The Catholic College of the South
We asked our Abbey community to leave a sweet message for Dr. Thierfelder as his retirement officially begins—and we received so many heartfelt responses of “thank you!”
Dr. Thierfelder, you and your family have made a lasting impact on our campus. Thank you for spending the past 21 years with us. We’re deeply grateful for your generosity, your unwavering faith, and the legacy you leave behind.
In the gospels this week we hear some of my favorite parables about the kingdom of God: the leavening yeast and tiny mustard seed, the buried treasure and the merchant seeking a priceless pearl. I’ve always loved those brief, irreducible story-images, but this time as I listened to the familiar parables, I realized that even though they ask us to contemplate the same mystery, I’ve never really considered the shape they make, gathered together.
If the kingdom of heaven is like yeast that leavens the dough… It takes a dense and flat substance and builds chambers of air through it, raising and lightening and filling with space. It is alive but gives its life to change the bread into a new form.
If the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that sprouts and branches to welcome all the birds of the air… It begins small, alive but seemingly inert. It contains inside itself the means to grow and make a dwelling place out of the emptiness, a place of shelter and rest for creatures both earthly and aerial. It takes root in a particular place, draws water and light and air from its environment. It makes itself into a gift of home.
If the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field… It’s something we have to seek. It’s hidden – in but not of the place we discover it – and there is no stealing it away. Though it demands everything we have, the proper response can only be to buy the field and the treasure inside it without hesitation, even if it looks to the world like we just purchased an empty field without setting aside anything to build or sow with.
If the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for pearls… It is not just the treasure but also the seeking itself, the seeker in the act of searching and finding. Here again the movement toward the good and the beautiful comes to fruition in another joyfully immediate purchase – the pearl at any cost – but the kingdom is present, already, in hope and in the active pursuit of that treasure.
Each parable taken by itself shows us something, some sliver of mystery. Taken together, they hint at layers deep enough to live our lives inside and still never exhaust the truth.
If the kingdom of God is like each and all of these things… It is treasure and search, sacrifice and new life. It’s an outward branching and an inward transformation, something rooted in and nourished by earthly experience, something that transcends and ennobles its earthly hiding place. It gives of itself to offer shelter, dwelling, rest, and is not diminished. I can only name it Love.
We find the kingdom of God in heaven, certainly, in our perfect union with God, who is Love. But the kingdom is also here with us when we seek His loving presence. This weekend, as we pray in the Our Father, “Your kingdom come,” let us embrace the words with renewed hope. May we participate ever more deeply in bringing this kingdom into our lives and our communities by loving God and one another. It is the treasure that costs everything we have, that is worth more than all the world.
Belmont, N.C. (July 15, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College is excited to announce the launch of a new online hospitality management minor, set to begin in the fall 2025 semester. This innovative program features industry faculty like Michael Matthews, Hotel General Manager with Strand Hospitality Services at Hampton Inn Charlotte-Belmont at Montcross, and is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic hospitality industry.
The hospitality management minor will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various sectors within the industry, including hotel management, event planning, and human resource management. The curriculum will focus on practical applications, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges.
“This new minor offers students an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the hospitality industry while developing the practical skills employers are looking for,” said Michael Matthews, Belmont Abbey professor and industry professional. “With the region’s growing demand for hospitality professionals, we’re preparing students to step confidently into leadership roles right here in our community and beyond.”
Students pursuing the hospitality management minor will have access to a range of courses that cover topics such as hospitality and tourism management, financial management, and business communication excellence. Additionally, the program will emphasize the importance of ethical practices in the hospitality sector.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new minor, which reflects our commitment to providing students with relevant and impactful educational opportunities,” said Dr. Brad Frazier, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Belmont Abbey College. “The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and we believe this program will empower our students to become leaders in this exciting field.”
Belmont Abbey College is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth. The introduction of the hospitality management minor aligns with the college’s mission to prepare students for successful careers while instilling a sense of service and community engagement. As the demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality industry continues to grow, Belmont Abbey College is poised to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
About Strand Hospitality: Founded in 1969, Strand Hospitality Services began as a developer/owner of full-service Holiday Inn resorts. From there, the hotel management company grew via third-party management. Today, Strand Hospitality focuses on developing, investing and operating properties as well as servicing third-party management contracts. The company specializes in the two to four-star hotel segments among many segment types of hotels and is approved to operate hotels under all the leading hotel brand families, including Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Wyndham. Strand Hospitality Services supports operations centers in Charlotte, Myrtle Beach and Atlanta. For more information, please visit www.strandhospitality.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
Belmont, N.C. (July 8, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College announces the enhancement of its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, now specifically designed to train the next generation of nursing educators through the Nurse Educator track. As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals reaches unprecedented levels, there is a critical need for knowledgeable and compassionate nurse educators to lead the way.
The MSN Nurse Educator program focuses on developing advanced competencies in teaching, curriculum development, and assessment strategies tailored for nursing education. By emphasizing a comprehensive educational approach, the program prepares graduates to take on pivotal roles in academia, healthcare facilities, and educational service companies.
Students deepen their professional growth and help shape the next generation of nurses by focusing on the educational side of nursing. The program opens pathways to careers in academia, staff development, and clinical education, filling a critical gap in today’s healthcare landscape.
Entirely online, the Master of Science in Nursing program seamlessly integrates advanced nursing concepts, evidence-based practice, and leadership grounded in Catholic and Benedictine values. Designed with working nurses in mind, the online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. Graduates leave with a strong foundation for continued studies at the doctoral level and a deep commitment to ethical leadership and service.
“Our online MSN – Nurse Educator program offers nurses a meaningful way to advance their careers while making a lasting impact on the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenny, Chair and Program Director of Nursing for Belmont Abbey College. “Through a curriculum rooted in Catholic and Benedictine values, we prepare nurse educators to lead with both expertise and compassion, equipping them to meet the growing need for skilled educators in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.”
Applications are now open for the upcoming semester. To learn more or begin the application process, visit belmontabbeycollege.edu/msn or contact admissions@bac.edu.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
Belmont, N.C. (July 1, 2025) – Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Veterum Sapientia Institute (VSI) to enhance its commitment to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. This collaboration will introduce two new majors in Latin and Greek, available to both traditional and Abbey Online students, along with accompanying minors.
The new programs will be available, pending final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), in the Fall 2025 semester, marking the beginning of an unparalleled partnership driving eager learners of all ages to classical education. This initiative reflects Belmont Abbey College’s dedication to providing a robust academic framework that honors the rich heritage of the Catholic faith while fostering a deep understanding of classical languages.
“At Belmont Abbey College, we strive to educate the whole student by harmonizing faith and reason,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, the college’s provost. “Offering degrees in these foundational languages will allow students to explore the words of both saints and scholars in greater depth, broadening their understanding of some of life’s greatest lessons and mysteries. These programs and this partnership are truly one of a kind in the world of higher education today.”
The Veterum Sapientia Institute leads the renewal of Latin and Greek studies, advancing the vision articulated by Pope St. John XXIII in Veterum Sapientia. VSI is committed to teaching Latin and Greek as living languages, helping Catholics reclaim their cultural and spiritual heritage through immersive, high-quality language instruction.
“We are honored to partner with Belmont Abbey College in forming students through the wisdom of the Church’s ancient languages,” said Christopher Owens, CEO of the Veterum Sapientia Institute. “Offering immersive Latin and Greek instruction to both traditional and online students is a bold step in the renewal of classical education—and we’re thrilled to do so alongside such a faithful and academically rigorous institution. At a time when there is a growing need for knowledgeable high school and college teachers in classical education, we’re excited to help fill that need by preparing the next generation of instructors.”
Students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program will take foundational courses on campus with Belmont Abbey College faculty while completing upper-level classes alongside VSI cohorts of no more than 15 students, ensuring personalized attention. Adult online learners in the Abbey Online program will take all courses in a flexible, fully online format.
The Latin and Greek majors provide a foundation for a number of careers in fields such as philosophy, theology, education, history, law, medicine, and more. In addition to the majors, the adjoining minors will provide students with the flexibility to enhance their primary fields of study while gaining valuable insights into the classical roots of various disciplines. This initiative aligns with Belmont Abbey College’s mission to cultivate a community of learners who are committed to academic excellence and the pursuit of truth.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College and its programs, visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
About Belmont Abbey College: Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic baccalaureate and liberal arts institution. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens, and to be a blessing to themselves and to others. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Bolton
P: 704-461-7016 E: sarahbolton@bac.edu
So that we can take you to the right application form, tell us: are you a current North Carolina High School student?
*You will be taken to the College Foundation of North Carolina to create a free account to apply.
