Six LIM graduate students experienced a rare opportunity to witness Church history unfold as they and faculty member Emily Jendzejec joined a landmark pilgrimage to Rome during the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The delegation was part of a larger group of 150 representatives from 15 U.S. Catholic universities who traveled to Vatican City from October 12-19, 2024.
Dr. Emily Jendzejec has published a thought-provoking article in the latest issue of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought. Her work, "'Protagonists of Transformation': Organizing within a Synodal Church," appears in a special edition focused on Organizing, Synodality and Catholic Social Thought and Practice.
Dr. Deborah Wilhelm, adjunct professor and member of an international working group, expressed enthusiasm as their proposal on lay preaching was incorporated into the Vatican's latest document for the Synod "How to be a Missionary Synodal Church."
In March 2024, Dr. Wilhelm joined preachers and theologians from North America, Europe, and Asia in St. Louis for a synodal symposium. Titled "The Pastoral Charge for Lay Catholic Eucharistic Preaching," the gathering aimed to generate recommendations for lay preaching during Mass.
Paula Silliman, a graduate student in the Master of Religious Education program, was recently featured in The Record, Louisville's Catholic newspaper. In the article, Silliman shares how the program has helped her respond to a personal calling and deepen her understanding of the Catholic faith. Read the article here.
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.