Perhaps the Catholic Theological Union is more than just a graduate school. It may be a place where faith meets action. Founded in 1968, the Catholic Theological Union emerged from the union of three religious institutes. These were the Franciscans, Passionists, and Servites. They combined their theology programs into one school.
Today the Catholic Theological Union boasts the sponsorship of twenty-three religious communities. It stands as one of the largest Catholic graduate schools of theology. Its influence extends throughout the English-speaking world. The Catholic Theological Union trains both men and women. They prepare for lay and ordained ministry within the Catholic Church. Religious and lay individuals staff and run the CTU. Its student body is diverse. International students comprise nearly one third of it.
The Catholic Theological Union is serious about preparing leaders. Its motto reflects this commitment. It focuses on preparing effective leaders for the Church. They will witness Christ’s good news. This includes justice, love, and peace. The Catholic Theological Union seeks to offer quality theological education. It also provides ongoing formation. This is for laity, religious figures, and clergy. They may be preparing for ministry or already engaged in it. This ministry occurs in the United States and around the world.
The Catholic Theological Union fosters ecumenism. It actively engages in interreligious dialogue. This includes dialogue with Jewish and Muslim communities. The Catholic Theological Union welcomes students from these communities. They seek to study in a Catholic context. The environment at Catholic Theological Union reflects the global Catholic Church. It is vibrant and diverse. Religious, clergy, and lay individuals come together.
The Paul Bechtold Library is the main library. It honors CTU’s founding president. The library holds many books. Its archive includes records related to CTU. Distinctive collections focus on Catholic religious communities. They explore ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. Pastoral theology is also a focus.
Several centers enhance the academic environment at the Catholic Theological Union. The Bernardin Center of Theology and Ministry is one example. It focuses on Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s signature issues. These include reconciliation, peacemaking, and interreligious dialogue. The Center for the Study of Consecrated Life is another. It addresses contemporary issues in consecrated life from a global perspective.
The Catholic Theological Union is located in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. It shares this location with the Lutheran School of Theology and McCormick Theological Seminary. The address is 5416 South Cornell Avenue. The Catholic Theological Union can be accessed via various transportation routes. These include the Chicago metropolitan expressway system, Lake Shore Drive, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. Public transportation options include CTA buses/trains and the Metra Electric line.
So, consider this academic center as more than just a school. Think of the Catholic Theological Union as a vibrant hub. It prepares leaders. It promotes dialogue. It enriches the broader community.