George Rodriguez
Degrees:
D. Min., Barry University; M.A., Saint Thomas University, Miami, FL; B.A., University of
Miami, Miami, FL
Biography:
George Rodriguez, D. Min., is a teacher of Theology with thirty years of high school
experience and is the department chair of Theology at Msgr. Edward Pace High School,
Miami. He has worked with a broad range of students and taught a wide variety of
courses, from the high school to college undergraduate and graduate levels. He
likewise has experience teaching many campus and online courses since 2006 within
the School of Theology and Ministry of Saint Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and
more recently with the Loyola Institute for Ministry, Loyola University in New Orleans
courses on the “Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith” and “Grace, Christ and Spirit.” He
has taught at the Archdiocese of Miami’s Saint John Vianney College Seminary from
2009 to 2014. At Msgr. Pace, the universities and seminary, these have included
courses on introduction to the Bible, Old and New Testament surveys, Pauline literature
and theology, traditions and methods of biblical interpretation, the Synoptics, Christian
origins, ethics and morality, and themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In
addition, he has taught courses on Catholic social teaching, world religions, Christian
spirituality and history of Christianity. Dr. Rodriguez has also served in other
educational programs within the life of the Catholic parish, such as director of religious
education, youth and sacraments programs, and catechetical/biblical adult
formation. Since 2012 he has been writing the weekly archdiocesan English and
Spanish reflections on the Sunday readings, “Catholic Biblical Conversations.”
His educational efforts are guided by the conviction that Scripture inspires, informs and
shapes, transforms and empowers people to “build a world more worthy of the human
person" as they seek to live authentically within Jewish or Christian communities.
Likewise, a passion for the literary, cultural and historical contexts of the Bible has
inspired him to pursue studies in the Hebrew language and to lead several visits to
Israel, enabling many to encounter the peoples, cultures, archaeology and religious
heritage of the Holy Land.
George Rodriguez holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Miami in Miami, FL,
an M.A. in Pastoral Ministries from Saint Thomas University in Miami, FL, and a D. Min.
with a concentration in biblical studies and practical theology from Barry University in
Miami, FL. His doctoral work explored the ability of the Christian and Jewish scriptural
traditions to empower people (particularly youth who are immersed within a milieu of
consumerist outlook and values) in their development of critical independent thinking,
social consciousness and deeper spirituality.
Pilgrimage in my life
I have been visiting Israel since 1979 at the age of fifteen. Since then I have visited
Israel with church groups, and have led educational and pilgrimage experiences there. I
have also traveled with my family and driven throughout the country. I can confidently
attest that every visit is as the first, wholly unique, extra-ordinary and life-changing.
Each visit has offered me new insights, inspirations, and blessings. And in a land that
has so much to offer each visit bears real and enduring fruit.
"Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He
will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. For the law will go out from
Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3)
"But go, tell his disciples...'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him,
just as he told you.'" (Mark 16:7)
"They asked him, ‘Lord, where do you live?' Jesus answered, ‘Come and see...'" (John
1:35-42)
SHALOM! And..."May the Lord bless you from Zion!" (Psalm 128:5)
* * * *
George Rodriguez, D. Min. is the chair of the theology at the Msgr. Edward Pace High
School in Miami, Florida.
George Rodriguez, D.Min.
Theology Teacher
Theology Department Chair
Respect Life Club Moderator
Space Club Moderator