Four Pillars of Formation

At Saint Meinrad, the study of theology is not just an intellectual exercise, but a process that engages the whole person. Whether we serve the Church in a professional ministry capacity, volunteer actively, teach, or simply live out our Baptismal calling in faith, we do so not just with our minds, but with our entire selves.

Even as Saint Meinrad strives to extend opportunities for accessible and affordable theological education to a wide diversity of students in various life circumstances, the core of our vision is the same: a commitment to providing a balanced, well-rounded educational experience whose primary focus is pastoral concern.

This education rests on a solid foundation of four fundamental pillars – human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation – as called for by the United States Bishops in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, a foundational document on lay ecclesial ministry, and by similar documents related to the formation of priests and permanent deacons.