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Private Audience with Pope Leo XIV

We had the honor and blessing of meeting Pope Leo XIV during a Private Audience with 100 leaders of the NCCHM Pilgrimage to the Vatican, held as part of the Jubilee of Migrants. In this Holy Year, we walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, carrying a message of unity, faith, and renewal for our communities.

Representing the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton, Liliana Montoya had the privilege of participating in this historic encounter, joining other leaders in advancing the Church’s mission of inclusion and service.

This experience is a gift, a mission, and a blessing to the entire Hispanic Catholic community in the United States, which NCCHM had the honor of representing before the Holy Father.

We invite you to watch this inspiring video featuring reflections and testimonies from the pilgrims who joined this extraordinary journey.

Faith for All: Books Designed for People with Disabilities and Inclusive Learning

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF), in partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton, is proud to offer a collection of inclusive faith-formation books created with accessibility and compassion in mind.

These books are designed for individuals with disabilities, their families, and all who desire a more inclusive experience of faith and learning. Each title reflects IPI’s commitment to building church and school communities that welcome every learner celebrating the gifts, talents, and dignity of all.

By purchasing these books, you’re not just gaining inspiring resources you’re supporting a mission of inclusion within the Church, helping ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can grow in faith, understanding, and belonging.

Click here: To learn more about this initiative OR order the books!

Who was St. John Henry Newman, the Newest Church Doctor?

On November 1st, 2025, St. John Henry Newman was declared the newest Doctor of the Church…but who was he? In this engaging video, join Fr. James Heft S.M. (Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Dayton, Marianist, and our dear friend), as he answers this question with a compelling overview of Newman’s life and enduring influence on the Catholic Church.

Listen as he explores Newman’s spiritual journey from Anglicanism to Catholicism, emphasizing his conversion, scholarship, and deep commitment to faith. Newman’s thoughtful engagement with doctrine, history, and the challenges of Church life will show you exactly why he was declared a Church Doctor, or as Fr. Heft says, “someone whose teachings are considered solid and worth reflecting on for the entire Church.”

Watch Fr. Heft’s overview, and let Newman’s legacy invite you to reflect on your own faith journey!

An Online, Advent Oasis

It can be hard to find true solace amidst the busy, upcoming holiday season. This is why we created Advent: A Holy Waiting, our special, four-week Advent course, intended to provide you with a peaceful space for reflecting and connecting with the Advent season.

Though it’s described as a "course," don’t let that fool you! There are no books or assignments required, so consider this as more of a reflective retreat. Each week will feature meaningful content, guided reflections, and opportunities for shared conversation...all in a welcoming, online setting, and led by one of our friendly facilitators to provide companionship and encouragement.

Regardless of whether you’re in a Partnering Diocese/Group with us or not, this "e-retreat" has a discounted cost of $20, but act fast… Registration closes November 28th.

Register today, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ alongside fellow members of the global Church around the world!

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Our Mission

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is a growing initiative to offer adult religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the internet. The goal is to support the church's professional ministry of religious education and faith formation in cyberspace.

The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton - a Catholic Marianist Institution.

From Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton President:
"The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives is a pioneer in the e-learning field, delivering 24-7 remote classes to dioceses worldwide long before the pandemic prompted schools to go online and offer hybrid learning. With a successful model already in place, the VLCFF is poised to reach [even] more people with faith formation classes."

A Brief History of the VLCFF

Explore Our Program

Overview

Getting Started

Certificate Programs

Institute for Pastoral Initiatives

From our Students

"I have completed many courses through University of Dayton VLCFF online. I keep thinking I am through but the classes you offer are so interesting and beneficial for my job and in my personal faith growth that I continue taking classes!"

"I am eternally grateful to University of Dayton for treating me not as just a student, but as family. This was my first experience with online classes and I found myself struggling during a particular course since I was juggling studies, work, family and other activities. I felt swamped. I quickly fell behind and just as I was contemplating if I should quit, my facilitator taught me how to balance my assignments."

"So, every session has been awesome! Your facilitators take the time to give feedback on a personal level as well as reach out when assistance is needed."

University of Dayton Religious Studies

Did you know The University of Dayton offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in Religious Studies?

As a Catholic Marianist university, the mission of the Department of Religious Studies is to discover, explore, and analyze religious experience in its various manifestations emphasizing the Roman Catholic tradition, in dialogue with the other Christian traditions and with the world religions.

For more information visit the Religious Studies website.

Make a difference!
Support the VLCFF.

The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation is a non-profit organization at the University of Dayton. Your tax deductible gift can help further our mission of religious education and faith formation.

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