Theology at Saint Thomas Academy.

Theology is the cornerstone of our educational process. By stressing the moral dimension of leadership, we strive to help young men be capable, just, compassionate, and forthright citizens. In assisting students in their faith formation, we seek to help develop a spirituality that encourages young men to desire personal holiness as well as to become servant leaders who welcome and care for each other. It is our hope that each student will come to know the mystery of God’s abiding presence and the depth of God’s love for all.

Department Chair Overview

The mission of Saint Thomas Academy is to create Christian leaders. The Theology Department is an integral element in this educational process.  By stressing the moral dimension of leadership, we strive to help young men be capable, just, compassionate, and forthright citizens. In assisting students in their faith formation, we seek to develop a spirituality which encourages young men to desire personal holiness as well as to become servant leaders who welcome and care for each other. It is our hope that each student will come to know the mystery of God’s abiding presence and the depth of God’s love for all. Our goal is to develop educated and informed Catholics who seek to be knowledgeable in their faith, who are willing to embrace the challenges of Christianity in the new millennium, and who are ready to work for the Church’s social mission and justice and peace.  The student will:

• Demonstrate basic Biblical interpretation skills, reverence, and appreciation of Sacred Scripture.
• Understand the basic teachings of the Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (i.e. sacraments, creed, Ten Commandments, beatitudes, virtues, precepts of the Church, etc.)
• Understand their obligation to act morally and ethically as responsible Christians with well-informed and formed consciences.
• Have a basic understanding and appreciation of the history and theology of the Church, diversity of religious traditions, and of contemporary spiritual leaders.
• Understand liturgy and prayer and their movement towards service.
• Explore Christ’s invitation to discipleship and personal holiness by exploring those lifestyles compatible with the Christian vocation.
• Know the key principles of Catholic social teaching, especially principles regarding respect for life and sexual morality.
• Develop reflective, critical thinking skills; moral, creative imaging skills and prayer and dialogical skills which allow the students to research and identify, assess and evaluate, discern, judge and determine action in light of Gospel values and Church teaching.

Dual Enrollment Theology
Eligible juniors and seniors can earn college credit in select theology courses through STA’s Dual Enrollment program, in partnership with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Saint Louis University. These courses, taught by STA faculty, give students the opportunity to experience college-level classes while remaining fully immersed in Academy life. Dual Enrollment allows students to strengthen their transcripts, explore advanced topics in Catholic Theology and world religions, and get a head start on their college journey, all at a significantly reduced cost.

Leadership Pathways: Public Service
Juniors and seniors at Saint Thomas Academy can deepen their faith and leadership skills through the Leadership Pathways program, particularly within the Public Service track. This pathway encourages students to explore careers in ministry, social justice, and nonprofit leadership while reinforcing the values of servant leadership and moral integrity. Through mentorship, service opportunities, and a capstone project, students are empowered to live out their faith, develop a deeper understanding of Catholic teachings, and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

Course Catalog