LIM faculty member Emily Jendzejec has contributed an article to the volume A Shared Praxis: Renewing Religious Education (Crossroad, 2026) honoring Catholic religious educator and theologian Thomas H. Groome and his legacy as he retires after 50 years at Boston College. In April 2026, she also had the opportunity to celebrate with him in person at the conference "A Shared Praxis: Renewing Religious Education” at Boston College marking his five decades of scholarship and ministry. In her chapter, titled "“Community Organizing as Christian Shared Praxis,” Dr. Jendzejec explores how the tools of community organizing could be better integrated into religious education to inspire  and support people in working for justice and peace in their communities.

The faculty and staff at LIM join Dr. Jendzejec in celebrating a formative voice in religious education. Professor Groome's influence on our program, especially our Religious Education courses, cannot be overstated. One of Groome's deepest convictions is that “how you teach matters as much as what you teach.” Shaped by the work of Paulo Freire, he developed a pedagogy rooted in people's real lives—their experiences, their questions, and their search for meaning—starting where people are, just as Jesus did.

At LIM, that same spirit is alive in how we approach adult learning. We believe that formation happens in dialogue, not just instruction; that the lives of our students are themselves a source of wisdom; and that genuine faith education raises critical consciousness alongside spiritual depth.

Groome has spent his career reminding us that faith and daily living are inseparable. His scholarship has deeply shaped our curriculum at LIM, and we continue to build on that foundation.

Thank you, Tom, for 50 years of wisdom, courage, and deep commitment to the dignity of every learner. Thank you, Dr. Jendzejec, for sharing your vision of the priorities for Christian religious education today in light of Dr. Groome's powerful faith formation pedagogy.

Read Dr. Groome's recent reflection in Boston College Magazine→