Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

John Sikorski

Your area of concentration and expected graduation date:
I am a second year MTS Student pursuing Liturgical Studies, and expect to graduate in May 2009.

Degree and college you attended before ND, and any jobs you had between graduation and coming to ND:
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theology, as well as minors in Music and Medieval Studies.

What attracted you to the MTS program:
I first took interest in the MTS program when I was studying abroad in Europe during my undergraduate years. I knew that Notre Dame had provided me with amazing opportunities to grow not only intellectually, but as a person. The synthesis of faith and reason, of the intellectual and the spiritual life at Notre Dame had truly inspired me to continue studying at this institution. I majored in theology, but did not have the opportunity to study with all of the great faculty that we have. You could say that I simply hadn't gotten enough of the department!

On the academic level, I knew that Notre Dame was the place for me, after I spoke with a number of leading faculty members at other institutions who all spoke very highly of Notre Dame's theology department. I knew that if I continued studies at Notre Dame, I would be well prepared for any PhD program in the country.

Greatest Strengths of the MTS Program:
I have been amazed by the accessibility of faculty members; it is always very easy to meet with your professors (who are also world-renowned scholars). The fellow students are a dynamic, serious group, not only committed to study, but also to developing their own faith traditions. It has been a great blessing to be in the midst of a group of people who takes their studies seriously and is committed together to delving deeper into the Truth.

Greatest challenge since beginning the MTS:
Trying to keep up with all the reading, while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It is a lot of work, but is very rewarding. The classes are truly challenging, and sometimes you feel that your mind is stretched beyond capacity! The hardest class I've taken was a doctoral seminar on Aquinas, which required a lot of independent work and research into background material with which I was unfamiliar.

Employment opportunities you have pursued while in the program:
I am a tour guide for the Eck Visitor's center. I also work part-time for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, along with my wife. Most people work while in the program, which is a rewarding experience, since often what is learned in the MTS classes can be implemented in one's job.

Your housing situation:
I live off-campus, in a duplex shared by another MTS student. [The on-campus housing of] Fisher-O'Hara-Grace is nice and convenient, but after four years on campus, it was time to move off! Many MTS students find that it is a better deal to live off campus, but it can certainly be less convenient (and depending on your neighborhood, not as safe).

Any other thoughts about South Bend, ND, the program:
South Bend should not deter one from attending Notre Dame. There is actually a lot of fun things to do, and it is close to Chicago and Lake Michigan.

Attending Notre Dame for many years has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I highly recommend the MTS program for those interested in growing in their knowledge and love of their faith, and seriously interested in entering into the academic vocation of the theologian.

The university provides not only, in my mind, the best Catholic theological training available, but also many opportunities for prayer, service, fun, and fellowship.