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About
Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the College’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
Rev. Reginald Wolford O.P. (’97) Brings New Life to Historic Parish
When Rev. Reginald (Ryan) Wolford, O.P. (’97) stepped into his new role as rector of the struggling St. Patrick–St. Hedwig Church and superior of a fledgling Dominican community in South Bend, Indiana, he hoped to inspire growth. Now, the parish is beginning to thrive once more, with rising attendance and a deepening local commitment to the Faith.
“It is a gift to be a father to these people and take spiritual care of this area.”
In downtown South Bend, the historic churches of St. Patrick and St. Hedwig — located just a block apart — were consolidated into one parish in 2024. The decision stemmed from dwindling congregations, an elderly population, and several challenging transitions in leadership. Concerned by the parish’s decline, the Most Rev. Kevin Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne–South Bend, invited the Dominican community in Bloomington to consider founding a priory in the churches’ two rectories to help restore the parish’s vitality.
“It was beneficial to the parish, because they were in need of a permanent priest,” Fr. Reginald explains. “At the same time, it was also beneficial to the Dominicans, because it gave us the opportunity to have an official community house near the University of Notre Dame. Many of our friars are professors or students there. They had been living scattered in the area, but now this gives us a chance to live out our community life of prayer together.”
Previously, Fr. Reginald was stationed at St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington for six years, ministering to Indiana University’s students. After he visited St. Patrick–St. Hedwig’s Church, his superiors decided he was a good fit for the parish. On August 30, 2025, Bishop Rhoades installed Fr. Reginald as pastor and the superior of the new Dominican community.
A little over a month after Fr. Reginald’s installation, the friars’ presence is already having a wonderful effect. “There is a strong chapter of lay Dominicans here, and a lot of them have been coming to Mass lately,” Fr. Reginald reports. “For the first few weeks, we would run far short on hosts at our main Sunday Mass, because the sacristans were not expecting the amount of people that came!”
His parishioners have noticed significant improvement in both community and liturgy as well. “Since the Dominicans arrived, I have noticed enriching homilies, a true commitment to giving spiritual nourishment, and a greater emphasis on the sacraments,” comments longtime parishioner Rose Burns. “We have also seen greater Mass attendance and increased parishioner membership.”
As pastor, Fr. Reginald has made Confession available almost every day and is looking into options for keeping the church open for prayer during the day. “It is a gift to be a father to these people and take spiritual care of this area,” he says. “I am relying on the prayers of so many people as I try to do God’s will here.”