Vita Consecrata Institute — Overview of Program

Program of Summer Studies for Men and Women Religious

The VCI is now a joint effort of the IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, in Front Royal, VA

2005 VCI class, second session

A program of graduate level studies, launched in July 2001 by the Institute on Religious Life, Vita Consecrata Institute (VCI) centers on various aspects of the theology of the consecrated life, as reflected in the mission and life of the Church. A joint effort by the IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School (NDGS) of Christendom College in Virginia, the VCI, held each summer, is an intense, yet rewarding, academic program rooted in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the magisterial teaching of Pope John Paul II, and the rich historic tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vita Consecrata program is ideal for priests, religious and other consecrated persons wishing to pursue further academic studies, those interested in a brief sabbatical experience, religious in formation, and those preparing for perpetual vows. This Institute is designed to assist all participants grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the consecrated life as "a gift of the Father to His Church through the Holy Spirit" (VC, no. 1). 

The VCI is structured in such a way as to assure the participants the full living of their consecrated life in a context of prayer, silence, study and community. Its format consists of intense sessions of theological study on particular topics relating to the consecrated life. Satisfactory completion of the courses allows students to work toward a specialized certificate of completion, as well as continuing education credits. Classes may also be taken for credit and applied to a Master of Arts and Thelogical Studies degree from NDGS.

Joint effort of IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School

We are pleased to announce that the Vita Consecrata Institute, held each summer, is now a joint effort by the IRL and Notre Dame Graduate School (NDGS) of Christendom College in Virginia. The Institute is held at the beautiful campus of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia.

VCI students can take notes and then stroll over to the St. John the Evangelist Library on the Christendom campus. What Participants Have Said: "My time at the VCI is one of the most valuable investments our community has made. Not only the quality of the courses, but the inspiration and comaraderie . has been one of the most edifying experiences of my life." "I found the VCI program to be an excellent sourve of renewal. Living in community with other religious provides an opportunity for sharing and growth. I would highly recommend this program for those who wish to enrich their lives and grow in the love of God." "I am so grateful.. I have learned and appreciated the beauty in unity within the Church as well as the mission of the Church to bring God's love present into the world." "I have never had such a profound, educational and enjoyable experience in a classroom." "I would recommend this program to all religious in all stages of formation... Not only because of the exceptional instructors and subject matter, but moreover because of the spirit in which the program is run, that Spirit of contemplation which draws us together as one community, not merely many different religious institutes, but one large institute of religious communities as one community of God." "Bravo Vita Consecrata for a solid Catholic learning experience. Christ was truly present!" For more information and an application form write to the Vita Consecrata Institute at the below address.