Why are you studying at Pontifex University?

"Pontifex’s approach is synthetic. Each course leads to, enlightens the other. So, courses in Scripture, Iconography, Liturgy, Music, Philosophy, Theology, even screenwriting from a Christian perspective, concern theology and worship; they address the whole person in their relation to God, and within the community, and in the wider culture—how do we bring beauty, truth and goodness into the culture to uplift it? Which brings me to the other reason why I’d encourage other people to investigate Pontifex: the emphasis on the Church’s liturgical worship, that is, in the Mass, and the encouragement to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. So we have spiritual growth aligned with academic training. Pontifex also offers convenient and affordable courses, which you can enter at any time. I find this quite workable, as a full-time caregiver. The courses are interactive, live courses, which are recorded for those who come later, or studio art courses, offered in the United States and abroad. New fascinating courses pop up all the time, and I want to take every one of them! I also appreciate that Pontifex tries to create a community, one of the challenges of online courses." - London T.

What stands out to you the most about Pontifex University?

"I've taught mathematics and art at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School which implemented a four-year bioethics curriculum. I've served as Fine Arts Department Chair since the school's opening in 2008 and continue to pursue studies in paining and sculpture and enjoy works of art that reveal the beauty of creation and communicate the dignity of the human person. In the years teaching at St. John Paul the Great, I've had a growing interest in art and its service in beauty to the Church's catechetical mission and its liturgy. I'm excited that the coursework at Pontifex University addresses each of these areas of interest! Moreover, it does so in a format that allows working professionals the opportunity to deepen understanding and practice craft with all the flexibility that an online course load can provide, while maintaining the rigor necessary for solid academic formation. I've especially enjoyed gaining insight into scripture through the Old Testament in Word and Image course, and answering the questions which challenge my understanding of art history, while learning about the art forms which have served the liturgy best through the course, A History and Theology of Images." - William O.

Why do you believe Pontifex University is a good fit for you?

"I am a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento where I serve at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish. In addition I am a full time working artist and graphic designer specializing in liturgical art, illustration and design. Art, of course, particularly art’s role in serving a community. I am also deeply involved in bible studies and the liturgy. Pontifex University provides a unique opportunity and fills a much needed gap, a Catholic based university that offers a program in Sacred Arts. We live in a post-Christian age and it is more important than ever that artists are formed in the rich traditions of the faith in order to fulfill their vocation. As an online university it also takes advantage of the latest trends in online learning while making the programs available to artists and art lovers everywhere. I think the online aspect is the most exciting. It allows me to take classes and learn from experts in their field from my home or studio. As a working artist this makes the educational program extremely flexible. The Bible study classes by Fr. Sebastian Carrazzo have been immensely enjoyable. In order to understand our role in God’s plan for the salvation of mankind, we have to understand that plan as it is revealed in scripture. To even begin to know where we are going or what we are called to do, we have to know where we started." - Deacon Lawrence K.

How did you find out about Pontifex University?

"As a Catholic artist working to integrate art and theology, I came across David Clayton's blog The Way of Beauty, everything he wrote rang true to my own experiences. We hosted him to teach a workshop and it was an awesome experience of faith, fellowship and learning. I attended another workshop in Kansas with the same experience. When I learned that Pontifex was in the works, I knew it would be the right blend of orthodox theology and art. I am so grateful to be able to participate in classes with faithful people from around the country without having to relocate. I had considered other programs but none were so specifically focused on my combined interests as Pontifex; they were all masters in theology. I would have had to compliment with the art study on my own, which is not the best. Art is communal, in its making and in its purpose. That's one aspect that is so gratifying about studio classes--we're all working together and learning from one another even as we make our own piece. The lone artist concept is anathema to me. And yet, I work alone. So being engaged with other artists interested in growing deeper in their Faith through the study of scripture, the Church and art and then applying that depth to their work is terribly exciting." - Gina S.