The three Braegelman Sisters were:

• Sr. Benedicta born 2-18-1892 taught elementary school
• Sr. Athanasius born 1-15-1895 served as Prioress: 1942-1954, and 1960-1966 She was also President of the Federation of St. Benedict 1966-1971, and Second Visitator of the Federation 1960-1966
• Sr. Bernice born 5-6-1897 was a scripture scholar and professor at the College.

The naming of the Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies is a special point of pride for Sr. Mary Josephine Torborg, an associate professor in the School of Arts and Letters; she is the niece of the Braegelman Sisters.

The Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies (36 semester credits)

The Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies is designed for students interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism's rich tradition and its interaction with culture. The Program introduces students to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on which the very idea of a modern university is based. The Tradition sweeps across and includes all fields of study with the conviction that all seeking is search for truth and those who seek truth will find God. The program invites and facilitates dialogue between faith and modern culture. The interdisciplinary nature of the study highlights for students the complementary interaction of faith and reason. The curriculum, beginning with and grounded in theology and philosophy, is both broad and diverse as it seeks to engage students with the transformative realities of the arts and sciences. The curriculum is designed to appeal to the student of any faith tradition who seeks greater appreciation for western culture. The major is designed to fit nicely with any number of other fields of study and will work well as a second major (double major) for many students. The major culminates in a capstone Seminar in Catholic Studies in which students reflect on the different courses they have completed in the arts and sciences through the lens of Catholic culture, values, and traditions. Catholic Studies majors complete the following course work:

1. 8 semester credits from among the following departmental core courses:

• 4 credits from Theology, selecting from among:
  Introduction to Christian Theology
  Introduction to Catholicism
  TRS 1122 Faith Foundations and Great Ideas
• 4 credits from Biblical Studies, selecting from among:
  Introduction to the Bible
  Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
  Introduction to the New Testament

2. 12 semester credits from the following required departmental courses:

• Sacraments and Liturgy
• The Person and Mission of Jesus
• TRS 4777 Catholic Studies Seminar

3. 16 additional semester credits from theology and religious studies, the arts, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences courses chosen in consultation with the Program Director. At least 8 of these credits must be at the 3000/4000 level.

A minor in Catholic Studies is also available. Students who pursue the minor are required to complete 20 total semester credits, 12 credits from among the TRS curriculum, and 8 additional credits in courses chosen in consultation with the Program Director from theology and religious studies, the arts, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences. At least 4 credits must be at the 3000/4000 level.

In addition, students may pursue a certificate in Catholic Studies by completing 12 semester credits in theology and religious studies courses, and 4 additional credits from theology and religious studies, the arts, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences courses chosen in consultation with the Program Director.

Students who wish to know more about Catholic Studies are welcome to contact Denise Starkey at dstarkey@css.edu.

Students who wish to know more about a major or minor in Theology and Religious Studies should visit the website of the Theology and Religious Studies Department.

Formats and Locations

Catholic Studies is offered in a traditional, on-campus format at our main Duluth campus.

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Prospective Students

Course Descriptions