As a researcher and teacher, her primary interests are in theological education and the relationship between the Church and American culture. Recognized internationally as an expert on seminary education, she has written numerous articles and several books on Catholic seminaries.
Publishing
Books
Seminaries, Theologates, and the Future of Church Ministry: An Analysis of Trends and Transitions published by Liturgical Press, 1999
Reason for the Hope: The Futures of Roman Catholic Theologates in 1989
Priestly Ministry in Multiple Parishes published by Liturgical Press 2006
She co-authored:
Cooperative Ventures in Theological Education published by University Press of America with Fraser, Friar, Radtke, Savage, 1989
Educating Leaders for Ministry published by Liturgical Press 2005
''Priestly Ministry in Multiple Parishes''
This most recent book is of interest to the Catholic Church in the United States, which is coming to grips with the severe shortage of priests, thus requiring many of them to serve multiple parishes. In the book Sr. Schuth examines regional and diocesan differences by surveying over nine hundred priests and interviewing nearly a hundred more. They offer information about spiritual and community leadership, staffing, and parish organization in the present situation. Using these suggestions, the book tries to discern what contributes to the building of vital and dynamic parishes, and what causes indifference and dissolution. The book highlights what is successful in maintaining the strength of these small parishes and what practices lead to their diminishment. The book is written not only as an aid to those who find themselves pastoring several congregations, but also seminary educators, diocesan leaders, and congregations.
Articles
Besides these books, Schuth has written numerous book reviews:
"Three Phases of Their Life and Ministry" on Experiences of Priests Ordained for Five to Nine Years by Dean Hoge
an introduction to "Catholic Priesthood: Formation and Human Development" by Gerald Coleman, S.S., Liguori Publications
An Affinity of Little Hours by Nancy Klein Maguire, “And then there was One.”America 194/12 : 30-32.
Orders and Ministry: Leadership in the World Church by Kenan Osborne in America 195/2 : 21-22.
The Collar: A Year of Striving and Faith Inside a Catholic Seminary by Jonathan Englert forthcoming in Journal of the American Catholic Historical Society
Articles:
“The Researcher’s Role in the Church,” Origins 35/20 : 325-329
“Character and Assessment of Learning for Religious Vocation: Interview Study of Roman Catholic Students and Faculty,” Theological Education 40/2 1-45
“A View of the State of the Priesthood in the United States,” Louvain Studies 30/1 8-24.
Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, New York, 2001, Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa
Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA, Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa
Other honors include:
Weston Jesuit School of Theology, 2005, the Pedro Arrupe Award for Excellence in Ministry
Archbishop John Roach Award given in Recognition of Notable Accomplishments in Service to the Church, by the Commission on Women, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, 1995
Distinguished Catholic Leadership Award for Service to the Catholic Church given by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities, Washington, DC, 1995
Margaret A. Paluch Award given in Recognition of Significant Contributions to Vocation Ministry, by the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, 1994
Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa for Accomplishments and Leadership in Catholic Higher Education given by St. Bonaventure University, 1995
Today
Schuth continues to teach in the areas of Pastoral Ministry, Sociology of Religion, and World Religions and carries on research on seminaries and church life. She holds an Endowed Professorship for the Social Scientific Study of Religion at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. Her speaking engagements, workshops, and conferences for numerous institutions, organizations, dioceses, and individual congregations are scheduled regularly in the United States and internationally.
