Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

By John D. LeComte

Stacie Covington, '14, '16, admits coping with COVID-19 has been challenging at times due to anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty.

But the coronavirus turned out to be the main reason Stacie registered for an online course, Introduction to Prayer, through the University of Dayton’s VLCFF (Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation).

“Once the pandemic was in full swing, I found myself praying more often than ever before to help me better cope with the negative emotions I was experiencing,” says Covington. “The course and  personal prayer journal assignment energized me.”

Stacie has been a lecturer in the Department of English for three years and has worked the past decade at UD during her undergraduate and masters years. When she noticed these online courses are year-round, she jumped at the chance.

“I really enjoyed the personal, experience-based aspect of the online course. While the assigned readings were interesting and insightful, I loved having the ability to share my own personal experiences and be enlightened by my classmates' experiences of prayer through the discussion forums,” Covington told me.

Having taught asynchronous online courses herself, Stacie appreciated the anytime, anywhere aspect of completing the course, as well as getting back in touch with her faith and spirituality.

“This online course allowed me to slow down and set aside some time each day to really think about my prayer life and my relationship with God,” she said.

“It was a great way to rejuvenate my spirit ahead of the fall semester, and I would certainly recommend this experience to other UD faculty, staff and alumni.

Speaking of alumni, Stacie’s aunt – Teri (Johnson) Trimm, '77, '84, her uncle, James S. Johnson, '79, and grandfather, James C. Johnson, '53, '64 are all Flyer faithful.

“Spending time focusing on this course actually was a reprieve from the stresses of everyday life. Each day I looked forward to learning more about prayer.”

VLCFF.UDayton.edu offers online faith formation courses for UD alumni and faculty/staff year-round. HR covers the cost for fac/staff. UD alumni pay a reduced rate of just $10 week for a 5-week course ($50) or $40 for a 3-week seminar. Next start dates: August 30 and October 18.   See the full course catalog (English,Spanish, Arabic) and register today!