Adam Fitzpatrick

How do you plan to use your theology degree when you graduate?

I am currently discerning on whether or not to attend seminary after I graduate from Saint John’s University. No matter which field of ministry that I go into I plan to use my theology degree to spread the truths of the Catholic faith to all people that I encounter.

What has been the highlight of your experiences with the CSB/SJU theology Department?

The highlight of my experiences with our theology department is the reading group I was in last semester. We read Humanae Vitae, Familiaris Consortio and a reading by Lisa Cahill. The discussion in these groups was civil but we had a wide range of experience and opinion so it made for a really good discussion.

What message do you have for future students at CSB/SJU?

My message for future theology majors at CSB/SJU is that you take a lot of philosophy courses. The philosophy is necessary for understanding how to start an argument from the ground level and to not make assumptions.  I also recommend that you read a lot of systematics, most notably magisterial documents, but this could also include chronologies on certain topics like the history of Moral Theology. Because even if one disagrees with magisterial teaching, you are still responsible to form your conscience on why you disagree with that teaching, and to do that one needs to have a good background in philosophy.

Are you involved in any other activities at CSB/SJU?

I am a Resident Assistant for a freshman floor, and I am an officer in Fides et Ratio, which is a Catholic club on campus.