Answering the Church’s call for a New Evangelization, and the Gospel invitation to, “Go and make disciples of all nations...” LCI’s mission in the New Evangelization, while global in scope, takes place by way of the person. Gathering young people from many diverse cultures and backgrounds, LCI offers intensive English language training as well as courses in theology and catechism. With a commitment to quality of education as well as individual and direct formation, students experience a life of community and worship at the campus in Gaming, Austria.

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in union with the Church, and under the protection of Our Lady, the ultimate goal of LCI is to bring the Light that is Christ to the modern world (Lumen Gentium), and build a civilization of love, a renewed culture, not first of all through political or social reform, but first of all by way of the person, through conversion of hearts.

The LCI prepares students by:

• Providing practical training in language and computer skills;
• Teaching catechism and basic theology, and cultivating a
  vibrant spiritual life;
• Building bridges between the cultures and spiritualities of the East and the West through shared experience of
  Christian community life;
• Providing ongoing support to graduates as they promote the New Evangelization in their homelands.

History

The idea for the LCI first arose in 1989, the year that is now marked as the end of Soviet Communism and the liberation of the nations of Eastern Europe. Even while the barbed wire and machine gun towers remained on the border, Architect Walter Hildebrand, who had just completed the renovation of a magnificent fourteenth-century Carthusian monastery, developed a vision for a Catholic academic community that would bring together students from the East and the West. In the ensuing two years, the barbed wire came down, Soviet troops were withdrawn and suddenly young people were free to travel to previously forbidden countries. The LCI opened its doors in 1992 and began to teach English and introductory theology to young people from post-Communist Europe who longed to learn their Catholic faith and to communicate in English so as to help rebuild the Church in their native lands.

Staff

Co-directors

Jennifer Healy has been with the LCI since its founding in 1992, first as a volunteer, and then as a full-time teacher and administrator. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she has a deep appreciation for Catholic education. She also holds a Master’s degree in art history and is an adjunct professor for Franciscan University in that subject.

Bobette Huzovic is a mother of five, catechist, and English teacher. She began her career with LCI as a volunteer in 1992. She spent a year teaching in Slovakia, where she met her husband, Maroš. She is a graduate of N.E.T. ministries and Franciscan University, where she earned a degree in communications. She is working toward a Master’s degree in pastoral theology at the Maryvale Institute in England.

EFL Teacher and Student Life Staff

Erin Hurd graduated from Franciscan University in May 2008 with a degree in English writing. Before coming to LCI in August 2008, she served on a mission trip in Belize, Central America. She is enthusiastic about serving her peers from the East, and enjoys teaching in the light of the Gospel.

Theology Teachers and Formation Directors

Meghan Schofield is a recent graduate of the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC, where she earned her master's degree with a specialization in bio-ethics. She spent her undergraduate years at Ave Maria University in Naples, FL, where she majored in theology. She served on a mission trip to China in the summer of 2008.

Patience DeMasi graduated from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC, with Master's degrees in theology in May 2009. She graduated from Ave Maria University in Naples, FL, with a bachelor degree in theology in 2007. Patience spent a year serving as a volunteer in Peru.

Location

The LCI is located in Gaming, Austria, in a restored monastery called Kartause Maria Thron. Gaming is picturesque a village in the foothills of the Alps, about 150 kilometers from Vienna. The Kartause had operated as a Carthusian monastery for centuries, and remains an important monument of Austrian history and culture.

The LCI shares facilities at the Kartause with Franciscan University of Steubenville. The presence of students and staff from these educational institutes on campus creates a rigorously academic, diverse, and international community. Students, faculty, and staff share housing, meals and especially the celebration of the Eucharist.

LCI aslo works in cooperation with the International Theological Institute, located in Trumau, Austria.

Language & Catechetical Institute

Kartause Maria Thron
A-3292 Gaming, N.Ö.
Austria
Tel: +43 7485 / 98678
Fax: +43 7485 / 98470
Email: lci@twelverivers.org