Tracey Lamont, Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM), was recently featured on New Orleans' Fox 8 News to share her insight on leadership transitions. In an interview with news anchor Lucy Bustamante, Dr. Lamont provided insight into the appointment of James F. Checcio by Pope Leo XIV as coadjutor archbishop alongside Archbishop Gregory Aymond.
LIM graduate Amy Fraler, MRE, has recently been published in the peer-reviewed journal Religious Education. Her article, titled “Righteous Tricksters: A Matthean Pedagogy for Integrating Holocaust Rescue Narratives into Catholic Religious Education,” presents a thought-provoking framework for teaching virtue and moral discernment in complex historical contexts.
Jeremiah Smith’s journey through the Bachelor of Ministry and Theology program at the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) was more than academic—it was transformational. Through his studies, Jeremiah discerned a profound call to serve in the Episcopal Church, a path that has since led him to pursue ordination as a priest.
In a recent article for Global Sisters Report, Sr. Judith Gomila, M.S.C., reflects on her experience participating in the Flourishing Sisterhood podcast project, describing it as a new kind of "border crossing"—a recurring theme throughout her life and ministry. At 84, Sr.
Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) faculty and staff hosted a truly special gathering with the LIM community at the welcoming home of professor Tom Ryan and his wife Elizabeth. This gathering brought together the threads that weave through LIM's past, present, and future—alumni, current students, extension program facilitators, friends of the institute, faculty, and staff—creating a rich tapestry of shared purpose and connection.
Loyola Institute for Ministry student David Hebert was ordained to the permanent diaconate on May 31, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Nativity in Biloxi, Mississippi. A celebratory luncheon was held at the Parish Hall on Sunday, June 1, to honor his ordination alongside that of Jim Balentine. David is continuing his studies to earn his Master of Pastoral Studies degree while serving at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pass Christian, Mississippi.
Bernard Dumond, a Master of Pastoral Studies student at the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM), was recently featured in The Acadian Advocate for an article examining the Catholic Church's approach to digital ministry.
LIM graduate Melinda Laird, MPS, and current student Liz Aceves will co-facilitate "Anchored in Hope," a transformative online retreat on September 12 from 1-4 pm CST. This contemplative afternoon of prayer and reflection offers participants a sacred pause from life's relentless demands, creating space to listen for God's gentle invitation to find a more sustainable pace. Learn more about the retreat and register to attend here»
Sister Charlotte Rubit, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has offered the Catholic community a deeply personal glimpse into the transformative power of forgiveness through her recent reflection published in the Black Catholic Messenger. In her article titled "When God spoke to me in a dream, I listened," Sister Charlotte recounts a profound spiritual experience that changed her understanding of healing and reconciliation.
Judy Fontenot Lavergne, Manager of Student Services at the Loyola Institute for Ministry, received the Staff Senate Outstanding Service to Students Award in 2025. Judy was recognized for her comprehensive support of both undergraduate and graduate students, expertly guiding them through every stage of their academic journey—from initial application and onboarding through course registration and graduation.