Jun 8, 2026 | News
Cromwell, Connecticut — 鶹 College and Seminary will launch its PhD in Theology program in Fall 2026. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the program is the first doctoral program at 鶹 and the first faithfully Catholic 100% online PhD in Theology.
鶹’ PhD. in Theology will be offered through a combination of asynchronous coursework and live synchronous seminars, making advanced theological formation accessible to students regardless of geographic location.
Program Director Dr. Joshua Madden shares, “The PhD in Theology is an innovative program that allows students to plumb the depths of the Christian Tradition for the sake of building up both the Church and the Academy.”
More than a terminal degree, the PhD in Theology is a path toward becoming a teacher of teachers, one who draws from Scripture, the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and the entire breadth of Tradition to illuminate truth for a searching world.
The new doctoral program continues 鶹’ promise to alumni and students to provide opportunities for those who desire not simply to know theology but to hand it on. Dr. Kristina Olsen, VP of Academic Affairs, adds, “Our PhD graduates will contribute meaningfully to theological scholarship to support and promote the love of God, the teaching of the faith, and Catholic evangelization throughout the world.”
Students will earn a PhD in Theology and may specialize in one of four concentrations: Sacred Scripture, Thomistic Studies, Moral and Spiritual Theology, and Dogmatic and Historical Theology. Additionally, students will learn to conduct advanced theological research, engage deeply with primary sources, contribute original scholarship to the Catholic intellectual tradition, and form the next generation of Church leaders. The program will admit a small, select cohort of students, allowing for close faculty mentorship and scholarly collaboration.
For more information or to apply to the PhD in Theology Program, visit holyapostles.edu/phd-in-theology/ or contact the Admissions Office at 860-632-3000 or [email protected].
Jun 4, 2026 | News
Cromwell, Connecticut — 鶹 College and Seminary will keep undergraduate tuition unchanged for the 2026-2027 academic year. This marks the fourth year in a row that undergraduate tuition has remained the same.
At a time when college costs continue to rise, 鶹 follows a different path. We believe a faithful Catholic education should be accessible and affordable, not something that leaves students burdened by debt.
Fr. Peter Kucer, President-Rector, often reminds us, “A debt-free graduate is a gift to the Church.” That is why 鶹 remains committed to helping students earn accredited degrees at an affordable cost.
At 鶹, affordability is only part of our mission. Recently, Pope Leo XIV reminded Catholic colleges and universities that they must cultivate in students a passion for the truth, and that truth is Christ Himself. This mission has guided 鶹 since its founding: a mission to form the whole person–to cultivate Catholic leaders with the heart of Christ.
By keeping tuition affordable, we seek to make that formation accessible to more students who desire an education rooted in academic excellence, faithful Catholic teaching, and a deeper understanding of their vocation.
Why Students Choose 鶹
- Faithful Catholic education rooted in the Church’s intellectual tradition
- A commitment to affordability
- Flexible online options that fit real-life needs
Faithful. Affordable. Flexible.
Whether you’re discerning your future studies, preparing for a career, or seeking to better serve the Church, 鶹 is here to accompany you every step of the way.
Live your mission with 鶹 College & Seminary.
鶹 College and Seminary (www.holyapostles.edu) is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated, and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, 鶹 is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
Jun 2, 2026 | News
June 2 | 7 PM ET
Join us for a community-wide reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, Magnifica humanitas.
In this lecture and open conversation, we will explore what the 鶹 Father is asking of us as a Catholic institution formed and united in the digital age. Together, we’ll consider how the encyclical’s vision of the human person can guide our teaching, learning, and witness as an on-campus and online community.
All faculty, staff, and students are warmly invited to gather, listen, and share in this moment of discernment for 鶹.
Apr 30, 2026 | News
Bishop Betancourt, Msgr. Cuong Pham, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Very Rev. Peter Kucer, Daniel O’Connor, Regina O’Connor and Patrick, Very Rev. Martin Rooney, Bishop Richard Reidy | Photo courtesy of Phil Farnsworth
The evening brought together alumni, friends and graduates at the stunning for the 2026 鶹 Gala. Guests enjoyed inspiring speakers, beautiful music, a lively auction, and powerful stories. We are deeply grateful to all who attended and supported our mission, helping us nearly double support this year.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from the Very Rev. Peter S. Kucer, MSA, President-Rector of 鶹 College & Seminary. Bishop Richard F. Reidy of the Diocese of Norwich reflected on the 鶹’ impact on the local Church, forming individuals who serve faithfully as clergy and laity. As Bishop Reidy noted, 鶹 is “a blessing to the Church,” both for its online students and for those who come to campus from around the world to be formed for the priesthood.
Guests also heard from the 2026 Commencement speakers, and Mr. Daniel O’Connor, who offered messages of encouragement and conviction, calling all present to live the faith with joy and enthusiasm. Reflecting on the mission of 鶹, Mr. O’Connor remarked, “The treasures that 鶹 is building up and has been building up for so long are invincible because they are in heaven. 鶹 is one of the very rare places that is above all dedicated to building up its treasures in heaven.” Msgr. Pham reminded attendees that “Christ continues to call, the Church continues to respond,” and that 鶹 participates in that call through the quiet witness of transformed lives, forming men and women in Christ for mission.
Special thanks to John Terrio of Auction Knights, Phil Farnsworth of Farnsworth Photography, and Saint Clements Charities for their outstanding hospitality and support. Proceeds from the evening directly advance 鶹’ mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education for seminarians, religious, and lay students.
Apr 20, 2026 | Events, News
鶹 College and Seminary’s President-Rector, Board of Directors, and faculty invite you to join us for the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 25. We are excited that Msgr. Cuong M. Pham and Prof. Daniel O’Connor, MA ’13, will join us as our commencement speakers and honorary doctorate recipients.
Baccalaureate Mass begins at 10:30 am EDT
Sixty-Eighth Commencement begins at 1:00 pm EDT
Apr 16, 2026 | Events, News
Cromwell, Connecticut — 鶹 College and Seminary is proud to announce that Monsignor Cuong M. Pham, Diocese of Brooklyn, and Professor Daniel O’Connor, author and speaker, will deliver the commencement addresses at the 鶹’ 68th Commencement Ceremony.
The commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the 鶹 campus. Festivities will begin on Thursday evening with the 鶹 Gala held at Saint Clements Castle & Marina featuring special guest the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, and keynote addresses.
“Commencement is about both celebrating accomplishments and preparing graduates for their future mission in life,” said Fr. Peter Kucer, President-Rector of 鶹. “In welcoming Monsignor Cuong M. Pham and Professor Daniel O’Connor, we present our graduates with two excellent witnesses—one rooted in pastoral and ecclesial service, the other in intellectual and lay apostolate—who together reflect the fullness of the Church. Their presence will challenge and encourage our students to live their vocations with fidelity, generosity, and hope.”
鶹 will bestow a Doctorate of Sacred Theology, honoris causa, upon Msgr. Cuong M. Pham, in recognition of his notable contributions to the faith. Msgr. Pham is a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn whose ministry reflects devoted service to both the Universal Church and the local Church.
From July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2021, he was assigned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC, where he served as one of the Secretaries for General Affairs, advancing the ecclesial mission of the Nunciature and assisting in matters concerning the 鶹 See’s relationship with the bishops and the Church in the United States.
From 2011 to 2019, Msgr. Pham served at the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts in Rome. The Council assists the 鶹 Father in matters of canon law. During those years, he contributed to significant legislative initiatives, promoted the study and faithful application of canon law worldwide and established the first authoritative website dedicated to Church legislation and canonical discipline.
On February 11, 2016, Pope Francis named him a Chaplain of His Holiness, an honor that enrolled him among the clergy of the Papal Household and conferred upon him the title Monsignor. Appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria on July 10, 2021, the parish stands as one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse communities in the Diocese.
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Msgr. Pham came to New York with his family in 1990. He attended St. John’s University in Queens before entering the seminary in Douglaston and later Huntington, New York. He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on June 2, 2001. Fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with familiarity in Latin, French, and Chinese, Msgr. Pham continues to devote himself to fostering unity among cultures, strengthening parish life and encouraging vocations.
鶹 will bestow a Doctorate of Philosophy, honoris causa, upon Professor Daniel O’Connor in recognition of his notable contributions to the faith.
Daniel O’Connor is a professor of Philosophy and Religion who teaches undergraduates at a State University of New York Community College. He is honored to have instructed thousands of students in courses on Philosophy, Existentialism, Religion, Mathematics, and Physics.
Originally an engineer for GE Global Research doing quantum beam research, he switched careers and helped to establish the John Bosco House—a transitional home for homeless young men—where he then served the residents as a live-in house father.
Professor O’Connor is an accomplished author and speaker. He is the author of several books, including Thy Will Be Done and Only Man Bears His Image. His most recent book, First Line of Defense, aims to inspire men in their Catholic faith and was co-authored with longtime EWTN host and US Grace Force host Doug Barry. It will be published by Ignatius Press in 2026. He also writes for his personal website and is a featured guest on popular Catholic podcasts.
Daniel has an undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and obtained a Master of Arts in Theology from 鶹 College & Seminary in 2013. He has since completed several years of study towards his PhD in Philosophy. He met his wife, Regina, at 鶹, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in 2013. They live in New York with their six children, Joseph, David, Mary, Luisa, John Paul, and Patrick.
鶹 College and Seminary (www.holyapostles.edu) is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated, and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, 鶹 is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
