About Aquinas Lafayette

Aquinas Lafayette is the only place of higher learning in Acadiana that offers local academic formation in the teachings of the Catholic Church. As an extension of the University of Holy Cross, we offer undergraduate and graduate level courses taught by local faculty members. While being a unified academic program, Aquinas Lafayette offers several dimensions of education:

  • Through University of Holy Cross courses, students may obtain a BA or MA in Theology from the University of Holy Cross.

  • The University of Louisiana and Aquinas Lafayette are currently discussing a partnership. The University of Louisiana is the most revered higher-level education in Acadiana. Collaboration with University of Louisiana is imperative to further the mission of the Aquinas Lafayette.

  • Catechetical Institute: Currently, there is no mandatory formation for catechists (those who teach the faith at a parish level) for the Diocese of Lafayette. Aquinas Lafayette has agreed to help the Office of Catechesis for the Diocese of Lafayette in order to engage and form catechists in Acadiana.

  • Diaconal Institute: Aquinas Lafayette has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Diocese of Lafayette stating that AL will take responsibility for the academic formation of aspirants for the permanent diaconate.

  • Biblical Institute: The Aquinas Institute is initiating a "Bible Study Leaders" program to form individuals who wish to lead Bible Studies with greater depth and breadth of Biblical knowledge.

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Our President & Director

Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, (left) collaborated with the Diocese of Lafayette to found Aquinas Lafayette in 2006. He is the Superior of the Community of Jesus Crucified and the President of Aquinas Lafayette. In 2020, Fr. John Joseph, CJC, (right) became the Director of Aquinas Lafayette. They continue to lead Aquinas Lafayette and Acadiana into deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith!

 

Aquinas Lafayette Interns

In our effort to form community leaders sanctified in the Truth of Christ, Aquinas Lafayette has onboarded five interns who will help in various capacities. From left to right: Seth Ransonet (IT Intern), Brittney Breaux (Graphic Design Intern), Julianne Reed (Communications Intern), Catherine Richard (Development Intern), and Denise Simon (Business Management Intern). Each intern will be formed by our academic program and mentored in their respective fields.

 

Aquinas Lafayette Board