Center for Faith & Culture

Dialogue

A process that leads to transformation

At the Donald S. Nesti, CSSp Center for Faith and Culture, our primary educational tool is dialogue. Everyone has faith in something or someone. Whatever that is for you will be of value in the conversation.

You’re welcome here regardless of how you define “faith” or the extent to which you believe in it. You don’t need to be Catholic. In fact, you don’t need to subscribe to any particular faith.

For graduate students, we offer a Master of Arts in Faith and Culture.

For undergraduate students, we are home to Campus Ministry.

Our Mission Statement

Catholic Chapel of St. Basil on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas Chapel of St. Basil
Faith meets culture across the various disciplines of UST, but most profoundly through the sacramental life of the Church. In the Chapel, people of all backgrounds and cultures participate in our celebration of faith, both past and present, as we hope for our future.

Ecumenical & Interreligious

Pastoral & Community Outreach

Events

M.A. in Faith and Culture

M.A. in Faith and Culture Regardless of your profession or religion, this degree would be valuable if you’re motivated by a quest and search for:

meaning and purpose of life
self-purpose and development

Students in the program have said that you can’t base the program on the question “What are you going to do with it? Instead, your mindset should be “What do I plan to be with it?”

The approach is not theoretical. It’s applied. We want to arm you with the tools to not just engage and ask questions, but actually live out those hard questions.

For example:

A lawyer might find this degree improves certain “soft skills” like dialogue which helps them relate better to their clients. It might help clarify the decision-making process so they come from a place of integrity and virtue when representing their clients. And ultimately, it might help them be true to themselves and their faith in all the choices they make, personally and professionally.

You can take classes at your own pace, and earn your degree in as little as 2 years.

Requirements Requirements
2-Yr Degree Plan Degree Plan
Grad Certificate Certificate
Course Descriptions Courses

You have a world view. We create helpful confrontations with those who may share different views or be different than you.

Fr. Chris A. Valka, CSB Director, Center for Faith and Culture

Campus Ministry

As an undergraduate student, leading an active student life on campus and participating in Campus Ministry will expose you to the debate and dialogue that happens within the center.

Campus Ministry welcomes students of all faiths and of no faith. Activities include:

Liturgical music and programs
Bible studies
Volunteer experiences
Academic and spiritual integration
Religious education courses

Helpful Reading and Resources

Campus Ministry Retreats
Every year, members of campus ministry are invited to several full-weekend retreats and day retreats. These are opportunities to reflect and refocus on the spiritual life, enjoy leisure and build community with other Celts.

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All incoming students must meet graduate admission requirements and other criteria specific to the Center. These include:

Three (3) letters of recommendation
Favorable review by the Center’s admissions committee

And one of the following:

Baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75
Advanced degree from accredited institution

There are additional requirements for international students, visiting students and veterans.

For more information, contact:
Jan Skrehot – Center for Faith and Culture
Phone: 713-942-5066
Email: cfc@stthom.edu

Ecumenical & Interreligious The Center for Faith and Culture recognizes that God is made present in all things and in all different ideas. We believe there is truth in all value and all beliefs. We also believe some have more value than others. It’s not an “either/or.”

We view this to be a truly and authentically Catholic mindset. Understanding our culture in this context is some of the most Catholic work we do.

Interreligious dialogue doesn’t compromise our Catholic identity. It enhances it.

Pastoral & Community Outreach The Center collaborates with other community and religious organizations in the city for the common good.

Often, these partnerships are connected to our academic programs as the experiential learning component of the coursework.

View the Center's Advisory Board Members

Each year, the Center for Faith and Culture provides valuable programming to those actively seeking to live their faith in all areas of their lives.

This programming include:

Lectures
Conferences
Modules
Master of Arts in Faith and Culture (MAFC) degree program
Campus Ministry

All advance our mission to promote faithful citizenship.

We rely on private support to fund these programs and activities.

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