DIOCESAN NEWS
11/20/09
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Graduate students in Natchez finish first course
By Fr. David O’Connor
     NATCHEZ — Eleven adults who completed their first course in the Loyola Institute for Ministry’s Theology Extension Program in Natchez gathered for dinner to celebrate the end of the first course and submission of their required term papers.
     Ruth Powers, leader and facilitator of the local program, said, “Class members have grown as individuals and have gelled as a group to be open to one another, to respect one another’s opinions, and to challenge one another.”
     The theology program includes 10 academic courses and two focus courses. The criteria and expectations from the participants are the same as for students on the Loyola campus in New Orleans.
     This theology study program, depending on the interest and needs of each participant, culminates in a master’s degree in religious studies or pastoral ministry, or in a certificate level in these same fields.
     “The first course, an Introduction to Practical Theology, challenged and gave me new insights I did not know existed,” said Sue Junkin from Brookhaven. “I did not know how little I knew until I participated in this course,” she added.
     St. Mary Parish has been certified as a Loyola Learning Center, according to Powers. She said the course content, process and methodology is prepared by Loyola’s Institute for Ministry.
     “The presentation of the content utilizes a course manual, online information, chat-room opportunities, a DVD component, a theological reflection process, an end of course written paper.
     “Written assignments are designed and assessed by Loyola, she said.” Each course consists of eight three-hour classes, regular assessment and an end-of-course written paper.
Active participation and interaction during each class was seen as an important component of the course by participant L.D. Lang, Natchez Holy Family parishioner. For Camille Durkin of St. Mary Parish the course gave her a deeper understanding of Catholic doctrines and helped her to internalize and verbalize her beliefs. Karen Verucchi, also of St. Mary Parish, said the group participation and theological reflection process gave her “the big picture, a component I often missed in my personal reading and study.”
     Valencia Hall, another member of Holy Family Parish, said, “Participation in the course helped me see the humanity and divinity of Jesus in the special education students I work with in school.
     “I have learned new skills to help these students recognize their own dignity.” She also said she came to a new understanding of the sacrament of reconciliation.
     Ginger Cowart, a high school teacher and member of St. Mary, described herself as a person who likes control, but admits the theology course has helped her to be more open. “I do not know where this study program will lead me, but I am glad I am in the program,” she said.
     “The introductory theology course has freed me to share my thoughts and reflections and has given me a method of dealing with the theology themes of the course,” said Charles Garrity.
     He added, “Under-standing the four contexts of theology — personal, institutional, socio-cultural, and Christian tradition — has offered new insights and possibilities for me in dealing with life’s questions.”
     The second course — Understanding the Old Testament — will begin on Jan. 4, 2010. Courses will be offered sequentially after that and include New Testament studies, grace and the spirit, sacraments, spirituality and morality, faith and culture, pastoral and educational praxis.
     Information on the Loyola Theology program is available from Loyola Institute for Ministry, 800-777-5469.

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