Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

By John LeComte

Those words from Pope Francis during a homily this year has reminded me of the mission here at the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives and the University of Dayton.   

I have never met the people in the photo from El Salvador. I doubt I ever will. But to see the smiles (sonrisas) on their faces, and notice them clutching onto a book our Spanish program provides, titled, Introducción a al Fe Católica (Introduction to Catholic Faith) and I realize the work here is truly a leaven for good in our world.

The Institute continues to be one of the best kept secrets on campus. Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski manages a team overseeing dozens of campus and global projects, including the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF), a distance learning program serving more than 70 Dioceses around the world. The online classes provide Catechists, Religious Educators, Youth Ministers, Adults involved in Faith Formation or anybody interested in enriching their faith a platform to learn. (UD alums and employees are welcome to take a class!)  Classes are only held for five weeks, with e-seminars three weeks and there's also a track of courses in Spanish.

This brings us back to El Salvador, where leaders from parishes in Fort Laramie, Ohio-through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati-utilize the VLCFF. They met with our Spanish director, Liliana Montoya about their latest venture, traveling to their sister city in San Cristóbal, to introduce our VLCFF Spanish program to the parish.

"We facilitate a successful catechist program in Spanish through the VLCFF in our diocese," said Ann Bollheimer, who helps lead the outreach delegation. "The VLCFF seemed to be a natural fit with our project."

So on their most recent visit in June to the Parish in El Salvador, the group delivered the VLCFF books, as well as assistance, for the 16 adult learners working to achieve course certification.

"We hope these parishioners simply want to learn and take a class, even without being certified,"  said Bollheimer. "This is very difficult for some, since this is the first time they've actually used a computer.  But these people are so grateful."

About ten computers were donated.  There's also an English program in the works. The goal is to build relationships across borders, and bring awareness of solidarity.

"Our next step is to help the parish apply for grants," said Bollheimer.

Ann also asked me to pass along this message.  "Thank you University of Dayton for your work with the VLCFF !"

Humanity's needs sets our direction, and guided by our Catholic, Marianist identity, we are very proud to share this example of the University for the Common Good. 

The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives oversees many university and global projects, including the VLCFF  (Find us on Facebook too) as well as the Forum for Young Catholic Hispanics, Christian Meditation in Catholic schools, Special Needs in Faith Formation, Chaminade Scholars pilgrimage from Assisi to Rome. Catholic Schools for Tomorrow, the Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders, and the Caribbean School for Catholic Communications.