Bringing DSPT to Dominican Catholic Communities on College Campuses

As an apostolate of the Western Dominican Province, DSPT’s own mission of the pursuit of Truth and dialogue with contemporary culture is ultimately geared toward the mission of the Dominican Order, that is, preaching and teaching the faith for the salvation of souls.

This past academic year, we have placed an emphasis on collaborating with other apostolates of the Western Dominican Province in pursuing this common mission, beginning with Dominican ministries on college campuses.

Sr. Marianne Farina, Interim President, Br. Paschal Strader, OP, DSPT Alum and Executive Assistant, and Bianca Bermudez, Director of Student Services and Recruitment, visited a total of 4 college campus ministries across the Western Dominican Province including Stanford, University of Oregon, University of Arizona - Tucson, and University of Washington - Seattle.

During these visits, our staff and faculty had the honor of getting to know some of the students and faculty members at each college campus. Additionally, Sr. Marianne and Br. Paschal were welcomed to give an academic lecture.

These visits have provided a great opportunity to share in the common mission of the Province and to invite college students to discern whether they are being called to participate in the mission of DSPT through the pursuit of a master's degree in philosophy and/or Theology.

We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Newman Centers in the Western Dominican Province in the upcoming academic year. We are particularly excited to increase our collaboration with the students and friars at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish at UC Berkeley, as the Dominican Friars of the Western Province assume pastoral care of the parish on July 1.

Many Catholics students on university campuses, especially those who have been guided by the Dominicans, have a desire for deeper formation and to serve the Church...I’m very blessed to have found a place at DSPT as the Director of Student Services and Recruitment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the students at these college campuses, and to help them explore their talents and skills and discern whether DSPT is a good fit for them to pursue their vocation in service to the Church.

Bianca Marie Bermudez
Director of Student Services and Recruitment, DSPT