DIOCESAN NEWS
12/02/11
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LIMEX theology program changes visions
NATCHEZ — Ten members of the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) Program gathered for dinner to mark the end of the seventh theology course — Spirituality, Morality and Ethics — and to submit required research papers. 
The learning group will take a break until Jan. 10, 2012, when they begin the eighth course — Faith and Culture — in this 12-course study program.
The group includes Gabe Cassagne, Karen Verucchi, Ginger Cowart, Camille Durkin, Charles Garrity, and Ann Elizabeth Kaiser from St. Mary Parish in Natchez; Wilbur Johnson, Valencia Hall and L.D. Lange from Holy Family Parish, Natchez; and Sue Junkin from St. Francis Parish in Brookhaven. Facilitator is Ruth Powers from St. Mary’s.
Powers explained the Limex Theology Program, with 36 academic college credits, consists of 10 foundation 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.
The program, depending on the interests and needs of each applicant, culminates in a master’s degree or a certificate in religious studies or pastoral ministry. St. Mary Basilica is certified as a Loyola Learning Center and follows the course content, process and methodology prepared by Loyola Institute for Ministry.
Participants in the program recognize changes in themselves.
Johnson said, “My entire vision of church has changed, my spirituality has grown, and I have re-evaluated my life’s direction.”
Garrity commented, “My faith has definitely been deepened, and my view of discipleship has been changed and expanded.”
Verucchi added, “I grew up in Aberdeen, Miss., and this program has given me a more comprehensive view of our church’s tradition and has enriched my faith.”
The impact of this study program on the participants’ daily lives was identified by most of the group. According to Cassagne, “I have a better understanding of discipleship in my parish, and it touches my everyday life.”
Hall said, “My learning in this program impacts every aspect of my daily life, dealing with my moral dilemmas, and having a process to make good moral decisions. Learning the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius helped me develop a pattern for examination of conscience.”
For Junkin, “This study has increased my confidence in serving my parish, and I believe I am a better resource person for my home parish.”
According to Cowart,”My understanding of ministry has expanded, my spirituality has grown and my prayer life has evolved.”
Lange, a retiree, said, “The Limex program has given me new insights into spirituality and ministry, and I look forward to our class meetings.”
Durkin said, “I am learning how to better contribute to my parish, and I have a new confidence in facilitating my Why Catholic? sharing group.”
The focus course helped each participant identify the ministry they would pursue. Some have chosen parish administration, religious education, youth ministry.
Because of that course, Kaiser is taking steps to establish a parish health ministry, and this direction has led her to participate in additional training at conferences around the country.
The Limex Theology Program is offered in over 30 centers in the United States and in a number of centers in England, Europe and Africa.
Father David O’Connor, administrator of the Natchez center, said, “The course content is presented through the use of a course manual, online information, chat-room opportunities, a DVD component, a specific theological reflection process, opportunities of hands-on class facilitation by each participant, and end-of -course written papers.”
The participants have a commitment to share their new-found knowledge and insight in their parishes. This can take the form of training parish leaders, preparation for sacraments, leading Bible study, and initiating parish evangelization efforts.
Some felt intimidated at the beginning, but found the acceptance and encouragement of class members to be helpful, Father O’Connor said. One did not like writing papers but found in retrospect these proved to be a way of internalizing new learnings, he commented.
Powers, who facilitated a similar Limex program in Natchez in the mid 1990s, said, “Class members made a commitment to complete the program in a four-year time frame. We have been able to stay on track with that decision.
“We have four more academic courses and one of these is a thesis writing course, another focus course. Our goal is to complete the program by June 2013. This level of commitment comes from inside each person. I am proud of how this group has grown.”
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