Why Should I Study Theology?
Past and present students in the Little Rock Theology Institute share why they decided to participate in the program. For more information, or to register for the next year of study, contact the Office of Religious Education and Christian Initiation.
True Blessing
"This has been one of the most fulfilling years in my Christian life. The program allows you not only to gain an extreme amount of knowledge but also to make other Christian friends. The knowledge of the professors is so wide and each one is an expert in their own areas. I have learned so very much about the Catholic faith and in such a manner that I have been able to share with others some of what I have learned. The theology program is a blessing to all who are able to take advantage of it and attend. All that you learn through the classes helps you grow in faith, in your duties at your parishes and families, and encourages you to seek more knowledge on a daily basis." Retha Fausett. St. Joseph Church, Conway
Top Notch Professors
"The theology program for the last three years has been a wonderful growing experience. My faith has expanded. We have had such wonderful theologians to teach us. People who have written the latest in Scripture and theology have actually come and stood in our classrooms and brought us up-to-date on every topic. It has been an inspiring experience to learn and grow. It has fed us in faith and has explained our Church on every level. The theology program has been a blessing. I have been able to share immediately what I have learned with the members of my parish. It is enriching. I would encourage anyone who wants a challenge and a blessing to participate. What a way to share your faith with other Catholics from all over the state. We in Arkansas are lucky to have the opportunity to study through this program. I am thankful and humbled by the experience." Therese McFall, St. Albert Church, Heber Springs
To the Next Level
"The Little Rock Theology Institute offers students the opportunity to take their knowledge of the Catholic Church to the next level. As a convert and lifelong student, I was looking for such an opportunity and am well pleased. The instructors are excellent and often quite provocative in ways that challenge students to open up to the great richness of Catholic faith and culture. What I thought I knew coming into class was just the tip of the iceberg. Fellowship with other students from around the diocese is an added bonus. The enthusiasm of participants, both students and instructors is inspiring. I find myself more motivated than ever before to seek out opportunities to share my faith and can't wait until class resumes next fall." Clark Wilkinson, Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, Little Rock
Learned Together
"Since our youngest child had just left for college, we decided to enroll in the theology institute. I had considered the classes for several years, but the timing had not seemed right earlier. My husband agreed to join me, saying he would take the classes for credit, but recognized he might have to eventually audit if his busy workload prevented him from attending classes or completing homework. Somehow, by the grace of God, all has worked out well, and we are finishing our second year, even though many of our weekends begin by picking him up from the Little Rock airport for class. We have learned so much about our Catholic faith these past two years and have enjoyed the lectures, the professors, and getting to know our classmates. The theology institute is a wonderful program; we highly recommend it!" Michelle and Chris Karam, St. Edward Church, Texarkana
Wanted to Join In
I converted to the Catholic Church. Through the faith of my wife and son, I once more returned to God. Through my rediscovered faith, I was ready to serve, but how? I could find any passage in the Bible as I knew all the books of the Bible in order. I had some Bible training at college and seminary, but when the catechism was discussed, or magisterial teachings were considered, I felt like the kid looking in from the other side of the fence at the rest of the kids playing ball on the playground. I wanted to join in, but did not know how. I tried reading the catechism and other books, but I still needed a structure to connect it together. With a considerable amount of trepidation, I sent in the application and began to plan my work schedule to allow me a weekend a month for the program. The weeks and months that followed flew by as my faith grew while I attended the classes. I still only desire to serve, though now I have the beginnings of the knowledge of our faith to share. — Ralph Button, St. Jude Church, Jacksonville
A Great Experience
"At my age most folks want to do their cruising in the Caribbean, but I decided to try the Little Rock Theology Institute although I knew almost nothing about it. What a great experience. The people, the information, and especially the professors create a learning environment I truly love. Take advantage of this God-given opportunity to explore and deepen your faith." — Kevin Andersen, St. Michael Church, Van Buren
Would Do It Again
"On the first weekend we were all nervous and didn’t know quite what to expect. By the second session we began to get better acquainted and then from there our friendships continued to grow. I was very impressed that the institute made use of experts from all around the country. This was a sign to me the institute was truly giving us the best instruction in the fields we were studying. I cannot begin to express the knowledge the experts gave us. They made us feel at ease and the time we spent together went by very quickly. I really appreciated that these subjects were taught and discussed on a level the average person could understand. I recommend this program for anyone, cradle Catholics, converts and even those who just want to learn more about the Catholic faith. The participants in the groups range in age from early 20s to late 70s. I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and would do it again, given the chance." — Barbara Huber, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Benton
Meaning Behind Faith
"I never imagined that I’d be a theology student. It wasn’t on the radar for me as a young adult Catholic. But enrolling in the Little Rock Theology Institute changed my outlook on my faith. It has deepened my faith, opened my heart to dialogue with others and shown me the true face of the Church. I’m here in this program to find that path I must make to God. God calls each of us in many ways. Our response to that call is to find the meaning behind our Catholic faith and put it into action in our day-to-day lives." — Phyllis Hemann, Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock
Stronger in Community
"After going through the 'Christ Renews His Parish' process at St. Edward’s, we wanted to deepen our knowledge of our faith, including Scripture, history and current issues. There are a total of seven of us who travel each month, and it has strengthened our bonds as Christian 'sistas.'" — Chris Thomas, Louise Tausch and Melinda Brown, St. Edward Church, Texarkana