Aquinas Reading Group: The Church Fathers

Every semester, Aquinas College allows audit students to enroll in a variety of courses. In fall 2025, retired Aquinas College English professor Dr. Katherine Haynes began offering a new study option designed especially for audit students that would naturally fit the mission of Aquinas and its vision for a Catholic culture. The course was launched partly in response to the desire of returning auditors to enroll in a course that they had not yet taken, but would be accessible to their variety of interests and backgrounds. Dr. Haynes states that, for her part, she was looking for a way to continue participating in the intellectual life of the College.

“Aquinas College is such an oasis of peace, grace, and learning,” said Dr. Haynes. “No other academic campus I’ve ever visited offers the serene joy that the Sisters provide here. I wanted to create a reason to be invited back!”

The concept of a seminar style reading group based in the liberal arts and focusing on foundational Catholic works emerged. Dr. Haynes asserts, “what could be more foundational for a Catholic College than to study the Church Fathers?”  Since its inception last fall the course is growing in participation. This past fall, the first course offering was “The Apostolic Fathers,” followed in Spring 2026 with a study of works from Saints Athanasius, Gregory of Nyssa, the Desert Fathers, as well as an exploration of Saint Augustine’s Confessions. In Fall 2026, the group will continue to discuss other works by Augustine, as well as the writings of Saint Jerome and Pope Leo the Great. The setting and company is warm and welcoming; the works are brilliant and inspiring. No prior knowledge is presumed, and no exams are given. And yes, there is room for you to join! Simply contact Dr. Haynes directly at rivensidehome@outlook.com to confirm your interest and reserve your spot.