Father Jim Sabak, OFM, was named the new academic director for the Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology Program
After 25 years of outstanding dedication to the Franciscan School of Theology, our students, and the wider Franciscan community, Dr. Darleen Pryds has announced her retirement as Academic Director of the Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology (MTS-FT) program, a role she has held for the past 5 years, she will stay as adjunct faculty, teaching some courses for the program. We extend our most profound gratitude to Dr. Pryds for her unwavering commitment and the incredible foundation she has built for our students.
Building on this foundation, the MTS-FT program is now entering an exciting new chapter. As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM, to the helm as our new Academic Director.
Fr. Jim brings a rich background in Franciscan education and a deeply pastoral approach to online learning. We recently sat down with him for an informal “Office Hours” interview, and we are excited to share a little bit about the man who will be guiding the MTS-FT program forward.
From TFS to FST
Fr. Jim Sabak is a Franciscan friar who teaches liturgy at the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. He comes to FST with extensive experience in faith formation, having recently spent eight years as the director of religion at a K-8 elementary school known as The Franciscan School (TFS). As he humorously puts it, his latest transition means he simply went “from TFS to FST”.
When asked what initially drew him to the Franciscans, Fr. Jim notes that he was looking for an intellectual tradition that highly values academia, but paired with a supportive community that truly journeys together.
A Vision for Online Franciscan Learning
For Fr. Jim, a theological education is about much more than acquiring knowledge for knowledge’s sake; it is about expanding our horizons regarding what it means to be human in a beautiful world. He views learning as an opportunity to understand ourselves as a part of the life of God.
Recognizing that 21st-century learners have demanding schedules, he champions the online MTS-FT program as a flexible path to growth. He views the program not as isolated self-instruction, but as a collaborative way to gather the absolute best of Franciscan education—spanning scripture, church history, and pastoral studies—at a pace that fits your life. Ultimately, his goal is to help students see the world through a Franciscan lens and embrace it with a Franciscan heart.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Getting to know our faculty outside of their academic disciplines is a core part of our community. So, who is Fr. Jim when he isn’t teaching liturgy?
- An Avid Reader: He loves reading historical novels and fantasy. In fact, his favorite book is The Lord of the Rings, all three volumes of which he has read at least six or seven times.
- A French Cook: Inspired by the movie Julie & Julia, Fr. Jim loves to try his hand at French cooking.
- An Explorer: He loves walking, hiking, taking in the San Diego beaches, and traveling to places with rich histories.
Watch the Full Office Hours Interview
Or the short version below:
Ready to explore your own educational journey and learn to see the world through a Franciscan lens?
