Leap of Faith, Ethos
The Season of Aging - Legacy and Spirituality
Faithful Citizenship Webinar Series
As election day draws near in the United States and polarization grows, several University of Dayton entities and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are hosting a discussion on this important topic. The university's Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, Campus Ministry, and Dialogue Zone, along with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, invite you to explore how we can live out our Catholic faith as engaged citizens. Join us for "Faithful Citizenship in a Polarized World," – a live, three-part webinar series.
Each session will focus on a different aspect of faithful citizenship and offer opportunities for Q&A. Sessions will be held via Zoom, and recordings will be available to all registrants. Topics include:
- iVote Catholic: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship with Andrew Musgrave on Sept. 25
- The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World with Fr. Aaron Wessman on Oct. 2
- Conversations in the Spirit: Bridging the Divide with Dialogue on Oct. 9, led by facilitators from UD's Dialogue Zone
Learn more about the program and register for each session of this free series here.
Register for Cycle 7!
As autumn settles in, here in Dayton, Ohio, we're excited to remind you that the final full cycle of 2024 is just around the corner! This is your last opportunity this year to work on your certificate program, take that course you've been considering, or simply deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith. With registration closing on October 16th, now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
With over 50 courses available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, the VLCFF offers something for everyone—whether you're new to your faith journey or looking to expand your theological knowledge. Our friendly VLCFF administrators are ready to assist you with registration, and once enrolled, you'll benefit from facilitators who are passionate about both their faith and helping you grow.
Classes start on October 21st, so mark your calendar! We can't wait to see you in class!
Featured Course: Bioethical Issues
Are you ready to explore the moral and ethical challenges at the forefront of healthcare today? Enroll in the VLCFF course, Bioethical Issues, Including Care for the Aging and Support for Families, and delve into the complex world of bioethics.
Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, this course will help you navigate topics like end-of-life care, medical decision-making, and the ethical implications of advances in biotechnology. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or simply someone seeking to deepen your understanding of these important issues, this course provides valuable tools and perspectives.
With knowledgeable facilitators and a supportive learning environment, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and reflect on how faith intersects with these real-world challenges. Don't miss this chance to enrich your understanding of bioethics.
Month of the Rosary
October holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful as the Month of the Holy Rosary—a time dedicated to deepening our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Holy Rosary.
Originating in the 16th century, this powerful prayer combines vocal and meditative elements, guiding us through the mysteries of Christ's life. In this month, we are called to recite the Rosary daily, reflecting on the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. It's not just a prayer but a spiritual journey, drawing us closer to Mary and Jesus.
During this month, many parishes organize events such as rosary prayer gatherings, processions, and educational sessions to help individuals understand the significance of the Rosary and how to pray it. Through the Month of the Rosary, the universal Church invites everyone to reflect on the mysteries of our faith and to seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary in our daily lives.
Trinity TV Collaboration
Trinity TV, a Catholic cable TV station broadcasting from Trinidad & Tobago, has launched an inspiring new program called Leap of Faith. Leap of Faith is the brainchild of Trinity TV station manager Lisa Bhajan. Her goal was to create a panel discussion program tackling issues affecting the modern Catholic Church.
To bring this idea to life, Lisa reached out to the IPI/VLCFF due to her over 20 year association with us. The VLCFF's Sister Angela Ann Zukowski enthusiastically supported developing the concept into a show. A regular episode of the half- hour show is called Ethos, and features well-informed guests from the University of Dayton and the IPI/VLCFF community. Feedback has been tremendously positive and we know you will enjoy the program. Individual episodes will be showcased here on our website, so check back often!
The Season of Aging - Legacy and Spirituality
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Our Mission
The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is a growing initiative to offer adult religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the internet. The goal is to support the church's professional ministry of religious education and faith formation in cyberspace.
The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton - a Catholic Marianist Institution.
From Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton President:
"The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives is a pioneer in the e-learning field,
delivering 24-7 remote classes to dioceses worldwide long before the pandemic
prompted schools to go online and offer hybrid learning.
With a successful model already in place, the VLCFF is poised to reach [even] more people with faith formation classes."
A Brief History of the VLCFF
Explore Our Program
Overview
Getting Started
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Institute for Pastoral Initiatives
From our Students
"I have completed many courses through University of Dayton VLCFF online. I keep thinking I am through but the classes you offer are so interesting and beneficial for my job and in my personal faith growth that I continue taking classes!"
"I am eternally grateful to University of Dayton for treating me not as just a student, but as family. This was my first experience with online classes and I found myself struggling during a particular course since I was juggling studies, work, family and other activities. I felt swamped. I quickly fell behind and just as I was contemplating if I should quit, my facilitator taught me how to balance my assignments."
"So, every session has been awesome! Your facilitators take the time to give feedback on a personal level as well as reach out when assistance is needed."
University of Dayton Religious Studies
Did you know The University of Dayton offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in Religious Studies?
As a Catholic Marianist university, the mission of the Department of Religious Studies is to discover, explore, and analyze religious experience in its various manifestations emphasizing the Roman Catholic tradition, in dialogue with the other Christian traditions and with the world religions.
For more information visit the Religious Studies website.
Make a difference!
Support the VLCFF.
The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation is a non-profit organization at the University of Dayton. Your tax deductible gift can help further our mission of religious education and faith formation.
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