Francisco Castillo, D.Min., participated in the 2024 Colloquium of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS) from June 9-12 at Boston College's Connors Center. The Colloquium focused on the theme "Synodality En Conjunto: The People of God, the Bible, and Theology."
Tammy Vidrine, MRE, recently contributed a spiritual reflection to the Jesuit Prayer Daily Inspiration page, focusing on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18. Readers can access the June 19 reading and Tammy's insightful response here.
A certified Spiritual Director from the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center, Tammy brings a wealth of experience to her current freelance role. Her diverse career spans education and administration:
On May 17, 2024, Claire Gallagher, Associate Director of "Flourishing Sisterhood: Nourishing Communities in the Gulf South," was interviewed by Gaby Smith of Catholic Community Media. During the engaging conversation, Claire shared her inspiring vocation story and the profound journey that led her to become a consecrated virgin for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Listen to the interview»
Dr. Emily Jendzejec received the Faculty Award of Excellence at the College of Nursing and Health Awards Convocation on May 10, 2024. Dr. Jendzejec was recognized for her excellence in teaching and scholarship, as well as her service as the Coordinator of the Loyola Institute for Ministry's FIELD Project. The FIELD Project engages with ministry leaders in parishes to design a renewed way of being Church marked by synodality, or journeying together on the walk of faith by engaging young adults, listening to them, and discerning with them pastoral responses.
Ansel Augustine, M.P.S., D.Min., will deliver the Commencement address at Saint Michael’s College to the Class of 2024. Dr. Augustine is a member of the Saint Michael’s Board of Trustees. He will speak during the College’s 117th Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2024.
In March 2024, LIM adjunct professor Deborah Wilhelm, D.Min., participated in a significant gathering of preachers and theologians from across North America, Europe, and Asia. The synodal symposium, titled "The Pastoral Charge for Lay Catholic Eucharistic Preaching," took place in St. Louis from March 11–14 and aimed to generate recommendations regarding lay preaching at Mass.
Skya Abbate, DBe (Loyola, Chicago 2020), DOM (1984), earned her Master's and Post-Master's in Pastoral Studies at the Loyola Institute for Ministry. The Linacre Quarterly, the official journal of the Catholic Medical Association, recently published her article, "Reimagining the Discipleship of Marriage Through the Lens of Mark: A Theological Reflection for Bioethical Decision-Making on Contraception in Catholic Healthcare and Marital Life." Skya told emeriti professor Barbara Fleischer that the article had its genesis in a paper written for her first class at LIM, which Dr.
The Diocese of Orlando recently celebrated a remarkable achievement by five dedicated members of St. Joseph Parish. Louis Canter, Aimee Holzer, Leon Holzer, Nancy J. McLaughlin, and Nydia Rivera-Rivera have earned their Certificate in Theology and Ministry, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to deepening their faith and serving their community. They completed their certificates through the Institute for Ministry's Extension Program, which has been active in the Diocese of Orlando for over 35 years.
Dr. Tracey Lamont was a featured speaker at the Leadership Roundtable's 2024 Catholic Partnership Summit held February 28–March 1, 2024 in Arlington, VA. This year's theme was "Expanding the Tent: Young Adult Leadership and Co-Responsibility in the Catholic Church." Dr. Lamont particpated in Session 3, "The Church We Want to Be: An Authentic Place for All to Belong." This session delved into belonging and trust concerns, as well as how the Church can ensure the leadership tables of its parishes, communities, and ministries are spaces where all young adults truly belong.
On March 2, 2024, colleagues and friends will gather to celebrate Ansel Augustine's 25th anniversary of full-time ministry in New Orleans. The occasion also marks his appointment as Assistant Director of African American Affairs by the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.