Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News
Online classes provide teachable moments in Ghana
My name is Sr. Judith Segla, Sisters of Notre Dame de L’Eglise. I am a religious education coordinator in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Ghana, West Africa.
I am joyfully completing online courses with the University of Dayton VLCFF because I have come to know that I have a large spiritual family here that nurtures me, as well as my faith.
I recently completed three courses that I value very much. I did not make it alone. I acknowledge my able facilitators of the e-courses, as well, and all participants who journeyed with me with their remarkable life experiences and insights gained from the various readings.
The titles of the courses I completed:
- Who is Mary of Nazareth and Why Should We Care?
- Scripture, the Soul of Mariology
- An Introduction to the Catholic Doctrine on the Blessed Virgin Mary
The courses that I took have become part and parcel of my life. They were very valuable to me. In fact, I cannot explain my joy of drawing closer to Mary after I completed the first VLCFF course. Our facilitator, James Koelsch, helped us take interest in the historical background of Mary, a wonderful beautiful Jewess who took interest in God her entire life.
In my religious life, what else can I do than imitating my heavenly Mother!
I was happy to teach and share my faith experience and insights gained from the VLCFF programs during my catechism classes with the adults in Ghana on Sundays. I also took the opportunity to share with my catechumens the enriching online discussions (on the discussion boards) and the readings that were assigned to us.
I must say that this year is a very special one for me because I can also tell my story that by joining this wonderful Marian family, my love for Mother Mary has indeed grown. I am most thankful to God and to everyone known to God who made it possible for me to gain insights in the VLCFF program.
The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) has served adult students with online courses in six continents and more than 76 countries worldwide. The next class starts Nov. 27, a four-week class on Advent. Classes in 2023 will commence Jan. 9.
