On May 11, 2023, the faculty and graduates of the Loyola Institute for Ministry met virtually with colleagues from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to discuss their shared work in promoting small Christian communities (SCCs) and synodality.
Dr. Emily Jendzejec reviewed Daniel Hendrickson's Jesuit Higher Education in a Secular Age: A Response to Charles Taylor and the Crisis of Fullness. Hendrickson's book is published by Georgetown University Press (2023); the press's website describes its focus:
Ansel Augustine, D.Min, recently shared his thoughts on the readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter (April 30, 2023) with the audience of US Catholic. By asking the question, "How can we be church in the world?", Ansel opens a reflection on being truly present to those around us, sharing their struggles, and living our faith in the process. Read the article and watch the video here.
Fr. Joseph Onyait, who has studied at LIM focused on Small Christian Communities, embarked on an ambitious plan to train facilitators in the Diocese of Soroti in Uganda so that they might lead Small Christian Communities in their parishes. He helped to create a plan to train catechists, Parish Council members, and parish priests, among others, and presented it to the Bishop of Soroti, Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach.
On March 14, 2023, Loyola Institute for Ministry Interim Director Tracey Lamont received notice from Loyola Provost Dr. Tanuja Singh that her application for promotion in rank and tenure has been accepted. As of August 1 of this year, she will be a tenured Associate Professor of Religious Education and Young Adult Ministry. Congratulations Dr. Lamont!
On March 19, 2023 in the Diocese of Portland, ME, Daniel Maloney, C.P.S., was ordained by Bishop Robert Deeley in a ceremony held at St. Martha Church in Kennebunk. Read about Daniel's journey and his ministry helping people overcome substance use here.
When sharing the news of his ordination with LIM faculty member Dr. Tom Ryan, Daniel noted that LIM "empowered me to complete the academic task and ultimately formation for the Diaconate."
Below is a video of Daniel's ordination.
The International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement published "The Transformative Potential of Service-Learning in an African Religious Context," co-authored by Sarah DeMarais (LIM Associate Project Director), Dr. Steve Mumford (University of New Orleans), and Dr. Tom Ryan (Loyola's Interim VP of Mission and Identity and Professor of Theology and Ministry). The article explores insights from LIM's recent Conrad N.
As part of the Special Issue Catholic Education and Pope Francis’ Dream for a Synodal Church, the journal Religions published Dr. Lamont's article "From Change to Transformation: Living Synodality in Ministry with Young Adults." In it, she explains ministry with young people will be more effective if leaders embrace a transformational curricular framework rooted in a theology of synodality. Read online»
Dr. Tracey Lamont gave 2 lectures at the 2023 Relgious Education Congress in Los Angeles which was held February 23-26, 2023. The two talks showcased her breadth of expertiseas she presented in two categories. On the theme of Catechesis and Formation, she presented "Developing a Renewed Ecclesial Imagination: Practicing Missionary Discipleship in Its Fullest" on Saturday, February 25. On the theme of Human Growth and Development, she delivered "Coming of Age: Spiritual Care of Gen Z" on Sunday.
Karen Brady, M.R.E., pictured on the far right with her Confirmation class, introduced them to a new way of preparing to experience the sacrament. In the Diocese of Tucson, she partnered with Fr. Emanuel “Manu” Franco-Gomez, O.Carm., to offer Confirmation candidates an experience of sacramental preparation that transformed traditional formation by pairing it with Kairos retreats at which adult mentors joined the candidates to support their spiritual growth. An article about this program appeared in the Diocese of Tucson's New Outlook.