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In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we understand that students are being raised in many different circumstances. Some of our students enjoy nearly ideal conditions for classical Catholic studies, but most of them don’t. We are challenged to work together to help overcome the obstacles and allow all students to enjoy the same studies within their own unique circumstances. In response to a recent question from a parent facing difficult circumstances, I posted the following talk. God bless,William C. Michael, HeadmasterClassical Liberal Arts Academy

In the late 1800s, K-12 education became compulsory in the United States. Take a minute and let that sink in. Before the 1800s, K-12 education was not compulsory. Most children did not go to school, but remained with their parents and relatives, working in or around their homes. Some children were sent to trusted friends or relatives for apprenticeships or private education. They weren’t required to go to school–at all. In the late 1800s, this changed–and American culture changed. New, tax-funded “Public schools” were created to provide this compulsory education, and they were known to be anti-Catholic, largely influenced by … Continue

After the consideration of those things which belong to the divine knowledge, we now proceed to the consideration of the divine names. For everything is named by us according to our knowledge of it. Under this head, there are twelve points for inquiry: Article 1. Whether a Name Can Be Given to God? Objection 1: It seems that no name can be given to God. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. i) that, “Of Him there is neither name, nor can one be found of Him;” and it is written: “What is His name, and what is the name of His … Continue

Having considered what belongs to the divine substance, we have now to treat of God’s operation. And since one kind of operation is immanent, and another kind of operation proceeds to the exterior effect, we treat first of knowledge and of will (for understanding abides in the intelligent agent, and will is in the one who wills); and afterwards of the power of God, the principle of the divine operation as proceeding to the exterior effect. Now because to understand is a kind of life, after treating of the divine knowledge, we consider the divine life. And as knowledge concerns … Continue

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we study to become wise men. In this post, I’d like to share a passage from St. Thomas Aquinas’ famous work, “Summa Contra Gentiles”, in which he discusses the office, or duty, of a wise man. Enjoy. -WCM “My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate impiety.” Proverbs 8:7 1. The usage of the multitude, which according to the Philosopher is to be followed in giving names to things, has commonly held that they are to be called wise who order things rightly and govern them well. Hence, among other things that … Continue

The Confessions of St. Augustine are one of the most influential Christian works outside of Sacred Scripture. Written around 400 AD, they have been a source of inspiration and spiritual direction for saints throughout Church history. We provide the translation by E. B. Pusey below. Use Ctrl + F to search the complete text. Book I Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man praise; man, but a particle of Thy creation; man, that bears about him his mortality, the witness of his sin, the witness … Continue

In this lesson, we will continue to study how “euphony” can be improved in our composition by giving attention to variety. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the lesson for mastery. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson Of the many elements which affect the euphony of a theme none is more essential than variety. The constant repetition of the same thing grows monotonous and distasteful, while a pleasing variety maintains interest and improves the story. For sake of it we avoid the continual use of the same words and phrases, substituting synonyms and equivalent expressions … Continue