Institute impressed professor

Prof. John Dwyer is impressed with the graduate students he teaches at St. Bernard's Institute, Albany.

"Overall, they are the best students I've ever had," says the doctor of theology. "They are highly motivated and committed to the Church."

For the past four-and-a-half years, he has taught at SBI, the only graduate school of theology and ministry in the Albany Diocese. Prior to his current position, he taught on the graduate and post-graduate level in California.

Back home

Before returning to the Catskills where he had grown up, Prof. Dwyer wrote a letter to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, volunteering to help in any way in the Diocese. He soon found himself teaching at SBI.

His expertise is in Scripture, he said. During the upcoming fall semester, he will teach two courses: A New Look at Mark's Gospel and Beginning New Testament Greek.

Three other courses are being offered as well. They include History and Theology with Rev. Dennis Tamburello, OFM; The New Christology with Donald Gray; and Pastoral Counseling from a Developmental Perspective with Sister Anne Bryan Smollin, CSJ.

Varied students

According to Prof. Dwyer, SBI students represent a range of professions and interests. A number of students work for the Diocese, others are involved in parish work, and some volunteer in more informal positions in their parish.

Currently, several Protestant ministers or those training for ministry are enrolled in the program. Prof. Dwyer said it is remarkable that Protestant churches recognize the value of the courses at SBI.

(The fall semester at St. Bernard's Institute in Albany begins Sept. 4. Registration for classes is August 5, noon-6 p.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave. Albany. Course fee is $933 if taken for credit, $300 if audited. Tuition assistance is available. For more information, call 453-6760.)

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