Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News
Tonga joins Online Learning Community
The Diocese of Tonga is the latest diocese to partner with the University of Dayton's online religious education program, the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF)
"This has been a dream to reach the Pacific region," said Sister Angela Ann Zukowski, DIrector of VLCFF, after signing the agreement.
The Diocese of Tonga and Niue serve about 17,000 in their Catholic community. Its principal church is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Tonga (Tongan: Malia Tupu Imakulata) in the capital Nuku’alofa.
The VLCFF team worked with Tonga's Director of Catholic Social Communication, Viliami Falekoano.
"On behalf of His Eminence, Soane Patrita Paini Cardinal Mafi, and the members of the Catholic Diocese of Tonga and Niue, I thank University of Dayton for your service and agreeing to partner with us," Falekoano wrote in a release.
Tonga is comprised of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. The VLCFF already has partnerships with several dioceses in Australia, and there are a handful of adult students from the Philippines completing courses online as well.
"Our global reach is what sets us apart," said Zukowski.
"I see my role as opening new doors, paving new pathways and moving the VLCFF online experience forward into new territories around the world."
Welcome to the VLCFF!
The VLCFF currently partners with over 80 (Arch) dioceses, offering 3 week and 5 week online courses year-round in English, Spanish and Arabic. Simply create a profile to join the virtual community. See the 2022 course list here.