Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy
Motto Veritas Vos Liberabit
Established 2000[1]
Type Private/Catholic
President Dr. Keith Cassidy[2]
Undergraduates 81 full-time
Location Barry's Bay, Ontario, CN
Campus Rural
Website www.seatofwisdom.org

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy (OLSWA) is a Catholic post-secondary institution located in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, in the Madawaska valley, on the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake. Since its founding in 2000, the school has grown from six students to a student body of around 80 full-time and part-time students. [3] The institution offers a three-year liberal arts program with concentrations in Theology, Philosophy, History, Literature and Sacred Music, as well as studies in Mathematics, Fine Arts, Natural and Social Science. [4] OLSWA is known for its conservative values and traditional Catholic teaching. [5]

Mission statement

“Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, a Catholic institution that is faithful to Ex Corde Ecclesiae and the teachings of the Catholic Church, provides a post-secondary education in the liberal arts. We seek to form the whole person, especially intellectually and spiritually, while respecting the freedom of the individual. Our curriculum offers a deep and wide-ranging understanding of Western civilization along with the traditions of the Church, and equips students to engage with and critique contemporary culture.” [6]

Academic programs

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy (OLSWA) offers the following certificate programs:[7]

  • requires a completion of one of the following concentrations: History, Literature,
Philosophy or Theology

At present, OLSWA does not have degree granting status in the province of Ontario, but hopes to offer one in the future. Other universities such as Christendom College, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ave Maria University, Trinity Western University, and Redeemer University College have accepted credits from OLSWA students and allowed them to graduate with a full degree after one, two or three years, depending on their length of study at OLSWA and their field of study.[4]

History

Before Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy was an official academic institution, it was a study centre named “Mater Ecclesiae,” and had a class of six students. The centre was founded by Helen Fritz, Fr. Leo Sands O.S.B., Sheila O’Brien, and teachers George Dienesch, Luc Dauvin, and John Paul Meenan. They had a vision to provide affordable Catholic education to students wishing to advance their studies after high school. In the early days, studies took place in living rooms, basements, hay lofts, and other areas hosted by local families, while teaching and tuition were free.

In 2000, after the former St. Joseph’s convent building was donated by the diocese for use by the study centre, Mater Ecclesiae became Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, and the school had its first official academic year which saw nine students and several teachers. Basic studies included introductory theology, philosophy, history, literature, logic and Latin. In 2003, OLSWA added a second year of study to their program, and a third year in 2004.

OLSWA has been steadily growing each with more students and instructors. Students continue to come from all over Canada and the United States. [4] OLSWA currently has a teacher-student ratio of 8:1.

OLSWA has been featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College as one of two Canadian institutions listed as faithfully Catholic colleges.[8]

Student life

At Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, students live in close community with one another and are encouraged to grow in Catholic leadership, faith formation and spiritual growth. Besides their studies, students are encouraged to take part in hikes, sports, musical performances, field trips, community prayer, choir practices, dances, special guest lectures, campus clubs and more.[9]

Official OLSWA clubs include the Paul Sanders and Janine Lieu Pro-Life Club, the Frassati Outdoors Club, the Don Bosco Drama Club and Schola (by the Sacred Music Society). [9]

Spiritual life at OLSWA is essential to student life on a daily basis as the institution is dedicated to guiding the community towards holiness. St. Hedwig’s Parish, located right next to the campus, offers daily Mass, confession and adoration to their parishioners and the OLSWA community.

OLSWA offers an environment conducive to spiritual growth through pilgrimages, community prayer, and availability of the Sacraments. OLSWA currently has two chaplains, Fr. Paul Burchat and Fr. Joseph Hattie O.M.I.. Both offer private spiritual direction and Confession to students who wish to speak with them. [10]

Campus buildings

Residences

Students live in campus houses around the town of Barry’s Bay, in communities of 10-12 men or women.[11]

Men’s residences

Women’s residences

References

  1. ↑ "OLSWA History". Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  2. ↑ "OLWSA Administration". Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  3. ↑ "OLWSA Quick Facts". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "OLSWA About Us". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  5. ↑ "OLWSA Visions and Values". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  6. ↑ "OLSWA About Us". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Academic Programs". Retrieved March 27, 2010.
  8. ↑ "OLSWA featured in Newman Guide". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "OLSWA Student Life Overview". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  10. ↑ "OLSWA Spiritual Life Formation". Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  11. ↑ "OLSWA Residences". Retrieved August 8, 2010.