An Online Catholic Education

Although Saint Mary’s University is a Lasallian, Catholic institution, we warmly welcome students of all faiths. If you are not Catholic, you may be wondering what a Catholic education is all about. Here, we introduce you to our faith tradition and explain how it influences faculty, courses, and programs overall.

Lasallian History
 

Saint Mary’s University began in the heart of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers and priest, advocate for the poor, and educational innovator of 17th century France. De La Salle is credited with launching a new system of Christian schools in which teachers helped parents shape the educational, ethical, and religious lives of their children. De La Salle’s spiritual and educational insights serve as the foundation of the Lasallian Community today, a network of more than 1,000 educational institutions in 81 countries enriching the spirits, souls, and lives of more than three quarters of a million students around the world. Lasallians acknowledge living in the presence of God and invite all to participate in that reality.

Lasallian Learning
 

What does it mean to learn in the Lasallian tradition at Saint Mary’s University? First, it means that Saint Mary’s faculty and staff pursue excellence in teaching and learning with ardent zeal by creatively, practically, and personally responding to your intellectual, spiritual, and developmental needs. Second, Lasallian learning means that we are committed to serving a global community in which all creation is respected as made in the image of God and in which justice and peace flourish.

Catholic Learning

As a Catholic university, Saint Mary’s is grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition and vision. We are inspired and guided by biblical values. As such, we encourage ongoing reflection and dialogue in the light of faith and the rich, growing body of human knowledge—a body to which we encourage you to contribute your own insights. Finally, as a Catholic university, Saint Mary’s is faithful to the Christian message as embodied in the Church. We are, as an institution, committed to the service of the human family. 

Lasallian + Catholic Learning

As a member of the Saint Mary’s University community, you will become part of the great international Lasallian network, formed by the joining of two traditions that encourage students to become educated, competent, and compassionate members of society. As we work to nurture your intellectual, spiritual, and personal development to prepare you for a life of service and a commitment to social justice, you gain the values you need to evaluate and respond appropriately to differing perspectives on real world and real work issues, problems, and themes.

To learn more about how Saint Mary’s Lasallian, Catholic heritage can enrich your life and learning, contact us today at 877-308-9954 or request more information.