November 15, 2019

PHOENIX, AZ ‐ To support the Church’s evangelization efforts through the study of theology, the Institute of Catholic Theology (ICT) in Phoenix and Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) have entered into a unique partnership that offers both undergraduate and graduate theology to the faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix.

Bishop Olmsted Endorsement Letter

In this partnership, the ICT will offer four undergraduate courses. These can be taken as stand-alone courses for local college students or grouped to receive a Certificate of Catholic Apologetics. Practicum projects for the certificate program will be developed by Catholic Answers apologist and Franciscan MA theology alumnus, Trent Horn, who serves as a consultant to the program.

Students taking ICT graduate courses can earn up to 18 credits that can also apply, at no extra charge, toward either the FUS Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry or the Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization.

Dr. Eric Westby, director of the ICT, said, “We have received so much support from Franciscan University’s president, Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, faculty, and administration. We see this opportunity as a great support to evangelization in our diocese.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix offered his blessing to the endeavor “so that the faithful may be led by the Spirit to proclaim Christ, Crucified and Risen, to the people of our diocese.”

Dr. Jim Mello, Sr., executive director of Franciscan Innovation and Extension, calls the initiative “a vibrant Franciscan University expression of collaboration and encounter in service to the Church, students at the ICT, and the people of the Diocese of Phoenix.”

The Institute of Catholic Theology provides continuing education for adult Catholics, offering a wide variety of courses, both live and archived online. Franciscan University of Steubenville educates and forms men and women of hope to be a transforming presence in the Church and the world with over 70 on-campus and online undergraduate and 8 graduate programs of study.

For more information on these courses and other offerings, visit www.ictphx.org or to learn more about Franciscan University of Steubenville visit www.Franciscan.edu.

Learn more about Franciscan University of Steubenville at www.Franciscan.edu