperative for me to articulate my faith. There were many misconceptions I had to correct.”

While he did not understand how people could lack such clarity, he learned that the perfection of God’s truth provided every answer he would ever need. This clarity set him on the path of a relentless pursuit of the light of Christ.

A Cradle Catholic’s Quest

As he matured, Father Pickett was most intrigued by the elements of his faith that he least understood.

“I was always intrigued by the mysteries of faith, not just to absorb what I was taught, but to question, understand, and challenge the tenets of my faith,” he reflects.

This profound curiosity led him to explore the depths of theological and philosophical questions as a philosophy student in his college years. This was particularly evident in his desire to understand prayer and its relationship with God’s plan.

“I started wondering if God knows everything already,” he shared, “why are we talking to Him? Or, if everything is following His plan, are we trying to change it when we’re praying? What does prayer actually do?”

In this period of questioning, he discovered the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, which profoundly transformed his understanding of prayer, God’s providence, and the essence of truth.

The Dominican Way

The Dominican Order’s commitment to preaching and teaching provided the perfect pathway for deepening his pursuit.

“St. Thomas Aquinas, with his analytical approach to theology, offered a framework that truly resonated with me,” he stated. “The Dominican Order’s charism of contemplation and sharing the fruits of that contemplation was exactly what I was looking for.”

This pursuit was not merely intellectual but a spiritual quest to live out the truths he discovered.

Formation at the Dominican House of Studies

The Dominican House of Studies has played a crucial role in refining both his intellect and spirituality. Here, he has learned that to share Christ effectively with others, he must first embody the Gospel’s truth in his own life.

“Theology at DHS is not just a subject of study but a way of life that demands a commitment to holiness,” he recalled.

“I remember a professor telling me very explicitly early on that theology can’t just be an academic discipline,” he continued, “to be a theologian requires knowing, loving, and serving Christ. Without that, you are doing an academic exercise, but without the grace necessary to truly understand what you are learning.”

Spreading the Word

Upon completing his doctorate at DHS, Father Pickett will serve as a professor at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. His deep knowledge and inspirational message will edify and enlighten others dedicated to holy service. His students will share the Holy Gospel armed with the truths they need to bring souls unto Christ.

As Father Pickett prepares to teach and form future Dominicans and evangelists, his story stands as a powerful witness to a faith that seeks understanding—a faith unwilling to settle for easy answers but instead dives deep into the Gospel’s heart.

“My journey from a curious child to a dedicated friar and theologian highlights the communal aspect of our pursuit of Christ. It’s not just about seeking answers for ourselves but for the entire world,” he explained.

A Beacon of Light for the World

His narrative is a vivid reminder that the path to Christ is both deeply personal and inherently communal. It underscores the importance of seeking Christ for personal enlightenment and as a mission to bring truth and clarity to others.

“I hope my story serves as a beacon of light for those navigating the seas of doubt and confusion, offering a path that leads to truth, clarity, and ultimately, to Christ Himself,” he concludes.

Through his journey, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith that seeks understanding, the importance of living the truths we discover, and the profound impact of sharing those truths with the world. His life is a living embodiment of the Dominican mission, illuminating the path to Christ in a world in desperate need of truth.

If reading Father Pickett’s story inspires you to support our mission to share refined knowledge of Christ with the world, please click here to support the Dominican House of Studies.

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It could be argued that there is no higher call than providing young souls with the Light of Christ so that they may draw on that power throughout their lives. Imparting the ability to discern good from evil is invaluable in a world where the differences between the two are increasingly blurred.

Dominican House of Studies’ alumna Sister Maria Catherine heeds this call. As a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia, she instructs third through eighth graders daily at St. Mary’s Catholic School, a parish school in South Carolina.

Using lessons and instructional methods she honed and acquired at the Dominican House of Studies, she guides young people to an understanding of their value and purpose as children of Christ.

Formation at the DHS

Growing the faith of children and supporting families in their mission to bring Christ into their hearts is the mission of the Sisters of St. Cecilia. Women who enter the Nashville Dominican Sisters either have a bachelor’s degree in education or earn one after joining the community. To increase their effectiveness as teachers, the sisters remain devoted to studying and growing their knowledge of Christ throughout their religious lives.

Sister Maria Catherine came to the Dominican House of Studies to earn her master’s degree through an intensive five-year summer program. The Friars developed the program for sisters to study and understand the thoughts and teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae.

“I had already studied St. Thomas somewhat,” Sister Maria Catherine recounted, “but studying that with the Friars really brought me to understand Thomas’s love for scripture and to learn how to walk with my brother Thomas in a deeper understanding of the truth that the Lord’s giving in the scriptures.”

Understanding St. Thomas’s vision helped her see the whole plan of God and comprehend the richness of the life of holiness in Jesus that the Lord has in store for each of us. Gaining this deep personal knowledge has been foundational in Sister Maria Catherine’s continued devotion to God and her mission.

“The Friars taught me how to take St. Thomas as a guide in understanding myself,” she said, “and enriching my own vocation of belonging to Christ enhanced my service to the families and children I teach. I learned how St. Thomas explains the truth of the person so clearly, and it has enabled me to articulate the truth more clearly and guide young souls to the joys of Christ.”

Teaching the Children

Sister Maria Catherine finds great blessing in shining the light and directing young people to overcome the distractions today’s world bombards them with. All the technology they use, the entertainment they consume, and the activities they participate in to fill their time do not fill the hole in her students’ hearts.

“These kids never have the time to stop and see the bigger picture,” she said. “They never get a chance to ponder their direction and see the true beauty of life. The world has filled them with a need to have their time constantly filled with empty things, and there is a lack of seeing that every moment can have meaning if we allow Christ to give light, meaning, and joy to every minute.”

Empowering students to grasp this truth is no small feat. Sister Maria Catherine blends the knowledge her students have been given by loving parents in their home with the enlightenment she has acquired at the Dominican House of Studies and throughout her religious life. Through her joy and zeal, students move from knowing who Christ is to developing a personal relationship with Him. Establishing that relationship forms a greater understanding of their destiny in God and with God.

“We heavily focus on the magnanimity of the soul,” she said. “We make sure they understand that the Lord has a call for them and a purpose for them and that responding to His call has an impact on the whole world. It’s not just that Jesus loves them. It’s that He has a mission for them. He’s using them in ways they can’t even see. They light up when they come to understand that their life has a divine purpose.”

The Reach of Her DHS Formation

Gifted educators teach in the manner they learn. At the Dominican House of Studies, Sister Maria Catherine experienced firsthand the power of reading, discussing, and growing in knowledge as a group. During her studies, she realized that the discussions and questions that came up with her Sisters were similar to those of her students.

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia often incorporate the Socratic method into their teaching, and the growth Sister Maria Catherine experienced through this style at the DHS refined her technique and purpose for employing it in her classroom.

“I really like to teach kids how to read a text in depth and learn how to analyze and dissect something meaningful and substantial,” she stated. “Then I have them discuss it with their peers. They learn to trust that they can think, reason, and know the truth of their faith.”

The impact of this knowledge is more substantial than bringing one young soul to Christ.

“It’s definitely effective for their personal conversion,” Sister Maria Catherine continues, “but it also teaches them how to evangelize and bring more souls to the Joy and Light of Christ.”

Why The Work of the Dominican House of Studies Matters

St. Dominic believed that God wanted truth and knowledge to be the typical path to salvation and wanted all to have it. The Dominican House of Studies continues St. Dominic’s mission by equipping Sisters and Friars with the tools they need to evangelize Christ’s Light to the world.

“I love the imagery of St. Dominic with his torch setting the world on fire with the love of Christ,” Sister Maria Catherine shared. “I am grateful the Lord saw fit to invite me to DHS and be a part of His process. Refining my knowledge of His Word and strengthening my bond with Him has prepared me to bring as many souls to Him as possible by spreading His joy and filling the holes in the hearts of the children I teach.”

Sister Maria Catherine moves young people to eschew the hollow distractions of the world and instead fill their hearts and minds with the solid Word of Christ. Those who receive His Word will influence others to seek the same joy and happiness.

Consider yourself and your circle. You may not have the same opportunity to evangelize Christ’s love to young people as this great sister and DHS alumna does, but pray for His guidance in finding opportunities to bring more souls to Him in any way you can.

Sam Cabot

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