Theology + Arts at CSTM

At the CSTM, students engage with the arts in many ways including: the Theology Arts Collective, Sacred Music courses and programming, the Schola and Choir, and more. CSTM students reflect on how they experience and interact with the arts during their theology studies, and how the two are connected for them.

Faith and Justice at the U.S.-Mexico Border

A Q&A with two CSTM students who attended the Nogales Service Immersion Spring Break trip. Sarah Morris, M.Div. '25, and Isabella Gonzalez-Garcia, M.A. '26, share the ways they have been impacted by their time in Nogales.

Pope Francis’s Leadership of “Small Gestures"

Brenda shares a reflection of Pope Francis's leadership based on four encounters she had with him as a young adult leader, educator, and minister.

Francis’s Homework: The Coming-of-Age of My Faith

Marckie shares how his faith, formed by Jesuit spirituality, grew and matured in parallel with Pope Francis's commitment to a global church.

A Pope for "Todos"

Qwayne reflects on the themes of inclusion and solidarity that marked Pope Francis's papacy.

Remembering Pope Francis: Doing Theology

In our third and final communal reflection on Pope Francis, students share some of the ways Pope Francis has impacted their own theological or ministerial commitment.

Remembering Pope Francis: Living Our Vocations

As we continue sharing memories of Pope Francis, CSTM students and faculty share the ways he has had an effect on their personal calls or vocations.

Remembering Pope Francis: Lessons Learned

In memory of Pope Francis, CSTM community members share lessons they have learned from the Jesuit pope and will carry forward with them.

Forging Fellowship Through Running in Boston

In celebration of the Boston Marathon, Justin Brinkley and William Manaker, S.J. share their thoughts about their friendship forged running together in Boston.

Inching Toward God: A National Catholic Sisters Week Reflection

Sister Michelle Langlois, fcJ, M.T.S. '25 reflects on the readings for Friday of the First Week of Lent.

Hybrid Student Highlight: Making the Most of Boston In the Summer

Fatima Vasquez-Molina shares how she spent a summer in Boston as a hybrid student. Boston has so much to offer, and Fatima has some ideas on how to make the most of the three weekends you have in town!

Pilgrim on Journey: CSTM International Travel

Alexis reflects on the opportunities she has had to travel internationally while a student at CSTM, as well as how these travels have informed her studies.

Ora et Labora: Working at Boston College

CSTM students have jobs and graduate assistantships in many places around the broader Boston College campus. Here, three students share their unique experiences working at BC while in graduate school

"Follow Me" (Mt 9:9)- Millie O'Rourke's Journey to CSTM

Millie shares her discernment journey from teaching in Ireland to studying at the CSTM and how God has worked in her life during this time.

"Listening with the Ears of the Heart": Reflections on an All-Student Retreat

CSTM offers an all-student retreat prior to the start of the spring semester. A few students who attended reflect on their retreat experience at Glastonbury Abbey.

"A Posture of Openness: a Reflection on the Synodal Pilgrimage"

Morgan Hodges writes her experience with synodal listening while on pilgrimage with a CSTM delegation in October 2024. Hodges shared this reflection at a community meeting with CSTM.

sports and spirituality volleyball players

Growing Closer to God (and Each Other) through Sports

Student leaders for Sports and Spirituality, Javier Bailen Llongo, S.J. and Victor Yanez, S.J., share about the group and the ways they are able to grow in community together, outside the classroom.

Journey to CSTM: Religious life

Sr. Tuyet Hong, MCV shares how she fell in love with CSTM while in her home country, and how that love continues while she is here.

fall foliage reflected in a body of water

Celebrating Advent Amidst the Busyness of Finals

Crista Mahoney and Grace Gibbons reflect on their own ways of observing Advent, as well as give some ideas for students during this busy time.

Finding Community 4,000 Miles from Boston

Two M.T.S. students reflect on their time studying Theological German in Linz, Austria in the summer of 2024.

Journey to CSTM: L'Arche

M.Div. student Grace Gasper writes about her time at L'Arche Chicago and how her experiences there have followed her to Boston.

Updates from Rome: CSTM Delegation Reflects on Synod

The CSTM delegation to Rome for an immersion experience around the Synod on Synodality will offer daily reflections.

Hiking spots in and around Boston

CSTM students and faculty share some of their favorite hiking spots they have found near Boston.

Openness to Change

M.A. student reflects on her journey to the CSTM from Australia, and how she has seen God in the changes that have taken place throughout this journey.

Life-Giving Liturgy at the CSTM

Tayz Hernandez-Campero, M.Div. '26, reflects on her experiences with liturgy at the CSTM.

A Lesson in Generosity: Following a God who Calls us to Trust Enough to Share What we Have

CSTM students recently went on a trip to the Amazon. Here, Kyle Desrosiers reflects on this experience.

The What, the Why, and the Way: Remarks from Gloria and Chuck Clough

Gloria and Chuck Clough share reflections on their connection to and hopes for the newly-named Clough School of Theology and Ministry. These remarks were originally given at the naming celebration, and later after a school-wide mass at St. Ignatius Church.

Reflections: Formation for Transformation

At Accepted Student Days 2024, students, staff, and faculty members shared their thoughts and experiences on the theme "Formation for Transformation." Read part of these reflections below.

Finding a Faith Community in Boston

CSTM students share the places and spaces where they find faith community in and around Boston.

A Perfect Day in Boston

Brooke Douglass, M.A./M.S.W. '25, shares a description of her favorite things to do in and around Boston.

Gracias a Díos que estoy aquí.

Julia D'Agostino, M.Div. '24, reflects on the CSTM spring break trip to El Salvador.

Hope for the Future of the Church: an Interview with Young Alumni Award Recipient Anna Robertson

The first recipient of our Young Alumni Award, Anna Robertson, reflects on her time at the CSTM and how her studies prepared her for her current ministry. She shares what she brings with her from her time at the CSTM and how she continues to grow in her ministry and experiences with the church and its people.

Advice for First Year CSTM Students

Current first-year CSTM students share reflections and word of advice for incoming students.

Catholic Partnership Summit: Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church

CSTM staff and students attended Leadership Roundtable's 2024 Catholic Partnership Summit, Expanding the Tent: Young Adult Leadership and Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church. Read some of their takeaways below.

Silence is all I need to sing your praise!

Some CSTM students attended a silent retreat earlier this month and share their reflections and experiences in this blog post.

Paving a Queer Way Forward for Ministerial Work

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, New Ways Ministry's blog, Bondings 2.0, featured educators and ministers about their experiences about making Catholic schools more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. M.Div. student, Alyssa Duffner, contributed with this article, and we are grateful to share her words and perspective.

Journey to CSTM: International Students

Four current CSTM students share their individual journeys to Boston College from various countries. About 30% of the CSTM is made up of international students, and we are incredibly happy to share a few of their stories below.

Social Work as a Theological Ministry

CSTM alumna, Claire Erlenborn, reflects on her time in the M.A./M.S.W. dual degree and how she uses those skills in her current job as retreat coordinator.

Integrating the Self in Service to Others

CSTM alumnus, Justin Hoch, reflects on the intersection of his theology studies with his clinical social work through the M.A./M.S.W. program.

"Open heart, with a backbone."

CSTM alumna, Teresa Quinn, reflects on her time as a dual degree M.A./M.S.W. student and how that helped her prepare for her current clinical work.

Journey to CSTM: Non-Catholic Background

Three current CSTM students from non-Catholic faith backgrounds share their journey to CSTM and how they live out their faith through their studies here.

CSTM Launches Revamped Resources for Racial Justice Formation

Joe Penny, Graduate Assistant, reflects on the Formation for Racial Justice website he has revamped in his new position.

Journey to CSTM: Second Career

Four current CSTM students share how their careers prior to coming to CSTM prepared them for their studies here.

Bringing Your Full Self: A Reflection on Prison Ministry

Sarah Hansman reflects on God's call for her to serve people in prison and her experiences serving in prison ministry.

Prepared for the Journey: Formative Experiences at CSTM

Jessica Brophy shares about how her experiences at CSTM prepared her well for her work with youth and young adults.

The Spirit is at work. Are we paying attention?

Anthony Russo, Associate Dean, Graduate Enrollment Management, reflects on the pilgrimage he made to Rome for the opening of the 2023 Synod of Bishops.

Reflections on Laudate Deum

Three CSTM community members reflect on Pope Francis' recent encyclical, Laudate Deum.

Alumni Reflect on Faculty Mentorship

Four alumni reflect on faculty mentorship at CSTM.

Faculty-Student Collaboration at CSTM

Two faculty members share insights on faculty-student collaborations.

Impact of STM Scholarships

Three CSTM students and recent alumni reflect on the impact of their financial support from CSTM.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Joe Penny takes us into his life in Boston, sharing how the many communities he joins along the way shape his experience of our dynamic city.

A Day in the Life: hot dogs, beaches, trains, and bike lanes

Ethan Strouse, M.Div., 2024, gives us an inside look at an ideal day in Boston

Table Talk: How Liturgy and Lunch Formed Me

JoAnn Melina Lopez shares how CSTM community liturgies—and lunches—were part of her formation experience that now informs her ministerial work.

Making Space for the Spirit in a Loud World

Reflecting on Pope Francis' recent teaching about discernment, Ethan Strouse considers how Francis' ideas about discernment can open new ways of listening for the Spirit in the loudness of our lives.

The "Both, And": Intersection of Social Work, Theology and Ministry

As a dual degree student earning her masters in both Theology and Ministry and Social Work, Mary LaVigne shares some reflections in celebration of Social Work Month 2023. Mary's clinical social work internship placement is at the Rian Immigrant Center. Photo: Mary & her Social Work team at Rian Immigrant Center, current field placement, on their recent staff retreat at Arnold Arboretum

Journey to CSTM: JVC

Three CSTM students discuss their enriching experiences with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, recounting how their time with JVC both enlivened them and guided them to the CSTM.

Discernment Partners: Alumni Support in the Admissions Process

Rooted in CSTM’s larger desire to create a culture of discernment that permeates all aspects of a student’s journey, master’s applicants are offered the opportunity to connect with an CSTM graduate who serves as their Discernment Partner.

After Whiteness: Reflecting With Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings

Jen Bader reflects on the takeaways from Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings discussion with the CSTM community.

Vision, Service, Prophet, Togetherness: A Reflection on Rev. Dr. King

On Monday, January 16, Jaime Waters, CSTM associate professor of Old Testament, was the speaker at St. Katharine Drexel Parish's 37th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast. She shares her remarks in this blog post.

When Cannonballs Come: A Reflection on Jesuit Formation

Ignatian spirituality and everyday discernment offer the wider church community a distinctive way to listen to the voice of the Spirit, to open ourselves to the grace and mercy of God, to care for the poor and vulnerable, “ to see all things new in Christ.”

Ignatian Year Reflection Life Directions-356

Ignatian Year: God Draws Us Through Desire

Barbara Quinn, R.S.C.J., reflects on her pilgrimage in the footsteps of Ignatius of Loyola, and how his desires led him to God, resulting ultimately in the Spiritual Excercises that continue today to lead people to God today.

Listening to the Voice of Creation

Katie Glenn shares her experiences, inspiration, and how she integrates her faith as an advocate and professional working in environmental justice.

Living The Questions

A CSTM alumna reflects on contuining to pursue key questions through discernment.

Living in Boston

How will I find housing? What will it look like? Who will I live with? Four STM students have answers.

Finding Meaning through Ritual

For her M.A. thesis, Shannon Murphy '22 looked at the concepts of lamentation, hope, and ritual as ways to provide some “balm” to the pandemic and respond to the suffering and isolation that people in the world experienced.

Reflections on the Intersection of Social Work and Theology

Taiga Guterres and Claire Erlenborn, both MA/MSW dual degree students, discuss how social work and theology intersect as they work in the field.

Local Parish Reviews, by CSTM Students

CSTM students were asked to share their experiences at a handful of local parishes.

Application Tips from First-Year Students

Current grad students share advice on calming your anxiety, writing essays, and reframing the interview process.

Lenten Lessons for Discerning Job Opportunities

Three tips for reflecting on career and vocation during the Lenten season.

Seasons at CSTM

We asked students to share pictures and reflections of their favorite things to do in each season.

Ignatian Year Reflection: Life Directions

CSTM professor reflects on a moment in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola that caused Ignatius to rethink his life's meaning and direction.

Do You Feel Like You Need to Have All the Answers?

An CSTM alumna reflects on the process of discernment.

Ignatian Friendship: Near and Far

Meghan De Dios reflects on the model of friendship left to us by St. Ignatius, and on the many friendships she developed through her time at the CSTM. In recognition of the Ignatian Year, De Dios offers friendship as a reminder of our shared work for the greater glory of God.

Reflection: The Academy as Ministry

CSTM students are not just repositories of theological facts, notes a former M.T.S. student and current Ph.D candidate. They "are persons in relationship with other persons all trying to understand our common relationship with God."

How the CSTM empowered me to participate in the Kingdom of God

Recent graduate Krista Chinchilla-Patzke discusses her current role at Marian University and how professors at CSTM empowered her understanding of the Catholic Church. Community at CSTM led her to form deep bonds and find her calling.

Spiritual Direction at the CSTM: A Holy Conversation

Barb Quinn, RSCJ., Associate Director, Spiritual Formation reflects on how Ignatian spirituality gives shape and texture to life at the CSTM.

The best part about the CSTM is getting outside (of the classroom)

This Minnesota native was excited to explore New England and all the amazing places that are within reach.

Three Lessons I have Learned from Interfaith Engagement

Sam Scheidt offers lessons he has learned in Interfaith Engagement including the importance of relationships, hope, and living a life of compassion.

5 Questions with New CSTM Dean

Mick McCarthy, S.J. discusses his journey to CSTM.

Living Completely for God

A CSTM alumna offers four tips for discerning your next steps after CSTM.

Mapping God’s Call: A Journey of Vocational Discernment through Human Formation

Ariell Watson Simon, MDiv ’18 talks about God's calling, coming to terms with past trauma, and acquiring self-knowledge in finding God's calling.

10 Tips for Admitted Students, From First Year Students

Current students at the CSTM provide tips for admitted students including networking, getting to know your advisor, and finding joy in small things.

Celebrating Heritages and Identities through Lo Cotidiano

Hispanic American Heritage Month kicks off on September 15th (also the day of independence for all Central American nations except Panama and Belize) and concludes on October 15th.

Tongue-tied and Questioning: Prompts for Ongoing Formation

A CSTM alumna offers advice for continuing the process of formation after graduation.

Ministering with Mental Health in Mind

Karalyn Rennie, MA/MA ‘23 shares her story on what led her to pursue a dual degree in Theology and Ministry and Mental Health Counseling and offers mental health resources to those working in faith-based settings.

Advice to New Students from CSTM Faculty Members

Every year we ask the professors at CSTM to offer up their wisest piece of advice to new graduate students at orientation. These are the messages they shared that may be meaningful to all graduate students, not just those who are new.

Best Spots on Main Campus

Get the inside scoop on some of the more popular attractions on main campus from a BC tourguide!

Here All Along, Here to Stay

James Reding, after discussing with TML staff about introducing an exhibit centered around the experiences of LGBTQ+ Catholics, shares his reflections on the installment with Steve Dalton.

CSTM Runs: Exploring Boston on Foot

If you’re looking for motivation to get out more regularly for a walk or run, we’ve compiled a few recommendations!

Exploring In and Around Boston

Leslie shares detailed information on popular attractions in and outside of Boston. This blog includes photos, transportation methods, tips/ advice that all New Englanders should know!

My Completely Subjective Non-Exhaustive Boston Top Ten List

Since her move to the area, Madeline Infantine, MTS ’21 has immersed herself into Boston culture and shares a completely subjective list of her ten favorite things about life in Boston.

Journey to CSTM: A Year of Service

Three current CSTM students reflect on their year of service experiences and how these experiences led them to Boston College's CSTM. The three students, Grace Davis, Katie Ward, and Amanda Schar, examine big questions of faith, vocation, and service, all of which helped them discern their future path.

Finding Work Experience In Boston

Students reflect on their experiences of finding part-time work to accompany and support their pursuit of graduate studies at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry.

Ignatian Year: Love and Attention

In this reflection, Julia Murphy connects her experience of prayer life during her year of service in Ecuador to a scene in the film, Lady Bird, to consider the connections between love, attention, and prayer.

Journey to CSTM: Teaching

Three current CSTM students share how their experiences as teachers, from exploding paint bottles, to class trips to adoration, to helping students see themselves as worthy of love, drew these teachers back to the classroom as graduate students.

Accepted Student Days: Reflections from Current Students

Three current CSTM students share how their experiences at Accepted Student days informed their discernment to join the CSTM community.

Ignatian Year: Incarceration and Conversion

Luke Trinka reflects on St. Ignatius of Loyola's experiences of incarceration with his own experiences serving in prison ministry at a correctional facility in Massachusetts.

Life Directions Retreat: Five Takeaways

Heidi Scheffler shares her experience of the 2022 Life Directions Retreat, exploring how discernment, time, relationship, freedom, and learning standout as guiding themes from the retreat, helping each of the retreatants to make a joyful noise.

Ignatian Year Reflection: Staying in Motion

"Getting it wrong" is human – it was part of St. Ignatius' life, and it's part of ours.

Race, Reparations, and the Catholic Church

After reflecting upon the murders of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and others, Caz Novak's M.A. Thesis examines the Catholic Church's response to the Black Lives Matter Movement and what more can be done to address systemic injustice, oppression, and anti-Blackness.