Bishop Paolo Martinelli, O.F.M. Cap.
Visits from Southern Arabia

In February, the VLCFF was privileged to welcome Bishop Paolo Martinelli, O.F.M. Cap. from the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA), a region that is home to over 800,000 Catholics. For over a decade, AVOSA and the VLCFF have collaborated to enrich the lives of catechists and parishioners, creating a strong partnership that supports the faithful in this significant part of the world.

During his visit, our team had the opportunity to explore how the VLCFF can further support AVOSA's mission through meaningful conversations with the Bishop and his staff. Having once taught at the university level in Italy, Bishop Martinelli was also happy to engage a classroom of our University of Dayton students in enlightening discussions about the Middle East and the Church's influence in the area. The Bishop went on to have a luncheon and further talks with the university president, Dr. Eric Spina.

The visit concluded on a joyful note, with Bishop Martinelli showcasing his musical talents in a memorable singing and guitar performance for the VLCFF staff, leaving us inspired by his faith-filled artistry.




Novena to St. Joseph

March 19th marks the Feast of St. Joseph, a time to honor the humble carpenter who served as Jesus' earthly father. But did you know there's a special devotion leading up to the feast? The St. Joseph Novena is a cherished prayer practice observed for nine consecutive days.

Traditionally, each day focuses on a specific aspect of St. Joseph's character, like his faithfulness or his role as protector of the Holy Family. Devotees reflect on these qualities and pray for his intercession in their own lives.

Whether you're facing a difficult decision or simply seeking strength and guidance, a St. Joseph Novena can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Many resources are available online and in libraries to guide you through this beautiful tradition. So why not consider dedicating nine days to prayer and reflection with St. Joseph as your companion?

PrayMoreNovenas.com




The Heart of Lent:
Following Jesus into the Desert

Lent, the 40-day season leading up to Easter, isn't just about giving up chocolate. It's a time for Catholics to walk alongside Jesus in his own 40-day journey into the wilderness, as described in the Gospels.

Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, ventured into isolation. There, he fasted and faced immense temptations. Yet, Jesus emerged victorious, his faith unshaken.

Lent allows us to enter this wilderness with Jesus. We might choose to fast from food, social media, or negativity. This creates space for reflection and prayer, helping us confront our own temptations.

By following Jesus into the wilderness, we renew our commitment to God and prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter. It's a chance to shed distractions and deepen our faith, just as Jesus did before embarking on his ministry.




Cycle 3: VLCFF Spring e-Courses

For those in the northern hemisphere, spring is just around the corner and so is the VLCFF's Cycle 3! The good news is that no matter where you are in the world, you can enroll in a VLCFF e-course!

This term, we're offering a vibrant bouquet of over 50 five-week courses in English, Spanish, and Arabic, designed to enrich your spiritual journey. Whether you're a seasoned catechist seeking to hone your skills, a curious mind wanting to delve into Catholic Social Teaching, or someone yearning for a stronger biblical foundation, Cycle 3 has something for everyone. And if you’re enrolled in a VLCFF certificate program, be sure to check the Cycle 3 calendar for classes relevant to your certification.

Registration is open until April 3rd, with classes starting on April 8th. So, don't miss out – plant the seeds of knowledge and connect with a global faith community. Sign up today and let your faith flourish!

View Cycle 3 e-Courses here...       Register here…




VLCFF Classes in Arabic!

For several years, the VLCFF had successfully piloted Catholic faith courses in the Arabic language. Recognizing the growing demand and the program's remarkable impact, the VLCFF has now expanded its Arabic course offerings to include a comprehensive range of 12 e-courses, catering to learners of all levels.

To learn more please contact us for information on when and where to register.

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!

Leap of Faith, Ethos


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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

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"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!"

Sybil, Virginia
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"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."

Terrence, Trinidad & Tobago

University of Dayton Religious Studies

University of Dayton, St Mary's Hall

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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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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Sister Angela's Corner