Graduate Alumni

Welcome, Alumni

As a graduate of LMU's Graduate Theological Studies Program, you belong to an extraordinary network of ministers and church personnel in various Christian denominations, doctoral students and candidates, health care professionals, directors of religious education, attorneys, spiritual directors, teachers, catechists, youth ministers, and Archdiocesan administrators and directors!

Alumni Spotlight

Jason CoitoJason Coito
 M.A. Pastoral Theology
Loyola Marymount University
Graduate Class of 2008


    As early as high school, Jason Coito hung out in campus ministry, helping coordinate retreats and service programs.
    "When I got older, I realized you can get paid to do this," he said. "Since college, I’ve wanted to teach and work in ministry."
    Coito graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2008 with a master’s degree in pastoral theology – and the 29-year-old is putting his degree to good use. He works as a theology instructor at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, and is one of six campus miniters who serve the school’s 1,600 students.
    Coito entered the pastoral program at LMU in 2006 after teaching at a Catholic school in Ojai – a job he was connected to after serving for a year in the Augustinian Volunteers service program.
    Stationed in Lawrence, Mass., Coito said he gained an appreciation for the connection between faith and service through the volunteer program.
    "I think it definitely broadened my view," said Coito, a native of San Diego who grew up in the Catholic church. "It was a great experience."		        His time at LMU also had a significant impact on how he views the relationshipbetween academia and church life, admitting there is sometimes a disconnect between the two.
    "I think LMU does a good job of being aware of that gap and bridging it," he said. "Academics and church leaders can’t just be a small group not connected to the day-to-day life of people in the church."
    He touched on this and other pastoral issues in an article penned recently for the Catechetical Leader, a publication of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Coito about how to apply a relational model of ministry and leadership patterned after the example of Jesus and his followers.
    Ministry leaders would do well, he said, he to remain connected to those in the church, and the grace and the resides within that community. At the same time, leaders must remain connected to God, "who is the source of that grace and the heart of the community’s mission," according to the article, which looked specifically at youth adult ministry.
    Coito hopes to continue finding ways to put that philosophy to practical use – and have fun in the process of working with young people.


P bennet
Pete Bennett
 M.A. Theology, 2007

Pete Bennett is enjoying teaching in the areas of Biblical Studies and Christian Spirituality at the University of San Diego, The Bishop’s School (La Jolla, Ca), and the San Diego Diocesan Institute. He is a Spiritual Reflector for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps and gives workshops and retreats for parishes, religious educators, and spirituality groups. Currently, he is Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Community in San Diego, Ca.

D Kelly
Dorothy Kelly
M.A. Pastoral Theology, 2009

MA Pastoral Theology Alumna, Dorothy Kelly made a generous donation to the Graduate Theology Fund. She continues her ministries as RCIA Director and Eucharistic Minister at St. Jude’s Parish, located in Westlake Village. Dorothy says, "I got so much from my experience as a graduate student in the Pastoral Theology Program, including grant money when times were tough, that I wanted to give something back to the graduate program."

J Dennin
Jennifer Dennin
M.A. Theology, 2009

“I am in my third year of teaching Religious Studies to Freshmen and Sophomores at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. I am serving my department this year as co-chair of the Freshmen level. It is a privilege to walk with these young people on their journey of faith.”