Special Projects & Institutes
Loyola Marymount University is a source of excellence in scholarship, research and creative activity. Through sponsored institutes, projects and research, the Center is able to create new knowledge that deepens our understanding of the world around us and helps us address issues of significance. In collaboration with university faculty and the Office for Research and Sponsored Projects, the Center continues to seek grants, gifts and external funding which allow for significant and necessary work in the areas of ministry leadership, interdisciplinary studies of religion, and interreligious dialogue. We are especially interested in research and sponsored projects that support the ministry needs of under served populations in Los Angeles and the Church.
Catholic Bible Institute
Cosponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of San Bernardino, the Catholic Bible Institute is an experiential learning opportunity for adult learners interested in the study of scripture and methods of parish-based bible study.
Cultural Orientation Program for International Ministers (COPIM)
COPIM is a series of workshops designed to support the ministry of priests and religious sisters and brothers whose native culture is not that of the United States. Participants learn more about the church, society, and culture of the United States while also appreciating and affirming their own cultural heritage and values. The goal is to enable them to become more critically aware of both their own cultures and the U.S. culture(s) they serve.
Doshi Bridgebuilder Award & Lecture
This award is presented annually to honor an individual or organization dedicated to fostering understanding between cultures, peoples and disciplines. The lecture is open to the public and is usually accompanied by a celebration of culture and diversity, often times featuring numerous speakers and artistic performances.
LMU Latino Theology and Ministry Initiative
The LMU Latino Theology and Ministry Initiative (LTMI) emerged from a need to assess and then respond to the large population of Hispanic Catholics in the United States and is a joint project of the Department of Theological Studies and the Center for Religion and Spirituality. As a Catholic university in the largest Catholic archdiocese in the country, LMU is uniquely situated to gather data and marshal resources that will aid in preparing Latino/a Catholics for leadership and service in the Church. As the Hispanic Catholic population continues to grow, LMU seeks to grow in the capacity to truly serve this important community in the Body of Christ.
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Film Showcase
In partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Congress Film Showcase highlights cinematic achievements rooted thematically in the Christian narrative tradition, Catholic social teaching, justice and spirituality. The Showcase honors and exhibits excerpts from narrative feature lengths, shorts, documentaries, experimental films and animation, with an international audience of educators, ministers, artists and fellow filmmakers from both the Hollywood and independent communities.
Martin Gang Institute
In cooperation with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Los Angeles, the Martin Gang Institute is dedicated to the interdisciplinary and comprehensive understanding of intergroup relations in Southern California. The Institute offers workshops, scholarships and special events for educators, social workers, government and civic officials, lay ministers and clergy, and others seeking a theoretical and practical approach to the study of individuals in the urban environment.
Regional Summer Seminar on Formation for Hispanic Ministry
The number of the Hispanic Catholics in California and Nevada will increase by almost five million over the next 15-20 years. The Regional Summer Seminar brings together those charged with the important task of developing and running formation programs for the future lay leaders of this growing segment of the Church in these two states to asses and develop new leadership for this rapidly increasing population.
Southern California Society for Spirituality and Social Work
The Society is a network of social workers, scholars, students and other mental health professionals in Southern California dedicated to spiritually, religiously and faith-sensitive practice and education. The Society hosts monthly roundtable discussions and an annual regional conference.