Interview with Aaron Henderson - Newest faculity member The Alcuin Institute for Catholic Culture

Q: Where did you and your family grow up?

A: Practically all of my family lives in Missouri. I grew up in Southeastern Missouri. For most of my life, I lived in a small town called Poplar Bluff. 

Q: Have you always been Catholic, or did you convert to Catholicism?

A: I am a so-called cradle Catholic. Where I grew up is rather non-Catholic, but through some Catholic education and the teaching and witness of my parents, I was able to grow in the faith. 

Q: Where did you go to school and what did you study?

A: I studied theology and philosophy at Benedictine College, received an M.A. in Theoloogy from the University of Dallas, and am close to defending my doctoral dissertation at Ave Maria University (Systematic Theology). All three institutions have prepared me well to serve the Church as a theologian and educator. 

Q:  Who are your favorite saints?

A: I have a special devotion to St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Q: What are your favorite prayers?

A:  My favorite prayers are the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Prayer to St. Michael. 

Q: What impact do you want to have working for the Alcuin Institute?

A:  I want to ensure that the faithful are taught the faith in its fullness and in a compelling way. Learning the faith should lead one to live the Christian life and invite others to do the same. 

Q: Why are the key principles, real friendships, real learning, and real living important and what do they have to do with our everyday Catholic life?

A: There is a danger in seeing education or learning as simply a private affair. But learning, especially of the faith, always takes place in the context of community life. Learning the truth helps us to love what we ought. Building friendships facilitates learning and fulfills us as human beings. Though knowledge is valuable for its own sake, learning (of the faith, especially) ought to translate into daily life. When we confirm our lives to the truth, we find happiness and fulfillment. This ultimately means conforming our lives to Christ. 

Q: What do you look forward to most about living here in Tulsa?

A: I am excited to experience the various parts of the diocese. Tulsa/Broken Arrow thus far seems to have a Midwestern/Southern feel, which I enjoy. I am eager to eat some good food and drink some good local beer!