Patrick R Manning, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology
School of Theology

Patrick Manning specializes in the area practical theology of with a particular interest in religious education and catechesis. After years of serving as a parish catechist and a stint as a Catholic high school teacher, he pursued a Master’s of Theological Studies at the University of Notre Dame and then a Ph.D. in Theology and Education at Boston College. His studies in religious education culminated in his doctoral dissertation entitled “Made in the Images of God: A Pedagogy for Converting Imaginations in the Postmodern World.” Dr. Manning’s current research and praxis focus on methods of religious education, holistic faith formation, the psychology of faith development, and the interfacing of faith and culture. Some of his other interests include theological anthropology, cognitive science, soteriology, and the theology of revelation. As a pastoral theologian, Dr. Manning directs his research and teaching toward enriching the ways people live and hand on the Christian faith, a commitment that is manifested in his public speaking and writing for popular publications and blogs.