Mission, Convictions and Heritage
St. Thomas Mission Statement
Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.
Our Convictions
- Pursuit of Truth:
We value intellectual inquiry as a lifelong habit, the unfettered and impartial pursuit of truth in all its forms, the integration of knowledge across disciplines, and the imaginative and creative exploration of new ideas.
- Academic Excellence:
We create a culture among faculty, students and staff that recognizes the power of ideas and rewards rigorous thinking.
- Faith and Reason:
We actively engage Catholic intellectual tradition, which values the fundamental compatibility of faith and reason and fosters meaningful dialogue directed toward the flourishing of human culture.
- Dignity:
We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community.
- Diversity:
We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society.
- Personal Attention:
We foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member.
- Gratitude:
We celebrate the achievements of all members of our community in goals attained and obstacles overcome, and in all things give praise to God.
The Common Good at St. Thomas
What do we mean by the common good? Fr. Chris Collins invites you to learn more about what that means for Tommies and how it relates to our mission at St. Thomas.
“Grant, O merciful God, that I may ardently desire, prudently examine, truthfully acknowledge, and perfectly accomplish what is pleasing to Thee for the praise and glory of Thy name. Amen.”
Catholic Traditions and Teaching
Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching, found in magisterial Church documents, invites us to take direct action to encounter the dignity of others and to create the conditions of solidarity within our communities.
The principles of Catholic social teaching challenge us to think critically about ourselves and our world, fueling innovative problem solving that serves to advance the common good.
The Dignity of Persons
Respect for the dignity of persons is the cornerstone of the moral life. It is one of the “Seven Convictions” of the University of St. Thomas and a principle of Catholic Social Teaching.
Encountering and responding to the dignity in others is central to being a morally responsible leader who thinks critically, acts wisely, and works skillfully to advance the common good. In other words, it is part of being a “Tommie.”
Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Catholic Intellectual Tradition
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching, found in magisterial Church documents, invites us to take direct action to encounter the dignity of others and to create the conditions of solidarity within our communities.
The principles of Catholic social teaching challenge us to think critically about ourselves and our world, fueling innovative problem solving that serves to advance the common good.
The Dignity of Persons
The Dignity of Persons
Respect for the dignity of persons is the cornerstone of the moral life. It is one of the “Seven Convictions” of the University of St. Thomas and a principle of Catholic Social Teaching.
Encountering and responding to the dignity in others is central to being a morally responsible leader who thinks critically, acts wisely, and works skillfully to advance the common good. In other words, it is part of being a “Tommie.”
Living Our Mission
Office for Mission
Campus Ministry
Center for the Common Good
Committed to All Humans Flourishing
Care for Our Common Home
Support for Mind, Body and Spirit
Faith and Mission News
Interreligious Studies Center Director Writes for Minnesota Multifaith Network
Dr. Hans Gustafson, director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and an adjunct professor in the Department of Theology at the University of St. Thomas, recently wrote a blog post for Minnesota Multifaith Network. In the article, “Multifaith Leadership and Engagement in a Fractured World Workshop a Remarkable Success,” Gustafson provided a recap… The post Interreligious Studies Center Director Writes for Minnesota Multifaith Network appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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March 12, 2024
In the News: Sister Mary Micaela Hoffmann on the Journey to Her Vocation
Sister Mary Micaela Hoffmann, theology instructor at The Saint Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas, recently shared her insights with The Catholic Spirit on discovering her vocation and discernment within the Church. From the story: “My story starts with my family who were Catholic, and my grandparents, my mom’s parents, with whom we… The post In the News: Sister Mary Micaela Hoffmann on the Journey to Her Vocation appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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February 12, 2024
The Saint Paul Seminary’s Newest Permanent Deacons Live Secular Lives, Too
The Saint Paul Seminary’s 2023 class of permanent diaconate is one of the largest ever in archdiocese history. Bishop Joseph Williams ordained 18 men in December 2023 as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis at the Cathedral of St. Paul. In the Catholic Church, deacons belong to the diaconate, one of… The post The Saint Paul Seminary’s Newest Permanent Deacons Live Secular Lives, Too appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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February 5, 2024
VIDEO: What Is Catholic Seminary Actually Like?
Ever wonder what life is like for seminarians? Well, in this video, seminarian J.P. Thornton provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a seminarian at The Saint Paul Seminary. Thornton captures a full day at the seminary, from 6:30 a.m. holy hour to when he goes to bed. Within the business of prayer time,… The post VIDEO: What Is Catholic Seminary Actually Like? appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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January 26, 2024
How to Put the ‘catholic’ in Catholic Studies
In Catholic Studies, we are interested in everything. So my colleague, John Boyle, likes to say. This remark surprised me when I first heard it during my campus job interview nearly 10 years ago. I was not entirely sure what Catholic Studies was. American studies is about American stuff. Gender studies is about gender stuff.… The post How to Put the ‘catholic’ in Catholic Studies appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
Expanding Our Impact
St. Thomas 2025 is an ambitious, yet focused five-year effort designed to propel the university toward a new level of impact. Our Strategic Plan is a guide to help us reach higher in serving our students, our community and the world.