Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces The Pastoral Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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The Office of Education and Formation
J. David McNamara, D.Min.
jdmcnamara@dioceseoflascruces.org

The Office of Education and Formation supervises all academic, didactic, and training activities occurring in the Diocese of Las Cruces. In its supervisory capacity, the office oversees the offices of Catholic Schools, Vocations, Permanent Deacon Formation, Elementary Catechesis, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Catechesis, the Diocesan Resource Center, and the diocesan newspaper, Agua Viva.

Currently, the Office of Education and Formation sponsors on-going educational opportunities through its support of the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) site in Las Cruces, as well as Pastoral Ministry Formation Program sites in Las Cruces, Artesia, and Anthony. LIMEX offers students either a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Education or Pastoral Studies, or a certificate of Religious Education or Pastoral Studies granted by Loyola University in New Orleans. The Pastoral Ministry Formation Program grants certificates to participants following completion of a comprehensive three-year course of studies in Sacred Scripture, Church History, Christology, and other church-related subjects.

In addition, the Office of Education and Formation supervises the recently-created Diocesan Distance Learning Network which offers participation in training or other informative gatherings to persons or groups located far from the Pastoral Center in Las Cruces. Via the Internet, individuals or groups can see and hear gatherings taking place at the Pastoral Center and can interact with other participants at as many as ten additional sites scattered throughout the Diocese. Currently, four sites have been established for use by larger groups wishing to connect to this network. They are located at St. Helena Parish in Hobbs, Our Lady of Grace Parish in Artesia, Fr. James B. Hay School in Alamogordo, St. Francis Newman Center in Silver City, St. Edward Parish in Carlsbad, Assumption Parish in Roswell, St. Peter Parish in Roswell, St. Anthony Parish in Anthony, Holy Family Parish in Deming, and St. Jude Parish in Alamogordo.
LIMEX

The Program
The Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program uses a practical theology process which engages students in a rhythm of action and theological reflection on their specific ministries. The courses offered by Loyola University provide women and men in ministry and religious education with an informed theological vision in the Catholic tradition. The unique adult learning in theology offers students a spiritual formation process that also promotes the development of practical ministerial skills leading to professional competency. Students critically reflect on both content and experience as they consider and correlate the richness of the Christian tradition with the sociocultural, institutional, and personal contexts of their ministries.

In partnership with a sponsoring diocese or other religious institution, the Loyola Institute for Ministry offers its degree and certificate programs on-site in the sponsor’s area. The common curriculum courses are taken sequentially in a learning group, led by a master’s-level, Loyola-certified facilitator under the direction of Loyola faculty. The 10 sessions for each course are designed by Loyola faculty and incorporate a variety of reflection methods and learning approaches, along with faculty lectures provided in electronic format and supplemental videos that bring national scholars into the learning groups. Focus area courses are taken in a semi-independent study format.

Common Curriculum Courses

  • Introduction to Practical Theology
  • Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament)
  • Christian Origins (New Testament)
  • Grace, Christ, and Spirit
  • Church, Sacraments, and Ministry
  • Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
  • Faith and Culture
  • Faith Development and Spirituality
  • Pastoral Leadership and Organization
  • Pastoral and Educational Praxis

Focus Areas

  • Pastoral Life and Administration
  • Christian Spirituality for Ministers
  • Youth Ministry
  • Small Christian Community Formation
  • Religion and Ecology
  • Marketplace Ministry
  • Hispanic Ministry
  • Religious Education