SHAPING YOUNG MINDS

St. Thomas High School is a well-established college preparatory that provides a caring, intellectually challenging learning atmosphere in which young men develop the tools necessary to become successful in their future studies and careers. Our students are well prepared for an ever demanding and diverse world. Young alumni often tell us that the course content and workload in college is very manageable for them because they trained for academic rigor at St. Thomas.

To view our full course catalogue with all academic courses offered please click here.

Theology Department

The Theology Department at St. Thomas offers a four-year program designed to give every student a firm foundation in faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The classes are rich in the study of Scripture, doctrine and the Catholic Church’s teachings. The pedagogy of the Theology Department provides a strong foundation by which students can grow in their faith and integrate the course of study into their daily lives. The Theology classes are enhanced by volunteer service and retreats, as well as the emphasis on prayer days throughout the semester. This holistic approach allows for the formation of the whole person and the engagement into an active faith life.

Academic credit is given for the Theology courses. The Theology curriculum is designed so that all students, regardless of faith background, can succeed. It follows the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age, the Archdiocesan Framework for Catechesis and the Catholic School Office Curriculum Guide.

Grade 9: Theology I

  • The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture (Fall semester)
  • Who Is Jesus Christ? (Spring semester)

Grade 10: Theology II

  • The Mission Of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery) (Fall semester)
  • Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues In The Church (Spring semester)

Grade 11: Theology III

  • Sacraments as Privileged Encounters With Christ (Fall Semester)
  • Life in Jesus Christ (Spring semester)

Grade 12: Theology IV

  • Individual Senior Elective Courses: Healing Racism, Holocaust, World Religions, Saints and Sinners, Christ in Popular Culture, Prayer and Discernment, Bioethics and Catholic Social Teachings.
  • In addition, we offer 3 Advanced dual credits with the University of St. Thomas:
  1. Advanced Scripture
  1. Advanced Philosophy
  1. Faith, Reason and Revelation.
Adam Urrutia (B.A. Religion and Philosophy, Baylor University; M.Div. Duke Divinity School; Ph.D. ABD Systematic Theology, The Catholic University of America) has been teaching theology at St. Thomas since 2020. He is completing his dissertation on the theology of St. John Henry Newman and its application to the interpretation of Lumen gentium from Vatican II. Before coming to St. Thomas, Adam taught undergraduates at CUA and graduate students at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore.

Allan DeLeon (B.S., Business Administration, University of Houston-Clear Lake; M.A., Theology, Holy Apostles College and Seminary) Prior to joining St. Thomas in 2024, he was the Director of Youth Ministry of St. John the Evangelist and a Theology Teacher at St. Michael. Allan is the Director of OCIA at St. Thomas and founder and president of Serviam, a Catholic Apostolate that provides authentic Catholic Youth Ministry to schools and parishes.

Roy Dubose (B.A. Theology), Xavier University of Louisiana; M.T.S. (Master of Theological Studies), University of Notre Dame; M. Div. (Master of Divinity), Emory University, M. CEL, (Master of Catholic Educational Leadership), University of San Francisco.

Andrew Quittenton (B.A. English and Theology, B. Ed. University of Toronto; M.R.E., Theology, University of Toronto) is Dean of the Theology Department and director of Campus Ministry at St. Thomas. He is a graduate of St. Michael’s College School, our Basilian brother school.

Julie Dienno-Demarest (B.A. Theology, DeSales University; M.Ed. and post-Masters in Spiritual Formation, Boston College) has been teaching theology at St. Thomas since 2015. Julie is a published author who has written curriculum materials for Liturgy Training Publications, Ave Maria Press, St. Mary’s Press, and Our Sunday Visitor, and has authored two books: Continuing the Journey: Cultivating Lived Faith (2014) and Living the Vision: A Pastoral Guide to Service Learning in Catholic Schools (2008). Julie is also a certified Spiritual Director.

Matthew Simon (B.A. Theology with a minor in Philosophy, University of St. Thomas) began teaching at St. Thomas in 2001.

Joe O’Brien (B.A., University of St. Thomas) is the Director of Student Activities and the service program.

Jenny McConnell (B.S. Computer Science, University of Houston; Masters of Religious Studies, University of St. Thomas; Masters in Theological Studies, St. Mary’s Seminary) She has received awards from the Anti-Defamation League and a fellowship and grant from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She also has been an Adjunct Professor of Theology at University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary since 2002.

Casey Johnson ’05 (B.A. Theology with a minor in Latin and Philosophy, University of St. Thomas; M.A. Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary) is a St. Thomas alumnus.

Danny Hernandez ’08 (B.A., University of San Diego, M.T.S., Boston College) joined the faculty in 2016. Danny has had a rich history with the Basilian Fathers having graduated from both St. Anne Catholic School in 2004 and St. Thomas High School in 2008. While in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, he taught at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep in Brooklyn, NY.

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College acceptance rate for STH class of 2021
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of STH students scored a 3 or higher on their AP exams
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Community service hours performed by STH students
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State titles in various sports won by STH since 1900
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