Are approved by the University of Dayton as credit yielding courses. Can be used toward completion of an undergraduate degree at another school, provided the student was admitted into the program and the host school accepts the credits. Last five weeks per course for one credit hour.  If students finish at least three courses, they will have earned three credits or the equivalent of completing a traditional semester-long class.

Each one credit class costs $200.  Even after calculating the total for a full-track of classes, this is a great value considering the content and personal attention a student would receive from our course facilitators when compared with traditional classes.

The first classes are available to register in right now and will begin on January 10th.  They are: Rel. 210: Introduction to Scripture, Rel. 211: Introduction to Old Testament, Rel. 212: Introduction to New Testament, and Rel. 264: Poverty in the U.S. and the World.  More classes have already been approved, or are in process of being approved, for undergraduate credit and will be introduced later in 2010.

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Drabik

We have two new facilitators this Cycle. Please join me in welcoming: Kathleen Logan: Diocese of Rockville Center (NY), facilitating: Sacrament of Marriage: A Holy Calling Jonathan Sullivan: Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, facilitating: New Testament

Thank you for all of the beautiful insights. I read and re-read the discussion boards…I want to let you know that the postings, to me, are a form of God’s blessings and grace. To be able to communicate online, exchange, share and spread the goodness of God is a huge blessing. The grace to be able to receive them with an open heart, mind and soul is truly humbling. Prayer helps a lot.  It shows how much the Holy Spirit wants us to be active in our lives, thank you to our facilitator, most especially… she is like a shepherd of the flock. No we’re not lost sheep or else we won’t be here, and that’s what I want to share. I realized that just within this class, we have so much to thank for. We’ve gained so much from everybody, and from [the facilitator]. The class recharged us to, as we learned, continue God’s work of love and salvation, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Ours is just one class, there are more VLC classes out there, so them, too, are blessed and receive the grace. No it’s not the same grace for everyone, only the perfect love of one another, our neighbor, that God dearly wants us to have, “so that all may be one.” This is our faith, this is what we do! So let’s pray that the blessings continue and more graces pour on us so that we may be able to receive Jesus, and bring people to Jesus and Jesus to the people.”

What else can I say but Amen

The Adult Formation Leadership certificate program in nearly ready for prime time. We are on track to start the first offering in January 2010.

By popular request, the team that is working on the Prayer and Liturgy track is going to put together a set of course aimed at helping RCIA teams.

A team has been formed here at UD to push forward with enhanced virtual conferencing. It is highly likely that this project will have impact on how closed groups for parishes function.

I would like to encourage all you VLCFF podcast fans to submit your ideas here about what you would like to see in the future of the VLCFF. Many of our best ideas for improvement and innovation have come from our students. Each of you are a very important part of this initiative for the Church.

Together we make Good News happen.

As of this announcement we have 565 students in nearly 50 course sections.

This is due in-part to our new Certificate in Catechesis. However, in looking over all our first time students more than half are talking courses simply for personal enrichment in faith. This is a wonderful thing to see as it shows just how much the laity is looking for and needing solid, authentic teaching. We at the VLCFF shall always strive to meet the high standards that our students demand.

As we enter into these last months of 2009 we wish for you not only a rich harvest of fruit and grains, but an even richer harvest of spiritual and actual graces.

In Christ, through all and for all.

• Adults in parish or diocesan ministry wishing to design, implement and facilitate adult learning and faith formation for all ages of adults as Adult Faith Formation leaders, coordinators, catechists and facilitators in parishes or dioceses.

How do I Register?

• The registration process is online at vlc.udayton.edu
• Click on “Certificate Programs” in the left margin of the web page to begin

How much does it cost?

• The application for enrollment is $ 15.00 for persons in a partnering diocese, $ 30.00 for non-partnering diocese.
• Each course within the certificate program Costs $ 40.00 for persons in a partnering diocese, $ 90.00 for non-partnering diocese.
• See our website for a list of our Partnering (Arch)Dioceses.

Required Courses: The courses must be taken in sequence.  You may register for the Certificate in Adult Formation Leadership at any time, however, the certificate start dates will be in January and July.  These are the months in which the first course will be offered.

• Foundations and Vision of Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Parish as a Learning Community
• Many Faces of Adults
• Facilitating Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Leadership Roles and Skills for Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Spirituality in Adult Learning and Faith Formation
• Designing & Implementing Adult Learning and Faith Formation

By January of 2010 we have a Certificate in Media Literacy Education available. The bulk of the course design is being done by Sr. Rose Pacatte. Some of you may know her by the Movie Lectionary books she helped create. Check them out at Amazon. Here is the link to info on the Cycle A book. You can also check out her blog.

To get you warmed up for the Certificate in Media Literacy we have placed a video at the VLCFF Youtube page. Don’t worry, you have not been missing anything not knowing about the VLCFF having a Youtube page. This is the first video we have ever put up!

In a few days I will be putting up a video here on the blog of an interview I did with Sr. Rose.

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!

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.

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

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.

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)

If you have any suggestions about how we could use this site feel free to send an email.

May you know the wisdom of the Holy Spirit,

VLCFF Team