Posted in News on May 28th, 2009 No Comments »
It has been a long time in coming and is one of the most requested course topics we have.
NEW COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT: Just in time for Cycle 5 registration we now have a wonderful Basic Level course on the Letters of Paul. Cycle 5 starts July 12. Registration ends July 8.
Here is the course Introduction: This course will introduce the learner to St. Paul as a person of faith, a missionary and apostle to the Gentiles. The background of St. Paul’s letters will be examined for their purpose, audience, context and theology. The learner will distinguish three ways to analyze a text. Four of the authentic letters will be read and studied for their significance in the early Church and in the present Church reality. These letters are Galatians, 1Thessalonians, Corinthians and Romans. The value of Paul’s work will be evaluated for the past as well as the present circumstances.
So head on over to the VLCFF Website and register now!
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Posted in News on May 22nd, 2009 No Comments »
Trying my hand at a video podcast this time!
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Posted in News on Apr 29th, 2009 No Comments »
Richard checking in from the NCCL conference in Detroit, Michigan.
There is a great deal of excitement here at the national conference and expo. It seems that no matter where I go people are coming up to me and saying thank you for having the VLCFF out there for people to use and expressing how wonderful a tool it is for catechists. It is a very life affirming feeling to know that the work we do has such impact on people and is helping them grow in faith to serve the Church. I always get a big kick out of it when I am meeting some one and when the person sees my name and says, "Oh! You are Richard! Thank you for all you do!"
Today I will be sitting on a panel for surfacing ideas on how to better serve the rural Church. This fits in very well with the design and function of the VLCFF as its original intention was to provide solid Adult Faith Formation and Catechist training for the rural areas of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Its hard to believe that we will be celebating our 10th year in service to the Church in 2010. It is all thanks to you who have found our courses to be so valuable and enriching in your faith lives. Thank you for all you are for and with us.
May God continue to bless you and your ministries abundantly.
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Posted in News on Apr 21st, 2009 No Comments »
Its Official!!!
As of today, April 21, you can now sign up for a Certificate in Catechesis!
No reason to delay you here. To find out all about it go to our home page.
Look for the Certificate Programs link on the left side navigation.
Yes, you read that right! Certificate Programs, with an 'S'!
In the coming months we will be launching mopre certificates:
- Adult Faith Formation
- Ministry and Leadership
- Media Education
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Posted in News on Apr 16th, 2009 No Comments »
The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives is pleased to announce that the position of Assistant Director – Specialist in Curriculum and Adult Faith Formation has been offered to Ramon Luzárraga, Ph.D. The appointment is effective July 1, 2009.
The new position is funded by the Office of the President of the University of Dayton. “The support of the University of Dayton’s Administration for the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and our collaborative work with our diocesan partnerships across the nation and around the world through the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation is demonstrated with this new appointment”, stated Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, Director of the Institute.
Dr. Luzárraga earned a doctorate in Systematic theology and Ethics from Marquette University, holds a M.A.R. from Yale Divinity School and a B.A from Fordham University. For the past three years he has been a Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton. He is highly esteemed by both his colleagues and students as an inspiring, creative and motivational teacher. His teaching has demonstrated excellence in doctrinal, ethical and biblical foundations with strong pastoral sensitivities. Currently he has been engaged with the Department of Religious Studies MA in theology online blended learning program with the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies.
“The position is an important step for the Institute. The rapidly growing development with our online CEU courses, new online offerings in undergraduate courses and designing of seven new online certificate programs has required the extension of the Institute for Pastoral Initiative’s Team” stated Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, Director. Currently there are over 150 people associated with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) and related IPI programs. The coordination of these associates to enrich the quality of IPI’s service to the Church will be a significant dimension of Dr. Luzárraga’s position in conjunction with the IPI Team.
Dr. Luzárraga will focus on quality enhancement and creative innovation for all online courses and related IPI programs to address the intensifying needs of the Church in adult faith, lay ecclesial ministry and catechist formation.
IPI is in conversation with various national groups for networking into related areas of digital pastoral education innovation. Margaret Shufflebarger, Chair of the Search Committee says: “The Interdepartmental Search Committee and IPI Team believe that the sound theological perspective, deep faith, dynamic energy, outstanding organizational skills of Dr. Luzárraga stood out from among all the candidates.” “I am looking forward having Dr. Luzárraga as a member of our IPI Team. I believe he will both compliment and enrich our team’s expertise for advancing to new levels of national and international recognition and service to the Church”, stated Sr. Zukowski.
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Posted in News on Mar 31st, 2009 No Comments »
The Cycle calendar dates for 2010 have been approved.
We will have the course line-up by mid July.
Cycle 1: January 10 – February 13 (Registration starts: Oct. 20, 2009)
Cycle 2: February 28 – March 20 (Seminars) (Registration starts: Jan. 12)
Cycle 3: April 11 – May 15 (Registration starts: March 2)
Cycle 4: May 30 – July 3 (Registration starts: April 13)
Cycle 5: July 18 – August 21 (Registration starts: June 1)
Cycle 6: September 5 - October 9 (Registration starts: July 20)
Cycle 7 October 24 – November 27 (Registration starts: Sept. 7)
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