Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News
Australian students praise university's Virtual Community
Several adult students from Australia's Diocese of Adelaide recently earned their certificates from the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF).
As part of Adelaide’s Ministry Formation Program (MFP) men and women discern their gifts and earn a certificate for completing two or four years of online studies. Students are then equipped for ministry in their communities, whether in a parish, hospital, school or other agency.
“The VLCFF differs from other tertiary courses, as I can access the topics online when it is convenient for me, from anywhere in the world, and the topics available are being offered several times throughout the year,” said Gabrielle Byrne, a first year student in MFP.
Formation for ministry doesn’t happen by one person, but from a community committed to an individual’s successful completion. Adult Students are also assigned a spiritual director as well as a mentor and parish priests are integral in their support of the students in the program.
“Studying through the University of Dayton is unique with the students coming from all over the world, with one common goal: to learn more about our Catholic faith,” Byrne said.
The Diocese of Adelaide partners with the University of Dayton VLCFF for theological and pastoral studies classes. The Ministry Formation Program at Adelaide is an example of one diocesan program that focuses on guiding people through their faith and formation journey.
“I enjoyed my study through Dayton with both American students and those from other countries, sharing faith and pastoral experiences as one universal Catholic Church, but with different points of view rich in cultural diversity,” said Stan Kolodziel, also a first year MFP student.
“Dayton’s VLCFF uses many different forums for online teaching, such as meetings with the lecturer, quizzes, tests, video materials, and discussion forums.”
A mass and ceremony for the graduating students was held at the Cathedral with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan presiding.
The VLCFF online was created to offer adults religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the internet. Now offering three-and 5-week courses in English, Spanish and Arabic in 2023, see the schedule and list of courses. The VLCFF online program offers a wide variety of possibilities for global archdioceses/dioceses. Contact a VLCFF staff member for more information.
