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UAE Bishop Paolo Martinelli
Celebrates Mass at the
University of Dayton

In late February, the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) and the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) had the honor of welcoming guests from our partnering diocese, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. AVOSA serves over one million Catholics in the region, and since 2011, more than 700 students from the diocese have participated in VLCFF courses.

Our distinguished visitors included Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., his general secretary, Father Darick Dsouza, OFM Cap., and Catherine Miles-Flynn, Director of Christian Formation. The highlight of their visit was a Mass celebrated by Bishop Martinelli on the University of Dayton campus, attended by many UD students and faculty.

During their stay, the AVOSA team met with key university leaders, including Danelle Poe, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Father Jim Fitz, SM, University Rector, and Dr. Eric Spina, University President. Discussions focused on strengthening our partnership and exploring new ways to enhance faith formation opportunities for AVOSA students.

Catherine Miles-Flynn expressed gratitude for VLCFF’s ability to customize courses to meet the diocese’s unique needs. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and expanding catechetical formation worldwide.

Embracing the Desert:
A Lenten Challenge

Lent is more than a season—it’s an invitation. For 40 days, we walk alongside Jesus in the desert wilderness, where He fasted, prayed, and faced temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). His time of solitude wasn’t just about endurance; it was about preparation.

Like Jesus, we are called to enter this sacred time with intention. Fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about making room for God. Prayer isn’t just about words—it’s about deepening our relationship with Christ. Almsgiving isn’t just about generosity—it’s about seeing Christ in others.

Lent is challenging, but it’s also transformative. When we strip away distractions, we make space for God’s grace to work in us. As we journey toward Easter, let’s embrace the desert—not as a place of deprivation, but as a place of renewal. May this season strengthen our faith and prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection.

Explore Basic Catechist Formation

Have you ever considered becoming a catechist? Whether you're a Catholic school teacher, small group Church leader, or parish volunteer, the Basics of Catechist Formation (eCat) track is a great place to start!

This affordable, flexible online series consists of three-week e-seminars designed to help you understand the catechist vocation and its important role in the Church. The courses are divided into two groups of three, starting with Basics of Catechist Formation 1.1, which explores the essential role of a catechist. These interactive sessions offer a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and connect with fellow learners from around the world.

Perfect for those new to faith formation, these courses will boost your confidence and strengthen your understanding of this crucial ministry. Courses run throughout the year, so check our calendar and sign up for the next session today!

Catholic U.S. Service Members Learn Spiritual Mentoring

After a year-long pilot, we’re excited to share the success of the Military Spiritual Mentoring program, an initiative created by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Suzy Streeter. Designed to support Catholic U.S. military personnel stationed around the world, this program connects seasoned service members with junior members seeking guidance in both their faith and military careers.

Working closely with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI), Col. Streeter developed a specialized VLCFF online course to train military mentors. Since launching in 2020, the program has grown with strong endorsements from Bishop James Golka and Archbishop Timothy Broglio, expanding beyond military chapels into civilian parishes.

Through this mentoring journey, participants are finding faith-filled community and resilience. We’re proud to support this mission and look forward to seeing it reach more military members worldwide.

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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."

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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.

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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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UAE Bishop Paolo MartinelliCelebrates Mass at theUniversity of Dayton

Embracing the Desert:A Lenten Challenge