Date published: April 21, 2016
The University of Dallas and the Archdiocese of Atlanta announced a partnership that will provide pastoral ministry leaders an opportunity to become effective and inspirational bridge-builders between diverse cultures. As a result, the university will now offer its new intercultural ministry course, "Weaving Together a Culturally Diverse Church,” to the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
“We seek to transform students into leaders, not just for their communities but for the country,” said School of Ministry Dean Ted Whapham. “Our partnership with the Archdiocese of Atlanta brings together two of our nation’s thriving faith communities in this mission of service.”
"Weaving Together a Culturally Diverse Church" is a six-week online course, where students are equipped with an ecclesial vision of communion and mission and its application in the context of culturally diverse parishes and dioceses. Most importantly, students gain the theoretical and practical knowledge to communicate the Catholic faith effectively to an increasingly diverse world.
Course instructor Alejandro Aguilera-Titus offers 30 years of ministry experience and is a nationally known speaker and writer highly regarded for his practical application of theology to ministry in culturally diverse settings. He holds a master’s degree in theology from the University of Portland and is a doctor of ministry candidate at Barry University. Aguilera-Titus currently works at the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“We have a very diverse community and this is something we have been looking to implement,” said the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Director of the Office of Intercultural and Ethnic Diversity, Jairo Martinez. “It’s one of our goals that all archdiocesan employees, clergy and lay leaders take this online course. This is a wonderful thing. Everyone will have easy access now, because sometimes it’s difficult for people to meet in the classroom.”
More than 100 volunteers arrived on campus this morning to welcome the Class of 2022, helping unload vehicles and move boxes. "As of now I have moved 16 fridges, and the record I hear is 19," said orientation leader Joe Griesbauer, BA '19.
+ Read MoreThis past 2017-18 school year, the University of Dallas began an exchange program with the Catholic University of Avila (Universidad Católica de Ávila, or UCAV) in Spain, sponsored by the European Union's Erasmus program. In August 2017, UD hosted a faculty and a staff member from UCAV here in Irving; in May and July 2018, faculty and staff from UD visited Avila, a medieval fortress city with numerous churches and historical associations with St. Theresa.
+ Read MoreThe University of Dallas Board of Trustees is pleased to share several updates regarding the search for a new university president. Richard Husseini, BS '88, current vice chair of the board and executive committee member, will chair the search committee for a new university president. This committee represents a cross section of the UD community, including trustees, faculty, an academic dean, a National Alumni Board representative, a member with senior staff experience, and the current student government president.
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