It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome and introduce SOFIA DIVINITY SCHOOL to you.

As the seminary for the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch founded by Hermon Spruit in 1958 we continue in pursuing the meaningful question, " what is our experience of God as embodied human beings?" This pursuit engages our minds, what we know, our emotions and body. Our encounter with God transforms all of who we are in relationship with each other and all of creation. Such a journey takes all of us in the Mystery of the Divine. In the works of Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit Priest and philosopher of the mid-nineteenth century, the Divine was experienced and expressed in the human, material, scientific and spiritual aspects of our world.

Our curriculum provides a pathway that guides seekers into this spiritual encounter as they answer the call to ministry. Our responsibility as a seminary is to provide for each student an experience spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human formation. The development of each of these areas enables the individual to achieve a deeper sense of the Divine in their own lives and a means to address the relevant concerns of the Christian church in our times. Such concerns are addressed in our response to justice and peace, honoring inter-religious dialogue, care for our creation, the ministry of presence and a sacramental life relevant to our times and based in Christian faith.

We take seriously, therefore, our responsibility to walk with our students and offer them an experience of spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human formation. Growth in these areas will not only help them lead more fulfilling lives, but also engage in the most critical issues of our times—like climate change, racial justice, and economic justice in a global context.

We look forward to the opportunity to share with you our guiding principles and academic programs and support your journey of discernment as a candidate for ordained ministry.

Dean Michael Talbot