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About
Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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A Catholic Life
Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Admission & Aid
Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Students & Parents
Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the College’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
Senior Reflection: An Answer to Prayer
by Peter Goyette (’22)
On Saturday, May 21, my classmates and I became the first class to graduate from the New England campus, 50 years after Thomas Aquinas College first opened in California. During the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony, I was stirred by the realization of how much God has providentially transformed our lives. While I cannot speak for my classmates in detail, I will offer the following reflection of my own experience:
When I consider the last six years of my life, I see that, despite my own poor sense of direction and my tendencies toward sin, God has nonetheless cared for me and offered me a better life. I see His love for me, especially through my time at Thomas Aquinas College.
I came to TAC to find good friends and a wife, but most of all to find a real sense of purpose. I was unhappy and restless in my childhood, especially during my high school years. I was too lazy to study and too focused on pleasing myself such that I didn’t have good friends and wasn’t even a very loving brother or son. My life was stagnant, and my heart was cold. I did have the Faith, but I did not make it my own.
I remember a particular night six years ago, when I tearfully prayed three sorrowful Rosaries prostrate in the rain (one of the rare times when I prayed on my own). I pleaded to Mary that God would change my life and save me from my habitual sinfulness.
So I looked to TAC to provide a new setting that could help me to live a better life. I began on the California campus for freshman year. I enjoyed it somewhat and planned on staying there all four years. All of my friends were staying there, too. Then, one November day, I impulsively decided to transfer to the New England campus for the sake of adventure.
To Northfield I went. I was in a new place and was relatively unfamiliar with my own classmates. I quickly fell in love with the tranquil beauty of the campus. And, over the next three years, I also came to love my classmates and appreciate the special bond we had as members of the same first class. I was inspired by the good social, study, and prayer habits they modeled.
During these years, I came to deeply enjoy the intellectual life. Following the lead of my classmates, I tried to take advantage of the great tutors, the insightful readings, and the thought-provoking classes. I always found that whatever effort I put into my studies paid off. Even though most of what I learned wasn’t of direct practical value, I found that the truths were beautiful and invigorating to behold.
Even more, I found new purpose through regular prayer. A friend I admired had the habit of praying extra time in the Chapel. Following this example, I prayed more on my own, especially on nights when I had some free time. A newfound inner peace and stability crept into my everyday life.
During Lent in my junior year, I began to realize a desire within myself for religious life. I noticed that through my everyday life of study and prayer, I was becoming more joyful. So, I took steps toward discerning with the Norbertines and Dominicans. By the end of December that year, I began an application to join the Eastern Dominican Province. On St. Patrick’s Day I was accepted to join the community and will enter this fall.
Although I consider myself unworthy of such a privilege, I am elated. The life of a Dominican friar consists of prayer, study, contemplation, and preaching. At Thomas Aquinas College, I have had a taste of just such a life, and I have become so happy and joyful as a result. I have worked with my classmates to come to the truth, and to grow in love through this common pursuit.
Living the life of a Dominican religious priest is thus an answer to my prayer to Mary six years ago. If God gives me the grace to persevere in this vocation, I will dedicate myself to contemplating His beautiful truths, and then to sharing this beauty with the world.
I am nothing short of being shocked by the generosity of God. My prayer has been answered more fully than I could expect. Having already given me wonderful parents, God also guided me to and through Thomas Aquinas College, where I discovered my vocation in a life dedicated to the joyful pursuit of Wisdom.