THEOLOGY

Engaging today’s teens with biblical truths

Debating the challenging questions in true Jesuit fashion, welcoming all people in God's kingdom, and relying on the fundamentals of Catholic doctrine, our theology department walks alongside young men from various faith backgrounds to explore the nature of God, Church, society, and their own moral development.

Finding God in All Things

Students are challenged in their Theology classes to develop their understanding of God in the world around them through study of the philosophy of God and applying the knowledge to situations in the world.

Close up of student holding a tall candle and waiting to walk into Mass.

Giving Thanks through the

Eucharist

Students are introduced to the Sacraments and shown how the Eucharist is the central act of Gratitude in the Catholic Church.

Image of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Ignatian Spirituality

Using different techniques of prayer and reflection based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, students take a deeper look at themselves as they grow as a Man for and With Others.

Picture of candles in shape of a cross

Pray with us

Students experience many different forms of prayer while at De Smet Jesuit.  Check out our prayer page for prayers from students, faculty, staff, and more.

Pray with us

Theology Curriculum

All students take theology classes at De Smet Jesuit.  The freshman theology classes are designed to introduce all students, regardless of faith and educational background, to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  Sophomore, junior, and senior courses are also designed to make connections between different faiths and the Catholic Church to show the shared history and tradition of faith. 

Freshman Year

  • Catholicism and the Jesuits
  • Sacraments and Scripture

Sophomore Year

  • Scripture
  • Morality
  • Sophomore service hours

Junior Year

  • Ecclesiology
  • Catholic Social Teaching
  • Junior service project

Senior Year 

  • Contemporary Discipleship
  • Christ & Faith
  • Ignatian Vision
  • 1818 World Religions (credit through SLU)
  • Senior service hours
  • Insignis Capstone Reflection
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 

Theological & Ignatian Themes Developed Over 4 Years of Theology

Theology Faculty

Howie Place

Howie Place

Theology Teacher, Retreat Coordinator, Ultimate Frisbee Coach
MA, Theology/Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Theology & Economics, Loyola University-Chicago
Alex Hall

Alex Hall

Theology Teacher, Department Chair
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
BA, Religious Studies, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Spanish, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Philosophy, Loyola University-New Orleans
John Hawkey

John Hawkey

Class of 1996
Teacher, Junior Service Projects, Assistant Athletic Director - Sports Information Director
BA, St. Louis University
MS, Digital Media, Arizona State
Chad Masters

Chad Masters

Theology Teacher
MA, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, University of Missouri-Columbia
BS, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mike O'Brien

Mike O'Brien

Theology Teacher, Head Tennis Coach, Senior Service Projects, Department Chair/Senior Service Projects
MA, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Philosophy, St. Louis University