Fr. Ambrose Strong, Head of Department
The Religion courses in Middle School are designed to offer a solid foundation in the basic teachings of Christianity, provide an introduction to both the Old and New Testament scriptures, and address the questions naturally arising in a young man’s faith life. The Form Master periods and retreats provide the opportunity to nourish the students’ faith life more directly. The religion and theology courses are taught on the firm and explicit basis of the School’s Catholic identity and in an ecumenical spirit. Thus all students profit from them, and Catholic students receive training, encouragement, and guidance in understanding and practicing their faith. Because of the various backgrounds of the students entering the First Form (both Catholic and non-Catholic), the program starts with two years of catechetical instruction: basic doctrine in the first year, structured according to the Apostles’ Creed; and Christian living in the second year, involving the study of Christian morality and the Church’s worship (sacraments and liturgy). The Bible courses of the Third and Fourth Forms introduce the students to reading and interpreting biblical texts. The courses acquaint them with the necessary historical introductions to the books of the Bible and guide them through the most important texts of both testaments. The School requires that all students participate in its religious education program.
The Theology program teaches students to apply systematic and rational inquiry to the data of faith. The first course (Form V) covers the history of the Church. The subsequent two courses treat basic Catholic Christian doctrine (Form VI) and morality (Form VII). These courses dwell on central questions and issues suitable for all students of all faiths. The particularly Catholic character of the doctrine and its systematic presentation are clearly stated, but with respect for both denominational boundaries and the spirit of Christian ecumenism. Finally, in Form VIII, special topics of theology are treated: world religions and their relationship to Christianity and forms of Christian commitment.
Religion Department Faculty
Fr. John Bayer , O.Cist.
Phone: (469) 499-5456
STD, STL Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
MA, BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
Form Master (Form VIII);
Theology (Form VI);
Philosophy Senior Seminar;
Community Service Sponsor.
Fr. Anthony Bigney , O.Cist.
Phone: (469) 499-5448
MTh University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
MA Texas Women’s University, Denton, TX.
BA Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.
Director of Admissions;
Form Master (Form III);
Social Studies (Form I);
Theology (Form II);
Make an appointment with Fr. Anthony
Fr. Thomas Esposito , O.Cist
Phone: (469) 499-5400
SSD, SSL Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy.
STB Pontificio Ateneo Sant'Anselmo, Rome, Italy.
BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
Theology (Form VIII).
Fr. Francis Gruber , O.Cist.
Phone: (972) 438-2044-5235
MA, University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
MA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
BA, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
Religion (Form I).
Fr. Matthew Hegemann , O. Cist.
Phone: (972) 554-2321
MTh, BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX
Certificate in Formation, Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
Form Master (Form II);
Religion (Form IV);
Assistant Community Service Sponsor.
Fr. Paul McCormick , O.Cist.
Phone: (469) 499-5402
STL Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
MA, MBA, BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
Headmaster;
Religion (Form III).
Br. Kolbe Novey , O.Cist
Phone: (972) 438-2044-5227
BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX
Religion (Form I);
Latin (Form I).
Fr. Raphael Schaner , O.Cist.
Phone: (469) 499-5400
MTh, MH, BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
Theology (Form V);
Art Elective;
Exodus Sponsor.
Fr. Ambrose Strong , O.Cist.
Phone: (469) 499-5447
STL Accademia Alfonsiana, Rome, Italy.
MTh, BA University of Dallas, Irving, TX.
Dean of Students;
Form Master (Form VI);
Head of Theology Department;
Theology (Form VII);
Latin (Form II);
Student Council Sponsor;
Pro-Life Club Sponsor.