Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Vincie M.Div. ‘83

In her own words: Currently I am Professor of Liturgical and Sacramental Theology at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.  I must say that my experience at Yale and at the Institute of Sacred Music directly influenced my decision to seek a doctorate and take up work as a liturgical theologian.  The support I received from faculty and students at the Institute was very instrumental in helping me to discern my subsequent vocation.  The interdisciplinary approach of the Institute also has been a reflection of my life as I continue to work as a church musician (organist/pianist) even as my main work is that of theologian.  At the same time the Institute approach has influenced the way I do theology—that is, taking into account the wider context of the historical, social, and artistic context of the liturgy.  I also found studying with students of different Christian faith communities challenging and extremely stimulating.  I gained much by the ecumenical character of the Institute and the Divinity School.  Perhaps my most treasured memories of the Institute were the liturgical re-enactments we did in Jeffery Rowthorn’s history of liturgy classes. 

A significant experience of satisfaction in my career path has been my recent role as Vice President and President  of the North American Academy of Liturgy in 2011-12.  It was an honor to serve the liturgical community in that way, and it was a privilege to work with the Academy committee in steering the Academy into the future.