University of Virginia Library

Religious Education

When he was sent to be Chaplain of
Catholic studies here at the University in
1959, this enthusiastic teacher, who has a
M.A. in history, wanted to create a
religious community based on the
common educational background which
we enjoy here. To him it is highly
unfortunate that most religious education
stops on an elementary or high school
level. He wants St. Thomas to provide
more than that for the students here.

St. Thomas has come a long way since
Father Stickle first held services at
Newman House on Jefferson Park
Avenue. When his congregations grew
larger, services were held at the Red Cross
Center.

It came to the point where he felt he
had to decide whether to become totally
involved within the University or take
some time and build larger quarters. At this
time the Catholic community here was growing
faster than the University community.