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91����, New England, hosted high school students and their parents from throughout the Northeast and beyond at last weekend’s Spring Open House.

The event began with check-in at St. Frassati Student Center, where visitors got to know each other and their student guides. Following this introduction, all went to Mass and lunch with the rest of the College, sharing a meal and conversing with students and tutors. 

After a tour of campus, attendees settled in Olivia Music Hall for the faculty address and some brief talks. Tutor Dr. Taylor O’Neill spoke first, introducing the College, its education and its principles. “The TAC education is ideal,” Dr. O’Neill explained, because of its fixed and ordered curriculum, the Discussion Method, and its orientation towards contemplation, making use “of the speculative intellect, considering things for their own sake instead of for some utilitarian purpose.”

Head Chaplain Rev. Greg Markey then spoke on the spiritual life of the College and its objective of personalizing the student’s relationship with God. He detailed the religious culture and offerings of the College, including personalized spiritual direction, three daily Masses, and confession six times a day, among the many opportunities. “Faith is integrated in a natural way here,” he said. “It’s a privilege to help, watch, and guide the students as they grow in their relationships with the Lord.”

Finally, New England Director of Admissions John Jost (’11) spoke on the practicality of the College, exploring the variety of different career paths a liberal arts major may pursue. “Education here is not a means to an end: it’s not quick or convenient,” said Mr. Jost, “but there is tremendous value in the process of getting to the truth and making advanced progress.”

At the conclusion of the talks, visitors enjoyed refreshments before heading to their seminar discussions, split into sections of adults and students. Both seminars read The Prince by Machiavelli and On Kingship by St. Thomas, discussing the authors’ differences in political philosophy and contemplating what makes a wise ruler. Dinner followed discussions, and the day closed with a final reception for guests.

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