Catholic Studies

About Catholic Studies

Catholic Studies at StFX is a program that uses courses in art, history, literary studies, religious studies, philosophy, and the social sciences to provide you with a wider perspective on the influences of Catholicism in world culture and history as well as on moral and spiritual life. The program emphasizes the significant contribution of Catholicism to the arts, sciences, society, human fulfillment, and the overall human condition. Catholic Studies courses are for anybody who wants to have an informed, adult-level understanding of the Catholic Church's beliefs, traditions, and contributions to contemporary culture. 

Why study Catholic Studies at StFX?

The program offers an intimate learning environment in which you explore some of the most challenging and valuable themes of human existence drawing on the insights of the Catholic Christian religion, such as human nature, the necessity of grace, and the compatibility of faith, reason, and freedom. What makes our program unique is that we acknowledge the 2000-year symbiotic relationship of Catholicism, and Christianity generally, to the history of the West, both formally (in the Catholic Church) and informally (at personal levels). Your professors are accomplished scholars. Combine that with small class sizes and you are guaranteed to be included in intellectually inspired discussions. 

First year at a glance

You will begin by learning about major developments in the history of the Catholic Church such as early Christianity, the Papacy, Ecumenical Councils, Mission, Internal Reforms, Reformation and Counter Reformation, the Enlightenment, World Wars, and the Catholic Church today. You will also investigate and examine themes such as: persecution, martyrdom, sin, moral life, death, faith, and divine love. 

Future opportunities

The program is particularly beneficial to students interested in a teaching career. Many professionals in the fields of medicine, law, finance, business, and education find that spiritual study offers a vital underpinning for their day-to-day work.