Lismore Diocese has entered a new partnership with a United States university to provide people within the diocese access to quality online faith formation courses and learning opportunities.
Lismore Bishop Gregory Homeming OCD said the diocese is joining the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). The Ohio university is a top-tier national Catholic research university with a mission of service and leadership in community.
In announcing the partnership, Bishop Homeming said Lismore was one of several Australian dioceses participating in the VLCFF.
“The partnership offers the diocese an opportunity to join with others to do what we cannot do alone – that is, offer quality catechetical and faith formation courses on-line via a well-established, appropriately accredited organisation,” Bishop Homeming said.
“This virtual learning community will enable any parish or person within the Lismore Diocese to pursue areas of interest for their spiritual and faith development.”
Gary Reen, Lismore Catholic Schools Office assistant director of school evangelisation and catechetical, said the office and St Agnes’ parish in Port Macquarie are supporting the diocese in this venture.
St Agnes’ parish priest Fr Paul Gooley said the partnership would provide a “wonderful and necessary opportunity” for faith formation.
“The pandemic has definitely been a catalyst for people to seek new ways of staying connected to their faith and the VLCFF ticks all the boxes to help them do that – it’s readily available, convenient, and doesn’t require people to travel long distances to participate,” he added.
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Lismore Diocese partners with University of Dayton (Lismore Diocese)
