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| LIMEX (Loyola Graduate Program - New Orleans) | Catechetical Formation | 
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LIMEX - (Loyola Graduate Program - New Orleans)

The Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) is a fully accredited graduate education and certificate program. In partnership with the Diocese of Nashville and Ministry Formation Services, Loyola University New Orleans offers students the opportunity to participate in one of the following degree and certificate programs:

 Master of Religious Education
 Master of Pastoral Studies
 Certificate of Religious Education (Option)
 Certificate of Pastoral Studies (Option)

Along with the ten common curriculum courses in scripture, theology, and ministry, students choose a focus area from among eight options: Pastoral Life and Administration, Christian Spirituality for Ministers, Youth Ministry, Small Christian Community Formation, Religion and Ecology, Marketplace Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, and Religious Education. 

The ten common curriculum courses are presented in learning groups led by a Loyola certified facilitator. Each course includes 10 class sessions of three hours each. The sessions involve discussion of printed lectures and other assigned readings, video tapes of nationally known scripture scholars and theologians presenting material that complements the subject matter of the session, and other educational designs. The focus courses are taken somewhat independently, but the class meets for two sessions. In these courses, a multimedia course packet is provided to students. The packet guides the students through a learning process that combines independent study and peer group sharing. Each course is taken one at a time and the program takes about four years to complete.

As an extension program, LIMEX is offered on-site in Nashville, or other or other parts of the diocese that can bring together at least ten people willing to participate in the program. 

Who Participates?

LIMEX is open to lay person involved in or preparing for diocesan or parish ministries, Catholic school teachers and administrators, clergy and religious interested in continuing education in theology and ministry, adults seeking a deeper connection between their faith and their work. Those wanting to work on the Master’s degree level, must have a Bachelor’s degree. The certificate option is open to anyone who is interested and willing to meet the expectations of the certificate program.

Costs 

Currently the cost for graduate courses is $665.00 per course. The certificate program is $330.00 per course. There is also an administration fee of $30.00 that is paid to the diocese, as well as text fees that vary for each course. The total cost for the degree program over the four years is about $9500.00, a significant savings compared to comparable programs. 

Contact 

Barbara Dodd is the LIMEX liaison between the Diocese of Nashville and Loyola University New Orleans. For further information about the program in Nashville, please call the Ministry Formation Office at  615-783-0757. To get more in-depth understanding of the program, you may also contact Loyola University - New Orleans' website: http://www.loyno.edu./lim or e-mail: LIM@loyno.edu. 

links: http://www.loyno.edu/lim/index.html
http://www.loyno.edu/lim/extension/