After completing a rigorous academic journey, Fr. Jason Borkenhagen has earned his doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. His dissertation, "Aquinas’ Concept of the Priesthood, of the New Law and the Virtue of Religion," spans 250 pages and was successfully defended, reflecting his enduring passion for his chosen subject.

Fr. Borkenhagen, who serves as pastor at Blessed Sacrament parish in Wichita, expressed his admiration for St. Thomas Aquinas: “St. Thomas Aquinas was my primary source for most of my material, and I just love everything that St. Thomas ever wrote,” he said.

During the process, Fr. Borkenhagen encountered unexpected developments that required him to adjust his research focus: “At one point I actually changed my outline because my research helped me more clearly see something on which I had not planned to place as much emphasis,” he explained.

Initially focused on ministerial priesthood and religion's virtue, Fr. Borkenhagen’s research expanded to encompass its importance in both priests' and laypeople's lives: “The research really led me to draw together the importance of the virtue of religion in the life not only of the priest but of the faithful too,” he stated.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic during his first year, including disruptions in Rome or Wichita where much of his project took place, Fr. Borkenhagen found support at Newman University: “That was very helpful,” he noted regarding their provision of office space at Dugan Library.

By December 2021, Fr. Borkenhagen had submitted and gained approval for his dissertation proposal. The pursuit involved a commitment beyond familiarity with existing literature; it required expertise development: “You have to follow those things because the goal is not only to write a dissertation but to become an expert,” he remarked.

Facing a panel during his doctoral defense proved less daunting than anticipated: “I was surprised I wasn’t more nervous,” he admitted while acknowledging parishioners’ prayers contributed significantly towards maintaining composure throughout questioning sessions.

Striving toward accessible writing without resorting excessively into complex terminology aimed at advancing theological scholarship remains central within this work according to him: “My goal was to write something accessible...a lot could get something out.”