An online Certificate in Pastoral Theology program for Spanish speakers is achieving great success, according to the archdiocesan Office of Faith and Discipleship.

Director Amy Daniels said a second group of students enrolled in the program through the University of Dallas School of Ministry after a successful pilot year in 2013.

Eighty-four new students enrolled to begin first-year courses. And 68 returning students completed year one and will begin second-year courses in the three-year program. According to university officials, it is an unheard of retention rate, Daniels said.

Seventy-seven percent of the students are pastor-nominated and represent two-thirds of the parishes and missions with Mass in Spanish. In addition, there are seven students from Hispanic movements and several independent students.

There are 24 students from the Diocese of Savannah, with three students from California, Texas and Michigan.

The new course year launched Jan. 18 with Bishop Luis R. Zarama joining with students and instructors from the University of Dallas to celebrate Mass.