Pope Francis
1936 - 2025

The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives team joins with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Together, we offer our prayers for him. In one sense, what a beautiful liturgical time of the year for passing into the eternal presence and embrace of God - Easter - celebrating the Resurrection!

We express our deep gratitude for his pastoral leadership in the past twelve years. Pope Francis introduced a breath of fresh air not only within the Catholic Church but within the world. His entire papacy resonated with reminders that the Catholic Church is to be a Church of compassion, mercy, and reaching out to the periphery, the margins. His life, actions, words (homilies), and copious writings continue to be an inspiration for navigating our IPI ministries into the future.

In one sense, his last Urbi et Orbi Message on Easter Sunday, 2025, offers the Church and the world his final mandate and dream for us. He wrote: 'On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life, and ideas! For all of us are children of God!'

May Pope Francis' light and dream continue to resonate within us. May he rest in peace.
— Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski

Easter Blessings from the VLCFF

As we journey through the joyful season of Easter, the VLCFF extends heartfelt blessings to all our subscribers around the world. Easter is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith—the celebration of Christ's Resurrection, victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life. It is a season of hope, renewal, and profound joy.

In this sacred time, we are reminded of God's infinite love and the transformative power of the Resurrection in our daily lives. Through our studies and formation, may we continue to grow as disciples, sharing that love and light with others.

At the VLCFF, we are honored to walk with you on your faith journey. May this Easter season fill your heart with peace, renew your spirit, and deepen your commitment to serving in your parish and community.

He is risen—Alleluia! Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Easter season.

UAE Bishop Paolo Martinelli
Celebrates Mass at the
University of Dayton

In late February, the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) and the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) had the honor of welcoming guests from our partnering diocese, the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. AVOSA serves over one million Catholics in the region, and since 2011, more than 700 students from the diocese have participated in VLCFF courses.

Our distinguished visitors included Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., his general secretary, Father Darick Dsouza, OFM Cap., and Catherine Miles-Flynn, Director of Christian Formation. The highlight of their visit was a Mass celebrated by Bishop Martinelli on the University of Dayton campus, attended by many UD students and faculty.

During their stay, the AVOSA team met with key university leaders, including Danelle Poe, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Father Jim Fitz, SM, University Rector, and Dr. Eric Spina, University President. Discussions focused on strengthening our partnership and exploring new ways to enhance faith formation opportunities for AVOSA students.

Catherine Miles-Flynn expressed gratitude for VLCFF’s ability to customize courses to meet the diocese’s unique needs. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration and expanding catechetical formation worldwide.

Explore Basic Catechist Formation

Have you ever considered becoming a catechist? Whether you're a Catholic school teacher, small group Church leader, or parish volunteer, the Basics of Catechist Formation (eCat) track is a great place to start!

This affordable, flexible online series consists of three-week e-seminars designed to help you understand the catechist vocation and its important role in the Church. The courses are divided into two groups of three, starting with Basics of Catechist Formation 1.1, which explores the essential role of a catechist. These interactive sessions offer a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and connect with fellow learners from around the world.

Perfect for those new to faith formation, these courses will boost your confidence and strengthen your understanding of this crucial ministry. Courses run throughout the year, so check our calendar and sign up for the next session today!

Catholic U.S. Service Members Learn Spiritual Mentoring

After a year-long pilot, we’re excited to share the success of the Military Spiritual Mentoring program, an initiative created by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Suzy Streeter. Designed to support Catholic U.S. military personnel stationed around the world, this program connects seasoned service members with junior members seeking guidance in both their faith and military careers.

Working closely with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI), Col. Streeter developed a specialized VLCFF online course to train military mentors. Since launching in 2020, the program has grown with strong endorsements from Bishop James Golka and Archbishop Timothy Broglio, expanding beyond military chapels into civilian parishes.

Through this mentoring journey, participants are finding faith-filled community and resilience. We’re proud to support this mission and look forward to seeing it reach more military members worldwide.