ST. LOUIS - Three Catholic parish ministers currently living and working in the Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Dan Frachey and Madonna Jones, both of Rochester, and Lorraine Senci of Troy - have each earned a master of arts in pastoral studies degree at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.

After graduation, Frachey will return to Aquinas Institute in the fall to complete a certificate in spiritual direction while continuing his work as a director of Christian formation at St. Jude Parish in Rochester. Jones plans to continue her work as director of liturgy and music at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Springfield. Senci will continue her work as pastoral associate for pastoral care at St. Jerome Parish in Troy.

The master's degrees were conferred Friday, May 8, 2009, in a commencement ceremony in which 48 people received graduate degrees and/or graduate certificates. The commencement took place at Saint Francis Xavier ("College") Church of St. Louis University.

Aquinas Institute of Theology is a Catholic graduate school of theology and ministry administered by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Offering both residential and on-line degree programs, Aquinas Institute of Theology is the only Catholic institution in America to offer a doctor of ministry (D.Min.) degree in preaching.