A Primer for the St. Mary’s Community
Inscribed in the heart of every single human person is the desire to discover the Truth. This desire includes understanding one’s experience and the basic human goods or values of life, but more importantly, it seeks to understand the fundamental questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I called to do?
The Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CIT) is a lens by which we respond to these human yearnings for truth. It is a rich and diverse tradition of enquiry which has sought to answer these profound questions through the philosophical, theological, and cultural contributions of Catholic thought in its 2,000 years of Christian history. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the CIT seeks to integrate faith, reason, and culture, in fostering a holistic approach to understanding God, the world, and our own humanity.
The Catholic Intellectual Tradition permeates all of our work at St. Mary’s in the following ways:
- We recognize and affirm the compatibility of faith with scientific, philosophical, artistic, and cultural understanding;
- We believe that the liberal arts and sciences are not exclusive but mutually enlightening;
- We work to promote social justice, social responsibility, and the common good;
- We honor the dignity of human beings and accept that all life is sacred; and
- We hold that the earth, our common home, is a gift that calls us to be responsible stewards.
At St. Mary’s University, the Catholic Intellectual Tradition is reflected in our integrated approach to learning which must promote the betterment of our community. Students will be challenged to explore the connections between faith and reason, while fostering a deeper understanding of their respective fields of study that remains rooted in a moral and ethical context. As a community of scholars, students, staff, supporters, and alumni grounded in this tradition, St. Mary’s is committed to the on-going pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge in a spirit of mutual respect and service that seeks to further the common good.
Want to learn more? Click here to read some faculty reflections on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
Ways that the Catholic Intellectual Tradition is embodied at St. Mary’s University:
- The Bylaws of St. Mary’s University call upon university leadership to promote and respect the Catholic identity of St. Mary’s.
- The Chancellor of the University is Bishop William McGrattan, and Board members receive training on the Catholic identity of the university. Regular processes are in place to ensure that St. Mary’s embodies the parameters set forth in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, included as part of the Bylaws (see pp. 17-24).
- Our Campus Ministry Team provides opportunities for community members to ponder the big questions of life, engage in faith formation, participate in liturgical celebrations, and take part in a vibrant community. Opportunities include a weekly mass during the fall and winter terms followed by a meal as well as retreats, Bible studies, and more.
- The St. Mary’s University Volunteer Team puts service into action based on the tenets of Catholic social teaching.
- Open to the public, the annual Catholic Women’s League lecture as well as the Inspiration Unplugged Lecture Series fosters dialogue between culture and the Gospel.