Thomas V. Gourlay

Thomas V. Gourlay serves as the National Director of Chaplaincy and Faith Formation, and as a lecturer and PhD candidate in Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia's School of Philosophy & Theology at the Fremantle Campus. With extensive experience in Catholic education, Gourlay brings both academic rigor and practical pastoral experience to his roles.

Gourlay's educational background includes a Masters of Theological Studies from The John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Melbourne, where he completed his thesis titled 'The Catholic Academy and the Sanctified Mind: The Implications of David L. Schindler's Critique of Liberal Metaphysics for the Ethos of Catholic Academies.' He also holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education and a Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts, all from the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Gourlay's research focuses on the intersection of theology, philosophy, and Catholic education. His work explores fundamental theological questions regarding nature and grace, the relationship between faith and reason, and the distinctive ethos of Catholic educational institutions. He has made significant contributions to understanding the thought of Luigi Giussani and Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, particularly regarding relational ontology and the integration of faith and intellectual life.

His publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with contemporary theological debates while maintaining deep roots in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Gourlay's scholarly output reveals a consistent pattern of exploring how Catholic universities can maintain their distinctive identity while engaging with modern culture, and how theological insights can inform educational practice through relational ontology and the recovery of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

• 2018 University Letter of Commendation (Teaching)
• 2015 Cardinal Pell Prize: Highest Achieving Student at John Paul II Institute

Gourlay has been actively involved in Catholic community engagement beyond the university. He co-founded the Christopher Dawson Society for Philosophy and Culture in 2012 and continues to serve as its president. His community service includes board membership at Beaconsfield Primary School, involvement with various Archdiocesan committees, and membership in Caritas Australia's advisory board. He has also contributed to Catholic youth ministry and formation activities, including speaking at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival and contributing resource books for Catholic youth education.

As Associated Scholar at the Hildebrand Project since 2021, Gourlay continues to advance scholarship in Catholic theology and philosophy. His work bridges academic theology with practical pastoral concerns, particularly in the context of Catholic education and university formation.