AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH: Highlighting a Current Student

St Bernard’s graduate degree programs are designed to assist students of all ages in coming to know and love Our Lord and His Church through theological, philosophical, and pastoral engagement Men and women, cleric and lay, ecclesial ministers and those seeking personal formation and edification enroll in our degree programs, seeking the good, the true, and the beautiful alongside one another.

We are honored to highlight a current student, Anna Flaitz, in this issue! We sat down with Anna to hear her journey of studying theology at St. Bernard's. It was an immense gift to hear her story; her joy and enthusiasm for the faith were contagious:

How did you hear about St. Bernard's and why did you decide to apply?

After my conversion in high school, I found the Catholic faith to be really interesting and exciting. In college, when I wasn’t studying for class, I’d pick up the Catechism and read it for fun At the end of my undergraduate experience, I had no clue where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do. That’s when my sister recommended I look into studying theology since I was doing it for fun anyway! I prayed about it and then my RCIA instructor recommended I look into St. Bernard’s. The mission statement on the website really spoke to me, so I audited a class over the summer and then one day in Adoration the Lord gave me a clear answer that I should do this and do something different with the rest of my life

How has St. Bernard's formation impacted your spiritual life and understanding of our faith?

It brings me a lot of joy I learned so much in Professor Lisa Lickona’s Spiritual Formation course last semester! One thing that she reminded us was, “there are no cookie cutter saints,” which is amazing I read something new and learn something new every day, and my studies have helped me to put my faith in God’s plan for my life.

Describe one important thing you ' ve learned so far as a student here.

Overall, just an understanding of the importance of challenging yourself and creating an opportunity of growth, especially in your understanding of God and your relationship with Him

What advice would you give to those who are considering St. Bernard's for their graduate studies?

How do you hope to serve the Church through/with the education you ' re receiving?

There’s that country song that says, “you make a plan and hear God laughing ” I love that song because it’s so true! For now, the plan is to work in education as a theology teacher, but I’m open to seeing what’s down the line I’d also like to continue taking courses at St Bernard’s after I graduate.

Audit a class in the summer, for sure! It’s a great way to get to get to know the faculty and see if St. Bernard’s is right for you.

You’re almost finished with your first year at St. Bernard’s. What is your favorite thing so far?

The people! I feel like it’s so cheesy but it’s true: the professors, the staff, and my classmates are so nice. Being one of the younger students, I’ve learned a lot from my classmates too. I think that there is something special about being surrounded with others who are on the same journey as you It isn't a journey just to a degree or career, but one that transforms you as a whole. It's so wonderful to share this experience of growth with others who are experiencing their own at the same time

Anna Flaitz is a first-year student in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program. She is a recent graduate of SUNY Geneseo where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business with a minor in Biology. Anna entered into full communion with the Church through RCIA in 2016 and is a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley parish in Hornell, NY.

My faith began in my family. My parents, ever faithful and prayerful, were such great examples, making sure that me and my six siblings attended Mass weekly and that we prayed together as a family.

I took my faith for granted for a long time, but because of my parents’ example, I never stopped going to Mass. After college, I began altar serving at the encouragement of a happy and energetic priest at my parish. At the same time, I also began teaching confirmation prep classes in my parish. Soon after, I experienced a renewed faith in the Eucharist as I was serving at Mass and watching the priest pray the words of consecration I began to experience more fully the spiritual effects of