Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

Tim O'Malley
MTS Student in Liturgical Studies, Second Year

Schools attended and degrees attained before MTS
University of Notre Dame, BA in Theology and Philosophy, 2004

What attracted you to the MTS program
As far as opportunities in liturgical studies, Notre Dame has a faculty which combines the three major areas of liturgical studies (ritual studies, historical scholarship, and liturgical/sacramental theology) in such a way that one completes the program with the opportunity for a diverse background within the field.  In addition, the concentrations within the program are not constrictive.  In this sense, the MTS program does not merely build scholars of historical Christianity or systematic experts (I suppose it might be a bit presumptuous to expect expertise in a subject after two years).  Instead, it builds a well-rounded, thinking person who encounters the world in a distinctly different manner through a variety of course work and discussion.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program
The entire theological faculty, both within the LS department and beyond, are fundamentally people of faith.  Nonetheless, this does not mean that one is spoon fed a variety of pious treats, during which one smiles and wags his or her head like a trained dog.  Rather, while the program in some degree assumes a degree of faith, not necessarily Christian, it does not back away from the challenges offered by modernity to the Christian faith.  Whether it be historical-critical scholarship in the Old Testament, encountering the critiques of symbol offered by Derrida, or learning the difference between Gnosticism and gnosticism, one is moving through the theological project with a professor who is often a profoundly deep believer.  When this occurs, I found that I was no longer learning theology as I might learn a discipline of sociology or chemistry.  Theological scholarship requires a response from the individual; I am profoundly glad that so many men and women are formed in this manner under a faculty at Notre Dame who really understand the call and response of theology.

Your greatest challenges since coming to the MTS Program
I really have two greatest challenges (neither of which were all that challenging): 1) Since I was an undergraduate at Notre Dame, I was afraid that I would simply become the shady alumni who never leaves behind his or her institution of learning.  I had some horrific images of me showing up to dorm parties on the weekend, going to dorm dances, or simply being far too involved with my undergraduate activities, etc.  In actuality, it was incredibly easy to form a new life under the Dome, despite my previous experience here.  I remained a part of the Glee Club, continuing some facet of my life which did not involve reading and writing; yet, I was able to distance myself from other undergraduate life in a positive manner.  Plus, you have the advantage of rallying the troops for the upcoming football season (just in case some of your colleagues might be less interested in football than yourself).  2) I was married at the end of the Fall semester.  Again, I thought this might be a huge problem, since it was near finals.  Instead, the professors and students were incredibly understanding of my circumstance.  I even finished the semester early, despite the joy of picking out floral arrangements during the months of September, October, and November.

Employment opportunities have you pursued while in the program
I worked for Alan Krieger in the library ordering books for the theology and philosophy departments.  The job was great in that it allowed me to gain an upper hand on the various theological and philosophical tomes coming out of the major (and less major) publications houses.

Your housing situation
I have lived at two apartment complexes while in the MTS program: Riverside North Apartments and Hurwich Farms.  Both are extremely reasonable.  If you have a vehicle or are close to a bus stop, I would recommend that you live off campus.  Despite the frequent snowy drives (or waiting at a bus stop in the cold), the money that one has the potential to save in a city such as South Bend, where housing costs are minuscule compared to other cities near schools of theology, i.e. Berkeley, Boston, etc., is huge.