Rebranding to MTSM and New Course Structure

On July 1, the Athenaeum of Ohio rebranded to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM). As part of the rebranding process, the institution restructured from having divisions for the Seminary, Lay Pastoral Ministry Program and Special Studies into two distinct components – the Seminary and the School of Theology.

“Our Seminary prepares candidates for the priesthood both in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and nationally,” said Fr. Anthony Brausch, Ph.D., President & Rector at MTSM. “Additionally, our Seminary is a leading center for forming deacons through our Diaconate Program. Our School of Theology is designed to prepare lay men and women to answer the call of Christ to minister to those in need.”

In the restructure, Fr. David Endres will continue as the Dean of the Seminary while. Fr. Ryan Ruiz will serve as the Dean of the School of Theology.

“Fr. Endres and Fr. Ruiz are both highly credentialed experts in their fields,” said Fr. Brausch. “Their leadership skills and dedication to excellence in providing a theological education will help us achieve our mission of forming men and women to faithfully follow Christ by fulfilling their vocations in the Church.”

In addition to serving as the Dean of the Seminary, Fr. Endres is the Associate Professor of Church History & Historical Theology and the Editor of U.S. Catholic Historian. He completed his seminary studies at MTSM and was ordained in 2009. Following his ordination, he was assigned to St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering, Ohio and to the faculty of Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown. Fr. Endres has been a faculty member at MTSM since 2011. He received his B.A. from Xavier University, his M.Div. from MTMS, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to maintain and enhance the quality of academic programs at MTSM,” said Fr. Endres. “With nearly 200 students registered for the coming year, we’re looking forward to providing an engaging and personalized experience for them.”

Fr. Ruiz will continue his role as the Director of Liturgy at MTSM in addition to serving as the Dean of the School of Theology. He is also the Assistant Professor of Liturgy & Sacraments. He completed his seminary studies at MTSM and was ordained in 2008. Fr. Ruiz has been a faculty member at MTSM since 2016. He received his B.A. from Denison University, his M.Div. and M.A. from MTSM, and his S.L.L. and S.L.D. from Pontificio Istituto Liturgico, Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

“As our country continues to find a new normal as a result of COVID-19, we’re ready for our students to continue their studies this fall,” said Fr. Ruiz. “We have a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude and look forward to preparing our students for their vocation of serving Christ.”

MTSM is the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s graduate-level Catholic Seminary and School of Theology with nearly 200 full and part-time students. Founded in 1829, our 75-acre campus provides preparation for ordination to the priesthood and permanent diaconate as part of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. In addition, our School of Theology offers classes for graduate, non-degree and certification programs for laity, clergy, and religious.

For additional information about MTMS or to schedule a tour please contact advancement@athenaeum.edu or 513-231-2223.