Here’s some intriguing news from Texas, about a thriving school for ministry at the University of Dallas.

The biggest surprise? It’s for Catholics:

Brian Schmisek grew up full of questions – especially about his faith.

Early on, he wanted to know the meaning of life.

“I drove my parents crazy with all my questions,” the North Dakota native said.

When they couldn’t help, he turned to philosophy. That subject led to theology. And in theology, he found his answers.

Today, as founding dean of the School of Ministry at the University of Dallas, he seeks to share his answers with others.

Under his leadership, the school is one of the fastest-growing in its field in the country.

“We had 26 students when I started in 2002, and now we have 130 in the master’s degree programs,” Dr. Schmisek said. Its Catholic Biblical School enrollment has increased from 70 to about 620 students in that same period.

He attributes the school’s success not only to the growing number of Catholics in the area but also to their continual search for explanations of religious doctrines.

“Our biggest challenge is meeting all the needs of the Catholic community,” he said.

According to the 2007 Official Catholic Directory, the Dallas Diocese is home to about 950,000 Catholics, up from 324,000 in 1997.

Check the link for more. They expect the program to grow to some 1,600 participants in the years to come.

Photo: by Kye R. Lee / Dallas Morning News